NEW FESPA PRINT CENSUS

At Global Print Expo 2025, FESPA announced that its Print Census will return and be run at an increased frequency of two every 12 months. The FESPA Print Census offers a comprehensive view on current trends and factors that are influencing the global print industry. The most recent was conducted in the latter half of 2025. 

Run in partnership with FESPA’s Thought Leadership Partner – Keypoint Intelligence – the reports from the recent Print Census were released in January 2026. The reports are based on answers from 774 professionals across six continents. Many of the respondents own and/or run small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The results focus on three key areas – sustainability, AI in printing operations and process automation.

For many print service providers (PSPs), sustainability has become a central part of their business strategy. This is due to customers being more environmentally conscious, regulatory pressures and an increased awareness of environmental responsibility. FESPA aims to help SME printers adopt management and processes that reveal how they can save energy, reduce waste and improve circularity over time.

In this year’s survey, PSPs were asked to outline their approach to greener operations across their businesses. Under half (40%) stated that it was a core priority. Only 8% reported that sustainability played no role in their business.

PSPs also reported that, on average, 35% of their total print output used sustainable materials or eco-friendly inks.

Additionally, the report highlights that the print industry increasingly recognises the significance of sustainability. PSPs’ commitment to using low-impact inks, reducing waste and sourcing alternative materials, demonstrates this acceleration towards environmentally conscious operations. However, challenges remain, including cost concerns and limited demand. 

AI is now a fundamental part of processes across the digital-printing sector and it is reshaping how businesses operate. While some PSPs already integrate AI into their workflows and processes, FESPA research indicates that a significant share of them have yet to make an investment.

Among those already implementing AI, AI-assisted design tools were the most widely adopted application. However, nearly 40% of PSPs who responded said they are not yet using AI, so there is still progress to be made.

AI has the ability to streamline workflows, improve design automation, enhance quality control and optimise production efficiency. However, realising these benefits requires time and commitment. PSPs that invest in AI for use in targeted, high-impact applications, such as predictive maintenance or prepress automation, are best-positioned to receive tangible results.

“AI-assisted design tools were the most widely adopted application”

Automation and robotics have become essential for print businesses as they strive to remain competitive. Advanced systems free operators from repetitive, low-value tasks. As a result, they can channel their skillset towards creativity, customer service and innovation. To capitalise on this shift towards more automated systems, PSPs can invest in training and up-skilling. This will ensure that their teams possess the technical and analytical capabilities required to manage increasingly sophisticated production environments.

When asked about the automation technologies they had implemented in their businesses, PSPs commonly included cloud-based workflow automation and web-to-print solutions. That said, nearly half of respondents had not yet implemented any automation technologies.

Looking ahead, the integration of automation alongside AI, robotics and 
data analytics, will continue to transform how print businesses operate. For PSPs, automation will continue to support smarter, streamlined and more connected operations.

FESPA members have access to the full FESPA Print Census reports and data. The Census can help to benchmark businesses and guide investment decisions. To learn more about becoming a FESPA member, visit: www.fespa.com/en/become-a-member/ 

“Automation and robotics have become essential for print businesses”