Contrary to popular belief, the printing industry hasn’t been overtaken by its digital counterparts. In fact, it’s thriving by embracing the digital revolution. One of the most exciting trends at global printing expos, such as drupa (the massive printing trade fair held every four years in Düsseldorf, Germany) and the PRINTING United Expo in the U.S., is the fusion of print and digital technology. Think of it as the dynamic duo of the modern world—Batman and Robin, but in ink and toner.
With digital presses becoming more advanced, print shops now have the ability to create hyper-customized, on-demand products. This means that instead of mass-producing thousands of identical brochures or posters, companies can now produce runs of one—or just a handful—tailored to specific needs. Whether it’s personalized marketing materials, custom packaging, or even limited-edition sneakers (yes, print is making waves in the fashion industry too), printing has found its niche in customization.