The print industry is in the midst of a major transformation. From automation enhancing workflows to sustainability driving change, this article shines light on critical aspects of an industry at the forefront of a seismic shift.

Despite the rise of digital marketing, print still has a role to play in the marketing mix – it’s more likely to make an impact and trigger action in consumers than email marketing, with research showing that targeted direct mail has a 4.4% response rate compared to 0.12% for email. In addition, print can provide more emotional impact than digital marketing. This is why many brands are still using it in their marketing campaigns, as well as investing in innovative printing techniques that dazzle and create a memorable experience for consumers.

Printing technology has been advancing over the last few years, making it more efficient and cost-effective than ever before. This is why the industry continues to grow, even in a time when other marketing mediums are more popular and digitalization is a hot topic. Digital technologies are transforming business processes, reducing costs and allowing companies to produce more customized products. This revolution is known as the Fourth Industrial Manufacturing Revolution.

Digital printing can create high-quality, full-color prints on a variety of different types of materials including paper, vinyl and fabric. This flexibility allows businesses to create marketing materials that are unique and perfectly tailored to their brand. This makes it easier for businesses to stand out from the crowd and grab consumers’ attention.

With the rise of digital printing, businesses can also cut costs and produce items on-demand. This is especially beneficial for small businesses and start-ups, who may not have the capital to purchase large quantities of printed materials. In addition, digital printing can save companies money on shipping costs, as well as minimize inventory and waste.

The ability to produce items on demand is also helping businesses increase their focus on sustainability. Conventional production methods, regardless of the industry, use a lot of waste and resources. Plates for flexo and offset, engraved gravure cylinders or screens for rotary printing all require time and materials to prepare for printing (makeready). Washing up presses between jobs uses water, wastes inks and can generate harmful chemicals. Printing to estimated requirements versus on demand creates extras that are often discarded.

Investing in digital printing technology can reduce these unnecessary expenses and environmental impacts, as well as help businesses stay relevant in a shifting landscape. With the right web-to-print solutions and a dedicated team of professionals, your business can take advantage of the latest advancements in digital printing technology to create more engaging marketing materials that generate the results you need.

At SumnerOne, our print experts are always on the lookout for the newest and most advanced digital printing tools to bring to our clients. Contact a print shop today to learn more about our digital print services and how they can help you achieve your sustainability goals!