The TOP FIVE TRENDS IN PRINTING THIS YEAR!

The print industry in 2024 is witnessing remarkable advancements driven by personalisation, 3D printing, AI integration, app development, and a strong commitment to sustainability. These innovations are not only enhancing user experiences but also significantly optimising efficiency and reducing the level of environmental impact. In this article we are going to explore the top 5 trends in printing for 2024 and what impact these have had on the industry.

One of the biggest trends we’ve seen in 2024 is the rise of consumer preferences. Print companies have adapted to users’ demands by shifting design, functionality, and purpose to meet trends and needs. We can all agree that the one-size-fits-all structure has dissolved, and with this has come the introduction of managed print solutions to save time, resources, and money.

Through the current trends in printing, we have learned that personalisation in print has introduced variable printing, which allows users to adapt the text, graphics, and paper format to each individual project without interrupting their workflow. This development has enabled customers to increase their brand awareness and maintain consistent material that aligns with their brand identity. Despite the rise in digital media and online sharing, print companies have managed to remain relevant by leveraging data to create catered experiences for every customer.

A second trend in printing which is growing in popularity has been 3D printing. This has really shifted the way goods are manufactured and has been emerging in new industries such as medicine, aerospace and the automotive industry. In April 2024, we even witnessed the creation of the world’s largest 3D printer at the University of Maine, which actually created a whole house, establishing its ability to cut manual construction time and labour in half.

During the COVID-19 crisis, 3D printers were used to aid patient treatment and produce PPE (such as face shields), which were very scarce at the time. This helped to over come many of the bottle necks that occurred during that time when it came to producing items and materials. This year, we have discovered how beneficial 3D printing has become by offering reduced material waste, rapid prototyping, and mass customization in the production process of many industries.

A common trend in printing for 2024 as in many industries has been the integration of AI, which has made a massive impact on almost all production stages of printing, such as quality control, workflow optimisation, and large-scale personalisation. AI uses various machine-learning algorithms and data analysis to maximise efficiency and limit the need for manual workload. More equipment is being made using AI, and it can even predict when this equipment is likely to fail based on environmental factors and usage; this ensures that all errors are fixed before further breakdowns occur.

The UK app market has been thriving, and users downloaded apps around 2.3 billion times last year. With this racing demand for app usage, print companies have also been hopping onto this trend and have introduced apps as a controlled printing management solution allowing users to simplify their daily tasks.

RISO also launched an app ecosystem that allows workers to remain connected and productive at all times without wasting hours in the office organizing different features on their printers. Some apps have more advanced features and offer tracking and reporting. This way, all users have access to their print data, permitting them to monitor their usage from all printer locations; allowing future control surrounding business budget and material needs.

The final trend in printing recognised this year has been the amount of sustainability through printing trends, which has become more than just a buzzword! We have observed a significant shift in the design process and values of printing companies, who are now more focused on how they can make their printers sustainable. We have also observed an increase in eco-friendly printers, such as UV, Inkjet, and Carbon-balanced printers.

In the first half of this year alone, UV printing has proved to have a positive effect on the environment, displaying a reduced use of energy and decreased release of carbon emissions. UV printers are eco-friendly and versatile, allowing them to print on an array of materials, such as vinyl, acrylic, wood, and glass. UV printers use 20% less ink than conventional printers and use UV coating on all ink which reduces the chance of smudges and abrasions.

RISO has been a part of the printing industry for 80 years now and believes that Inkjet printers and their remarkably low-power consumption are the next step for the printing sector to ensure a greener future. Our inkjet printers use oil-based inks made of rice bran which dries instantly on paper, reducing paper curls and maintaining consistent quality with every print.

RISO's ongoing innovations and dedication to greener printing practices exemplify the industry's future trajectory. By embracing these cutting-edge technologies and sustainable methods, the print industry is not only staying relevant in a digital age but also paving the way for a more efficient, personalized, and environmentally conscious future.

As you can see 2024 has seen a variety of different trends in printing. Here at Riso we are always observing these trends closely. The trends for this year have covered changes to printing personalisation, technological developments such as 3D printing and the use of AI. Although these trends have created increased pressure on designers to remain relevant and up-to-date with trends, the future of printing looks optimistic. Lets see if 2025 will be any different.

  To find out more about how a RISO printing solution can support your business, get in contact today.