Printing Trends 2025.
Printing Trends of 2025.
Introduction.
Printing is far from being a fading industry. In 2025, businesses of all sizes are embracing print as a powerful tool to engage audiences, reinforce branding, and provide memorable experiences. From bold business cards to interactive packaging, the ways companies use print are evolving rapidly. Understanding these trends not only helps businesses stay current but also gives them an edge in creating marketing materials that truly connect with customers.
In this guide, we will explore the top printing trends of 2025 and who managed to do them right. As well, we will also explore what we think will dominate print in 2026.
Print in a Digital World.
Even in an age dominated by digital marketing, print continues to hold significant value. Physical items, such as brochures, posters, or custom packaging, provide a tactile experience that digital channels cannot replicate. Well-designed print materials also convey professionalism and reliability, helping to build trust with customers.
Studies show that people remember print messages better than digital ones, especially when the design is unique and the messaging has quality and depth. That does not mean one form of marketing outweighs the other. When tracking campaign metrics like return on investment, customer engagement, and brand awareness, digital channels are often easier to measure.
To address this, many businesses are integrating online engagement prompts into their print materials. QR codes, augmented reality elements, or social media links allow tracking of scans, clicks, and interactions. Thoughtful integration of print and digital strategies often results in stronger brand recognition and higher customer engagement.
Top Printing Trends of 2025.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Printing.
Sustainability continues to be a dominant theme in 2025. Consumers and businesses alike are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, and this awareness is shaping printing choices. Many businesses are responding by implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives that reflect customer expectations.
A standout trend is the use of high-quality recycled paper for brochures, flyers, and packaging. Businesses are also rethinking how they present products and services, reducing unnecessary packaging while maintaining an elegant, minimal design.
Another notable development is the rise of vegetable-based inks. While traditional inks are not inherently harmful, disposal can create environmental challenges. The plastic containers used for toners and inks are often difficult and costly to recycle, leading many to be discarded as waste. Vegetable-based inks, on the other hand, are made from renewable resources and still provide vibrant colours. They also reduce the need for harsh solvents and chemicals when cleaning printing presses, lowering the risk of harmful substances entering waterways.
An Australian First.
SIG, a global packaging company, partnered with Australian winemakers to develop fully recyclable bag-in-box wine packaging. Designed and produced in Adelaide, this packaging incorporates recyclable components including the bag, tap, and carton. By rethinking traditional packaging materials, SIG and its partners are making it easier for customers to make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on quality or design.
This initiative goes beyond simply being eco-friendly. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that aligns with the values of modern consumers, who increasingly expect businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact. The packaging not only reduces waste but also communicates the brand’s ethos in a tangible way, reinforcing trust and loyalty among customers.
Aligning print and packaging materials with customer values allows businesses to create stronger emotional connections while demonstrating corporate responsibility. Thoughtful, sustainable design choices can differentiate a brand in competitive markets and leave a lasting impression on consumers (Source).
Customisation & Personalised Print.
In 2025, personalisation is no longer optional. Consumers expect brands to tailor their marketing experiences to them, and print offers unique ways to achieve this. One method is variable data printing, which allows businesses to print unique names, messages, or offers on each piece of material. Companies that use this strategy often see more loyal and engaged customers, with some experiencing up to a 25% increase in repeat purchases and higher average order values.
Another effective approach is personalised packaging. This involves including a customer’s name or preferences directly on the product or its packaging. Businesses are increasingly offering products that feel completely customised, from personalised gift boxes to monograms and engraved items. Seeing a product that is unique and special creates a memorable experience, strengthens the customer relationship, and encourages repeat business.
Bold Typography & Colour.
Print in 2025 is all about standing out. Bold typography and vibrant colours are being used to capture attention in crowded spaces. Large statement fonts appear across a variety of mediums, helping brands attract attention and create a lasting impression. Another popular tactic is colour blocking, where contrasting colours are combined to create a striking visual impact.
