In a rapidly evolving environment driven by technological advancements and shifting market dynamics, print is in no way immune to changing trends. Staying ahead of business printing trends can make all the difference in maintaining a competitive advantage in your industry. The key is pivoting your business to keep up with the changes rather than getting left behind. To help give your business a head start to the year and stand out from the crowd, here are the four 2025 print trends to watch out for.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Printing
It has been fantastic to see sustainability come centre stage for many businesses over the last few years, and this is only set to increase in 2025. Often, clients come to us looking for the most sustainable way of producing their print project, branded giveaway or clothing, and we are more than happy to oblige. Here are some eco-conscious print solutions we will be offering this year:
- Recycled materials and biodegradable inks to reduce waste and carbon footprints.
- Plant-based or water-based inks.
- Zero-waste packaging solutions.
- Branded merchandise made from sustainable materials such as bamboo.
Personalised Printing
We are seeing a big general move that customers are keen to feel individual and valued, not just part of mass communication or process. Using personalisation on products such as labels, packaging, and direct mail has been on the rise over the last few years, in 2025, it will be no different. Adding personalisation helps brands to connect with their customers on a more individual level, improving engagement and ROI. Recently, there has been an increase in using variable data printing (VDP) to create customised messages for each customer. This could include tailored packaging, direct mail campaigns or marketing materials with specific names or offers.
Smart Printing Tech
The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) into printing systems will redefine how businesses manage print operations this year. In the world of print, smart technology covers:
- Smart printers that can monitor their usage and self-optimise, reducing waste and energy consumption.
- More businesses are using cloud-based printing systems to manage print jobs remotely, providing better control and flexibility.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in print design can optimise layouts for material use, colour selection and finishing, leading to reduced errors and faster production.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Interactive Print
The popularity of augmented reality (AR) and interactive print is set to grow even further this year. AR technology is increasingly integrated into physical print products like brochures, packaging, and advertisements to enhance customer experience. AR offers engaging digital experiences through printed materials by scanning them with their smartphones. Another way print is being made interactive is through QR codes and near-field communication (NFC) tags. These can be embedded into print materials, allowing businesses to link to video content, websites, or other interactive media.
In Summary
Whether it’s adopting eco-friendly materials or using cutting-edge technology like AR and AI in your printing projects in 2025, they will all help to give you a competitive edge. To find out more about the up-to-date changing print techniques and how the Q Print team can support you with your next print project, please get in touch.
