Fespa publishes the results of its Print Census 2025, conducted with Keypoint Intelligence among 774 companies in 89 countries during the second half of the year. This new study, the first since 2018, focused on three topics: automation, artificial intelligence and sustainability. And for all three topics, the international trade association for screen, digital and textile printing observes a gap between the solutions available and those implemented.
The report also paints a picture of a sector still largely made up of small structures. Three quarters of respondents have fewer than 50 employees, and almost half have fewer than 10. This configuration has a direct impact on the investment capacity of print service providers.
Automation still limited
Automation is progressing, but remains far from widespread. Nearly one printer in two claims not to use automated tools. When they are deployed, these devices mainly concern production workflows, web-to-print platforms and prepress operations.
The report points out, however, that these tools can be used to respond to pressures on employment, rising production costs and demands for shorter lead times.
Fespa observes a gap between companies capable of investing in advanced digital workflows and those that remain dependent on manual processes.
AI used for a few tasks
Artificial intelligence also remains poorly implemented. Some 40% of the service providers surveyed do not use any AI tools at all. The applications they do use are mostly limited to graphic assistance, color management or certain planning functions.
The lack of in-house skills and the absence of clearly identified use cases are still holding back its adoption, particularly in small organizations.
Sustainability held back by costs
Sustainability appears to be a topic widely recognized by professionals: 92% of respondents consider it to be important for their business. Yet only 40% have made it a strategic priority.
The cost of raw materials and weak customer demand are limiting investment in more sustainable approaches. Smaller companies, with less purchasing power, are the most exposed.
The report also underlines the increasing regulatory constraints and demands from customers, which should gradually make these approaches unavoidable.
A gap between technology and the field
More broadly, Fespa notes a persistent gap between the technologies developed by suppliers and their actual adoption by print shops. "While suppliers and manufacturers continue to develop more advanced solutions, many print service providers (PSPs) lack the resources, knowledge or infrastructure to adopt them effectively." she notes.
The study points to a growing demand for tools that are more accessible, modular and easier to deploy in smaller structures.
Fespa is already preparing the next edition of the Print Census for 2026, which this time will focus on e-commerce and web-to-print, recruitment difficulties, and pricing pressures and profitability for printers. Printing and signage companies worldwide can participate by visiting the Keypoint Intelligence website.
