According to a detailed analysis by HelloPrint, the printing market is undergoing a major transformation. The report highlights three major trends: a continuing decline in offset printing volumes for paper products, a significant rise in large-format products, and a growing craze for high-quality, sustainability-oriented promotional items.
Falling offset printing volumes
According to HelloPrint, offset printing, historically favored for high volumes due to its competitive costs and quality, is experiencing a marked decline.
Data show a 10-20% decline in print volumes by 2023, as a result of increased demand for smaller, customized runs. Customers are now looking for higher-quality products, sophisticated finishes and environmentally-friendly papers. To keep pace with this trend, many printers are optimizing their offset processes or investing in technologies such as digital printing and inkjet.
Growth in large-format products
At the same time, HelloPrint is seeing sustained growth in large-format products, with volumes up 10% in most markets. This segment, which includes products such as banners, posters and signs, is particularly popular with small businesses looking to improve their physical visibility.
In the wake of the pandemic, many companies have realized that a visual presence on the high street is a competitive advantage over online players. This is reflected in the more frequent renewal of advertising media, often using higher-quality materials.
Promotional items and eco-responsibility
Demand for promotional items, such as corporate gifts and promotional clothing, is also rising sharply, with annual growth of up to 15%. HelloPrint points out that this sector is undergoing a major transformation, with a marked interest in eco-responsible, higher-quality items. More and more companies are aware of the environmental impact of their choices, preferring products made from sustainable materials. HelloPrint reveals that 80% of new items launched recently are classified as sustainable, and this proportion is set to rise to 99% by the end of 2024.
HelloPrint, a B Corp certified company
HelloPrint is fully committed to sustainability, as demonstrated by its B Corp certification. This distinction is awarded to companies that meet demanding criteria in terms of environmental, social, governance and transparency performance. B Corp certification, issued by the non-profit organization B Lab, recognizes companies that, while profitable, have a positive impact on society and the environment. To maintain this certification, HelloPrint must regularly demonstrate that it acts in the interests of all its stakeholders, whether customers, employees or the planet. This approach is in line with the company's vision of reconciling innovation and responsibility to meet new market expectations.
According to HelloPrint's analysis, the printing industry must evolve to meet increasingly personalized and environmentally-friendly needs. Investment in modern technologies and the production of sustainable products are priorities for maintaining competitiveness in this fast-changing sector. Printing professionals will need to keep pace with these trends to adapt to changing consumer expectations.