Bold typography is often enhanced with Spot UV or foil accents, adding shine and texture to key elements. These finishes give print materials a more premium feel, helping businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace and leaving a memorable impression on customers. When executed well, these techniques can elevate simple materials like business cards, brochures, or posters into powerful branding tools that communicate confidence and quality. The combination of bold visuals and tactile finishes ensures that your brand is not only seen but also remembered.
A Store Like No Other.
One brand that has had a massive year is Mecca. Their flagship store on Bourke Street, Melbourne, opened in early August and attracted huge interest from beauty enthusiasts and designers alike. Inside the expansive 4,000 square metre store, thousands of intricate details contribute to a bold and rich visual identity.
Print plays a key role in this experience. Custom signage, posters, promotional materials, and instore print displays combine with the art deco inspired interiors to enhance the original building and create a cohesive brand presence. The use of bold typography, metallic finishes, and tactile textures on printed materials ensures that key messages and product highlights stand out, guiding customers through the space.
The combination of bold print visuals and tactile finishes ensures the brand is not only seen but also remembered, creating a memorable and immersive shopping experience that attracts and retains customers (Source).
Interactive Print.
You might often think of these as those annoying silver things that never peel off and always leave a sticky mark, but they are more than a nuisance. They are a clever, cost-effective way for businesses to bridge the gap between print and digital. NFC chips allow customers to simply tap their smartphone against a product or printed piece to access exclusive content, watch videos, follow social media channels, or even make a purchase.
This seamless interaction enhances the customer experience, making printed materials more engaging and measurable. By integrating NFC technology into packaging, brochures, or direct mail, businesses can track engagement, gather insights, and offer personalised experiences that drive loyalty and conversions. Interactive print is no longer just eye-catching,it is a tool for meaningful customer connections and measurable business results.
Premium Finishes.
High-end finishes and tactile experiences are becoming increasingly popular with both businesses and customers. They create a sense of quality that digital media cannot replicate and can be customised depending on the application. One widely used option is soft-touch coatings. This finish is achieved by pressing a velvet-like laminate against the paper, giving brochures, catalogues, and business cards a luxuriously smooth feel.
Metallic inks and foils are another popular choice. By using specialised ink mixes and spot-applied metallic foils, key elements of the design catch the eye and emphasise the detail and craftsmanship of the print. While these techniques may add to production costs and timelines, research shows that customers value sensory experiences. A study by California Polytechnic State University found that customers preferred cosmetics packaged with a soft-touch coating over traditional coatings and were willing to pay a 5% price premium for the enhanced tactile experience (Source).
Visual Details.
Luxury Australian skincare brand Aesop is well known for using high-end print finishes in their packaging and promotional materials. Their brochures, product inserts, and limited edition boxes often feature soft touch coatings, embossing, and spot foils. These tactile and visual details communicate quality and craftsmanship, aligning perfectly with the premium positioning of their products. Customers have reported that the sensory experience of handling Aesop packaging reinforces their perception of the brand as sophisticated and high quality.
By investing in premium finishes, Aesop transforms ordinary printed materials into memorable experiences. The combination of texture, metallic accents, and clean design conveys luxury, elevates brand perception, and encourages customer loyalty (Source).
Conclusion.
2025 has shown that print is far from obsolete. From sustainable materials and personalised packaging to interactive elements and premium finishes, businesses are using print in smarter, more creative ways than ever before. These trends highlight that print is not just about delivering a message, it is about creating experiences that engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Brands that embrace bold design, tactile materials, and innovative technology are finding new ways to stand out in crowded markets while building stronger connections with their audiences. The lessons from 2025 are clear: thoughtful print strategies that align with customer values, combine digital interaction, and prioritise quality can drive loyalty, elevate brand perception, and deliver measurable results.
As businesses look ahead, these insights provide a foundation to explore what’s coming next. Stay tuned for our 2026 predictions, where we’ll explore the trends set to shape the future of print and marketing.
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