One of the hardest things to do in the printing industry is predict what’s coming in the next few years when economic forces like tariffs, supply chain upheaval and M&A activity continue to litter question marks everywhere.

However, that doesn’t stop the industry from exploring new technology and pushing the limits of what current techniques are capable of.

And in that sense, it’s possible to keep an eye on the next big thing in print. Here’s a breakdown on some of the biggest updates and trends dominating the various print verticals.

Apparel Decorating

Apparel decorators are leaning into AI to help boost workflow efficiency and address workforce challenges. Seen here is an example of a custom pipeline for an apparel decorating shop. (photo courtesy of Michelle Moxley)

While direct-to-film (DTF) printing continues to top the charts, these days the bigger story is how the industry is responding to global change. In the most recent State of the Decorated Apparel survey from Apparelist and PRINTING United Alliance – sponsored by DuPont Artistri – participants report that while overall business has held steady, there’s still a big feeling of uncertainty.

The next big thing isn’t necessarily a new technology like DTF printing, especially because the industry is still working hard to perfect that process. Yes, powderless technology is starting to make its way into the apparel decorating community, bringing with it safer DTF printing with a softer, more desirable hand.

But it’s indicative of the next big “thing” being a push for higher automation in both technology and processes as well as a heavier emphasis on high-quality, expert print execution.

That will be influenced by digital/analog hybrid machines, AI-implemented tools across the front and back end of the business, and a reallocation of workforce and talent. – Cassie Green

Commercial Printing

One of the biggest technology shifts happening in commercial printing right now is the rapid rise of B2-format sheetfed inkjet presses. Major manufacturers – Fujifilm, Canon, Ricoh, Komori, Konica Minolta and Heidelberg – have all brought competitive systems to market in the past few years.

As inkjet technology handles shorter runs more economically and opens the door to personalization at scale, print service providers are gaining new capabilities that translate directly into more flexible order quantities, faster turnaround and greater customization. – Ashley Roberts

In-Plant Community

The in-plant sector is still abuzz from the recent In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association conference, which brought 130 in-plant managers together for five days in Greenville, SC. It’s the main networking event of the year for in-plant managers, and they spent the time comparing experiences, giving each other advice and learning from the many educational sessions.

They also perused the wares of 55 vendors during a two-day vendor fair that featured a range of digital presses, wide-format and direct-to-object printers, finishing and embellishing gear, and much more. The event was capped by a tour of Bob Jones University Press. – Bob Neubauer

Packaging Community

Across the label and packaging segments, sustainability is increasingly becoming a legislative and regulatory requirement, rather than simply being a “nice to have.” Per the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, seven states have passed extended producer responsibility (EPR) bills and six more have introduced EPR legislation in 2026.

While each state’s legislation varies, the common thread among them is that producers must take responsibility for the end of life of their packaging. For the most part, this responsibility will fall on the brand owner. As these laws continue to take hold, label and package printers and converters will need to take on a consultative role, helping their customers develop more sustainable packaging that helps them avoid fines and fees.

International regulations, such as the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), are also adding sustainability pressure. A central component of PPWR is ensuring that by 2030 all packaging that enters the EU is recyclable in an economically viable way, according to the European Commission. This again makes sustainability a must for brands and their packaging providers.

As these laws and regulations are implemented, environmentally friendly packaging will shift from a value add to an expectation. – Cory Francer

Promotional Products Suppliers

Personalization in promo remains on the rise, and we’ll see that continue to trend through the end of the year. As brands and organizations look for new ways to reach their target audiences and employees and create brand affinity, they must go beyond the basic promotional products slapped with a logo.

Suppliers and distributors will continue to see requests for personalization, whether it be someone’s name, an image of their dog or something else that feels unique to the end-user. It helps that we have digital printing technologies and workflows already in market to respond to that demand. Suppliers continue to invest in equipment that makes personalization more feasible – operationally and economically – for things like short runs, variable data and even those one-off custom products for the CEO or influencer campaign.

Whether it’s direct to object, DTF, UV-DTF or laser engraving, there are ways promo folks can deliver the highly personalized products that support more meaningful brand connections. – Allee Bruce

Wide-Format Printing

There are two factors we see as becoming rapidly relevant to the wide-format printing segment, and they kind of intertwine.

The first is the rise of mechanical and software-based automation systems, which is speeding production and helping quality become an expected result, as opposed to a happy accident. It’s becoming increasingly clear that automation interventions are no longer options for leading competitive wide-format producers – they are table stakes.

The other factor is the expanding number of choices and capabilities in finishing technologies. These not only add speed and enable higher quality, but they also add easier access to a wider variety of non-craft processes, which gives producers a strong ability to expand capabilities, redefine their product mix and provide a broader level of service, thus strengthening customer connection. – Dan Marx

Print & Promo Marketing is your source for news, commentary and strategy for the promotional products, commercial print and product decoration industries.