The printing industry is gearing up for a transformative year in 2026. Driven by rapid technological innovation, sustainability demands, and evolving customer expectations, print service providers are embracing smarter, greener and more agile production methods.
Marketing insights predict that the global digital printing market will reach $87.21 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.9% (2023–2030). For businesses aiming to stay competitive, reduce operational costs and deliver exceptional value, keeping pace with the latest industry trends is no longer optional – it’s essential.
Below, we explore the key trends that will define the future of the printing industry in 2026.
Artificial intelligence and automation continue to revolutionise print production from prepress to finishing. In 2026, AI will no longer be viewed as an optional upgrade – it will serve as the foundation of high-efficiency, data-driven print environments.
Key AI advancements transforming the industry:
Fully autonomous print floors, already in pilot stages with HP Indigo and Heidelberg partners, are expected to become increasingly common by 2028.
This is where our most proven white synthetic media, KernowPrint PRO, truly excels. Engineered for lights-out production, it delivers distortion-free performance and advanced anti-static technology – ensuring every sheet feeds smoothly through digital presses, even during long, unattended runs.
As sustainability becomes a strategic priority, printers are increasingly adopting environmentally responsible substrates including:
As innovators, we continually strive to lead in sustainable print media. This commitment has driven the development of ECO Pro Lite, which reduces plastic content by 40% while maintaining exceptional print quality – meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly materials.
Alongside sustainable substrates, printers are increasingly turning to greener ink and coating technologies.
Notable shifts include:
Sustainable production is not only an environmental responsibility – it has become a powerful market differentiator. Reducing waste, improving energy efficiency and minimising chemical use all contribute to lower operational costs and stronger brand trust.
Kernow Coatings has spent decades advancing aqueous coatings and environmentally conscious manufacturing. With significant progress already made this year, we are proud to have achieved our target of 0% waste to landfill.
Changing customer behaviour, rapid delivery expectations and the growth of digital workflows are transforming packaging and label production. As a result, the latest insights show that these sectors are expected to lead the digital printing market with the highest CAGR through 2030.
The rise of e-commerce continues to fuel demand for agile, customisable label solutions across packaging, fashion, healthcare and logistics. KernowPrint Dry Toner Synthetic Labels are a prime example of high-performance materials designed to withstand demanding production environments while delivering exceptional print clarity.
Key Drivers Behind Packaging & Label Growth
Corrugated and folding cartons – once considered challenging for digital print – are now far more accessible thanks to major advancements in inkjet and hybrid press technology. At the same time, label printing continues to evolve, driven by increasing demand for:
As we move into 2026, the printing industry’s evolution will be defined by a fusion of smart technology, sustainability and elevated customer experiences. From AI-powered print floors to eco-conscious substrates and advanced label technologies, the businesses that thrive will be those that continue to innovate.
As a global leader in high-performance coatings, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge print solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Explore our full range of print media – including synthetics, self-adhesives, floor graphics, colours and metallics – on our website or click here to discover more about our sustainability vision.
