FESPA has announced the launch of its next Print Census, which will spotlight the voices of printers on key topics shaping the industry today. The Print Census—a global research initiative designed to gather and share essential market intelligence for the print and sign communities—takes place twice each year and is run in collaboration with FESPA’s Thought Leadership Partner, Keypoint Intelligence.
First launched in 2015, the Print Census supports FESPA’s commitment to providing its members and the wider speciality print community with actionable, data-driven insights that facilitate innovation, productivity, growth, and resilience.
The new 2026 Print Census will focus on e-commerce and web-to-print; workforce and skills gaps; and growth applications, pricing pressures, and profitability.
In addition, FESPA has announced the results of its previous Print Census, which took place in the latter half of 2025. The topics explored in 2025, which was the first in the new format and the first survey since 2018, were automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability.
2025 Print Census Key Findings
The 2025 survey reveals that 75% of print businesses have fewer than 50 employees, which limits their investment capacity and slows technological adoption. Consequently, automation remains essential yet underused, with nearly half of print service providers (PSPs) reporting no automation in place despite rising labour shortages and demand for faster, digital workflow demands.
AI adoption is similarly limited, as around 40% of PSPs do not use AI at all, with most current use limited to basic applications like design and colour management. This gap extends to environmental efforts; while 92% of businesses say sustainability is important, only 40% have made it a core strategic priority. Higher material costs and limited customer demand continue to slow sustainable adoption, particularly for smaller firms. Ultimately, a clear disconnect exists between innovation and adoption, as many PSPs lack the resources, knowledge, or infrastructure to implement automation, AI, and sustainable solutions offered by suppliers.
2025 Print Census Executive Summary
Drawing on insights from 774 businesses across 89 countries, the 2025 study explored how companies are approaching three key areas: automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability. The findings reveal that those in the industry understand its need to advance, but businesses are progressing at different speeds due to variations in size and resources.
A defining feature of the sector is its structure. Small and micro businesses dominate, with 75% of respondents saying they employ fewer than 50 people and nearly half having 10 or fewer employees. For many businesses, their size impacts the pace at which they can change. Many of these businesses are operating at limited capacity, forcing immediate operational needs to take precedence over long-term transformation. According to the Print Census, while awareness of automation, AI, and sustainability is high, actual implementation remains uneven across the industry.
Automation Take-Up
Automation is being used by print businesses to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability. It offers a clear route to addressing labour shortages, rising costs, and increasing demand for faster turnarounds. However, adoption of automation processes remains limited, particularly for smaller PSPs—with nearly half reporting no use of automation tools at all. For many PSPs, automation is still viewed as a longer-term investment rather than an immediate priority.
Automation typically covers workflow tools, web-to-print platforms, and prepress processes. When used in these areas, it delivers tangible benefits without major disruption to production. However, when it comes to implementing more advanced and costly automation solutions, a gap is created between those able to scale digitally and those still reliant on manual processes.
Artificial Intelligence in Action
While interest in artificial intelligence is growing, practical adoption is not yet widespread. Around 40% of PSPs report that they are not yet using AI in any capacity. In cases where it is being used, it’s limited to specific functions such as design support, colour management, or basic scheduling. Although these applications provide quick wins, they are rarely integrated into wider production workflows.
The barriers that print businesses face when trying to adopt AI are largely practical as many businesses lack in-house expertise, clear starting points, or the time to explore new tools. For smaller teams in particular, uncertainty around how to apply AI and measure its value continues to slow progress.
Spotlight on Sustainability
Sustainability presents a more complex picture. Though 92% of PSPs say that it matters to their business, only 40% describe it as a core strategic priority, showing a clear gap between intent and action.
Cost is the most significant barrier. Smaller firms face higher material costs and limited purchasing power, so it may be more difficult to justify green options. At the same time, demand for sustainability from customers is still relatively low, which reduces the commercial incentive to invest. As a result, for many, sustainability is an aspiration, rather than a fully embedded operational focus.
However, intensifying external pressures—including stricter regulatory requirements, evolving supply chain expectations, and rising procurement standards—are increasing, rendering sustainability less optional over time. Consequently, businesses will need to move from awareness about sustainability to measurable action.
Market Gaps
The FESPA Print Census reveals a widening gap between the availability and implementation of automation, AI, and sustainability. While manufacturers and suppliers continue to develop more advanced solutions, many PSPs cite a lack of resources, knowledge, or infrastructure to adopt them effectively. Industry experts suggest these gaps represent a significant market opportunity for accessible, modular solutions tailored to smaller businesses. Lower-cost entry points, better education, and clearer demonstration of value could help to accelerate adoption across the sector.
Printers also report that consumer behaviour is shifting. Digital-first ordering and increased demand for transparency are factors that are changing how print businesses operate. Businesses that can respond to their customers with more connected, data-driven workflows will be better positioned to compete.
