FESPA has officially launched its 2026 Print Census, continuing its global initiative to gather valuable market intelligence for the print and signage industries. Conducted in partnership with Keypoint Intelligence, the survey aims to provide data-driven insights that help businesses improve innovation, productivity, resilience, and long-term growth.
Originally introduced in 2015, the FESPA Print Census is conducted twice a year and has become an important industry benchmark for understanding evolving market trends and business challenges.
The 2026 edition will focus on three major themes currently shaping the print sector: E-Commerce and Web-to-Print, Workforce and Skills Gaps, and Growth Applications, Pricing Pressures, and Profitability. Print and signage businesses worldwide are invited to participate in the survey through FESPA’s official platform.
Alongside the new census launch, FESPA also revealed the findings from its 2025 Print Census, which explored Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Sustainability across the global print industry. The survey collected responses from 774 businesses across 89 countries, offering a detailed snapshot of how print service providers (PSPs) are adapting to industry transformation.
One of the report’s key findings showed that 75% of print businesses employ fewer than 50 people, limiting their ability to invest quickly in advanced technologies and large-scale operational upgrades. Many smaller businesses continue prioritising immediate operational needs over long-term transformation strategies.
The report highlighted that automation adoption remains relatively low despite increasing pressure from labour shortages and demand for faster digital workflows. Nearly half of respondents stated that they currently use no automation tools at all. Businesses that have adopted automation primarily use it for workflow management, web-to-print systems, and prepress operations to improve efficiency and scalability.
Artificial intelligence adoption also remains at an early stage within the industry. Around 40% of surveyed businesses reported that they are not using AI in any form. Among companies already implementing AI, its usage is largely limited to design support, colour management, and scheduling tasks. Lack of expertise, uncertainty around practical applications, and limited resources continue to slow broader AI adoption, particularly among smaller firms.
Sustainability emerged as another critical area of focus. While 92% of businesses acknowledged sustainability as important, only 40% described it as a core strategic priority. Rising material costs, limited customer demand for sustainable products, and restricted investment capacity remain significant barriers, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
The report also identified a growing disconnect between the rapid pace of innovation from suppliers and the actual implementation capabilities of many PSPs. While manufacturers continue introducing advanced automation, AI, and sustainability solutions, many businesses still lack the infrastructure, resources, or training needed to adopt them effectively.
At the same time, FESPA noted that these challenges also present opportunities for solution providers offering scalable, affordable, and user-friendly technologies designed for smaller businesses. The report additionally highlighted changing customer behaviour, including growing demand for digital-first ordering systems and greater supply chain transparency.
FESPA members and FESPA Direct members can access the full 2025 Print Census report through the organisation’s official website.
