Market Trends: AI Trends and Tactics in the Printing Industry

According to research, the global print market will likely touch record market values and growth rates over the next few years. Experts say this growth will be attributable to several trends and technological advancements including sustainable practices, smart customisations, AI-infused processes, and more, all of which have already begun to shape the industry significantly.

Today, the print industry, particularly the signage sector is evolving at an impressive rate, with many innovative and efficiency-driven trends taking over, allowing participating businesses to gain a competitive edge.

Here we explore 6 key innovations and AI advancements that we can expect in the print industry in 2025.

Sustainable Printing

The first and most prominent trend shaping the future of print is undoubtedly sustainability. Businesses across industries and printing companies the world over are already taking solid steps to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute towards healing the planet. The global market size for sustainable packaging is expected to surpass $500 billion within the next five years. This means more brands are well on their way to upgrading their processes with sustainable methods that reduce the consumption of fresh resources.

Many printing companies currently use fully recyclable and reusable materials in their print assets such as acrylics, Foamex boards, and Correx boards. They also take further steps to repurpose used materials and make them available for other industries as well.

This way, businesses in the print industry are determined to create a circular economy where fewer resources are used while developing more durable, higher-quality products for brands.

AI-Infused Customisations

Artificial Intelligence has one of the most crucial roles to play in the transformation of the print industry. With smart technologies and multiple data touch points in place, businesses are banking off of AI algorithms that not only provide automated layout suggestions to create print assets including signage but also offer sensible and attention-grabbing colour-matching solutions to achieve cohesive and clean designs. In addition to making design and customisation more efficient, this also alters the amount and number of printing resources used, such as ink to match the colour-agnostic design, which further reduces wastage, and increases the material-to-output ratio.

All of these customisations can be provided through engaging, customer-focused solutions that enrich the product delivery experience. For example, printing companies can use AI-infused customisation algorithms in Foamex board printing to optimise the layout, determine the right colours, and create eye-catching signs that work to improve business for brands.

AI-integrated Technologies to Streamline Workflows

Another transformative AI integration in the print industry has been in process automation. Service providers are now equipped with intelligent solutions that optimise workflows by managing print jobs based on the availability of resources. For example, new-age algorithms are capable of leveraging work specifications to cross-check with available resources and printer capabilities to schedule print jobs more efficiently. This not only ensures that projects are completed within deadlines but also helps keep track of available resources so that there is minimal wastage and optimal restocking. Combined with more intelligent capabilities like automated layout design and colour-matching, AI technologies can take signage printing to the next level.

Predictive Equipment Maintenance

Printing equipment inevitably needs servicing every few months or years. Conventionally, an equipment failure or maintenance session would disrupt workflows and lead to pending projects. With modern AI technologies, companies can foresee a potential equipment malfunction and proactively manage the maintenance work without disrupting the smooth flow of print jobs. Solutions programmed with complex algorithms can evaluate printer data along with historic usage patterns and sensor readings to predict failures and allow printing companies to manage downtimes more efficiently as well. AI systems can also recognise minor anomalies in printing equipment and suggest part maintenance or replacements that can enhance performance.

With these capabilities, maintenance can become a more efficient and scheduled affair that causes minimal disruptions and maximal efficiency enhancements, making projects like Foamex board printing or Correx board printing much smoother.

Automated Artwork Generation

Automated artwork generation is another impressive capability that falls under the purview of AI-infused customisations. Many printing companies now provide dedicated customer portals through which they can upload their artwork, photos, and logos to be incorporated into their signage. The system then proceeds to generate completely print-ready files with the help of auto-vectorisation algorithms and upscaling solutions. On top of eliminating redundant communication, this technology also helps customers produce and analyse print results and in turn, make further improvements to create optimised final print assets. At the printing service end, these automation solutions eliminate the need for DTP teams, thereby enhancing their efficiency and ROI.

At BPC, we provide customer-driven customisations through our artwork portal. Our offerings include various options in lamination, size, shape, finish, and material. Brands can upload their artwork including logos directly onto our website and generate print-ready files to create their very own personalised signage products.

AR Signage

Augmented Reality (AR)–incorporated signage is another emerging trend that is taking customer experiences to a whole other level. By offering more interactive and engaging visuals integrated with digital platforms in physical stores or other outdoor environments through QR codes, high-quality signs like Correx boards enrich customer experiences and foster deeper more meaningful connections. With deeper interactive interfaces for customers to engage with, the experience becomes more memorable and delightful leading customers to remember the brand that made it possible. These experiences further help brands stand out in a crowded market and make an impact that ultimately leads to growth and success.

Wrapping Up

From AI-integrated customisations to high-efficiency automated designing and proactive maintenance solutions, technological advancements are increasingly transforming the print industry. In addition to AI, sustainable printing is also gaining popularity allowing printing companies to actively contribute towards making the world a better place, all while delivering premium signage products.

In every way, the print industry’s future looks promising and companies are geared to welcome positive changes in 2025.

For all types of premium printing jobs such as Foamex board printing, Correx board printing, and more, contact BPC.