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Six trends shaping digital transformation in commercial and industrial print for 2026

AI, smart factories, sustainability, Industry 5.0, and above all - human experience, are actively reshaping the print industry at unprecedented speed. So much so, digital print has moved firmly into the mainstream, powering innovation in an increasingly connected global economy.

As workflows become more efficient and automation accelerates, digital print adoption continues to surge. And in a year defined by EU packaging mandates, global supply-chain shifts, and rising consumer expectations around sustainability, digital printing will in many cases directly compete with analogue. Offset printing, in particular, will feel the pressure.

So, what does this mean for printers, converters, or brand owners? And what will shape decisions in 2026 and beyond?

Building on last year’s predictions around AI, Industry 5.0, robotics, automation, and sustainability, here are six key trends redefining the future of print.

Trend 1: The Unstoppable Rise of Digital Production

Digital printing is now the fastest-growing and most dynamic segment of a global print market undergoing fundamental change. Advances in technologies are unlocking new business models across books, labels, mailings, display, security print - and increasingly, packaging and commercial print.

According to Smithers, digital print will account for 22.5% of the total global value of print and printed packaging, growing by nearly 50% from $167.5 billion in 2025 to $251.1 billion by 2035. Inkjet leads in volume and value growth, while toner continues steady expansion with a projected CAGR of 1.9%.

Trend 2: Automation as the Answer to Skills Shortages

If you’re struggling to recruit and retain skilled operators, you’re not alone. The World Economic Forum forecasts that around 20% of printing and related trade jobs will disappear by 2030, driven by automation, AI, and robotics.

Automation has become essential not optional and it brings opportunity. Robots are becoming more capable, more autonomous, and more integrated into everyday production. Routine tasks, from business cards to coupons, are now being streamlined with higher quality and less waste. Tools such as Intelligent Quality Optimizer (IQ-601) are delivering precise automation, calibration and color consistency without specialist operator skills.

Trend 3: Technology That Prevents Costly Mistakes

In high-speed print environments every second and every sheet matters. That’s why technologies that eliminate errors before they happen are critical. Paper jams, incorrect settings, and reprints don’t just slow production; they erode margins.

Intelligent media sensing is addressing these everyday challenges:

  • IM-104 instantly identifies paper characteristics using six advanced sensors, removing guesswork and manual setup.
  • IM-105 adds greater precision, measuring paper size and detecting subtle cutting variations with extreme precision.

The result is greater consistency, reduced downtime, and confidence that every job runs right the first time.

Trend 4: Predictive Intelligence Redefines Reliability

Predictive maintenance (PdM) helps reduce costly unplanned downtime. Machine-learning algorithms are now capable of identifying patterns that indicate faults before they occur. As PdM systems evolve, maintenance will increasingly be triggered automatically to keep presses running smoothly and predictably. For printers, this means fewer surprises, better planning, and higher overall equipment effectiveness.

Trend 5: Virtual Service Keeps You Running

Even with predictive systems in place, unexpected issues can still arise. When they do, speed matters. Remote servicing has become a cornerstone of modern print operations. Our Virtual Service Visit (VSV) program supports hundreds of thousands of connected devices, delivering 2.95 million of additional uptime hours.

In practice, this means:

  • Nearly one in three issues resolved without an on-site visit.
  • Average remote fix times of just eight minutes.
  • Faster recovery, lower costs, and less disruption.

Trend 6: Regulation Forces a Rethink of Packaging Design

From 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) moves from policy to reality. Brand owners, converters, and printers must now embed design-for-recycling, certified materials, and transparency into packaging from the outset. They must implement smart tracking systems to meet circulatory goals. By 2030 all packaging should be recyclable in an economically viable way.

Digital label production is uniquely positioned to support this transition. Short runs, reduced waste, variable data, and traceability align perfectly with circularity requirements. Converters that invest early in certified substrates, recyclable designs, and smart tracking systems will lead the market.At the same time, regulation is pushing the industry to rethink traditional production models and explore digital-first workflows and value-adding embellishments.

Digital’s Future is Shaping Up

As 2026 unfolds, printers face a market defined by transformation and opportunity.

Innovation will be key to competitiveness and the analogue-to-digital transition will continue, expanding into higher-value applications where flexibility, sustainability, and speed matter most.

Smithers states digital printing will outperform analogue alternatives over the next decade because it aligns better with brand needs, end-user expectations, and sustainability-driven markets.

The momentum is undeniable.

With digital print accelerating how can you make the most of the opportunities in the year ahead? Talk to Konica Minolta – together we can explore your next steps to success.

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