Adapting to the above trends and shifts is crucial for print companies to thrive in Western markets. Print business owners should consider the following strategies to remain competitive in this evolving landscape:

1. Embrace Digital Printing and Personalization: Investing in modern digital printing equipment (high-speed production inkjet and digital presses) is key to capturing growth in short-run and variable-data work. Digital presses enable economical personalized marketing materials, versioned publications, and on-demand printing that many clients now require. By expanding digital print capabilities, a printer can offer faster turnarounds and new services like individualized direct mail (which has proven extremely effective) . Given that the global digital print market is projected to expand significantly (digital page volumes +54% by 2035) , companies should position themselves to take advantage of that growth. In practice, this might mean adding an inkjet press for short-run color jobs, or upgrading workflow to handle variable data printing for direct mail and packaging (e.g. unique codes on each piece). Digital printing also opens opportunities in adjacent markets – for example, short-run packaging, customized labels, or even publishing on-demand books – diversifying revenue streams.

2. Invest in Automation and Workflow Efficiency: Automation is no longer optional – it’s a survival strategy. Print businesses should implement end-to-end workflow solutions to streamline job intake, prepress, printing, and finishing. This includes adopting a robust Print MIS/ERP to manage scheduling and costs, and integrating web-to-print portals for easy customer ordering. On the production floor, upgrading to equipment with advanced automation (automatic setup, inline quality control, robotic material handling) can dramatically improve productivity and reduce labor needs. Many companies have found that such investments pay off: automation not only cuts labor and make-ready waste, but also improves consistency and throughput (one case study saw a 30% production time reduction after adding new automated presses ). In a climate of rising wages and skilled labor shortages, automation helps control costs and maintain output. Printers should also explore AI-driven tools – for instance, AI scheduling to optimize machine usage, or predictive maintenance systems that prevent downtime . The goal is to create a more efficient, “lean” print operation that can produce more with less. Financing options (loans, leases) are available that allow businesses to acquire advanced equipment without hefty upfront costs , making this transition feasible even for mid-sized firms. Ultimately, a highly automated workflow enables faster turnaround for customers and protects margins, giving a competitive edge.

3. Diversify into Growth Segments (Especially Packaging): Given the divergence in segment growth, print business owners should consider expanding into sectors that are growing or stable, to offset declines elsewhere. The most obvious is packaging and labels – if not already in packaging, commercial printers can look to add capabilities in label printing, flexible packaging, or corrugated package printing. Packaging demand is reliably increasing (expected ~6%+ annual growth) , and often brings longer-term contracts with clients (since packaging is an ongoing need). Entering packaging may involve buying suitable equipment (e.g. a flexo press or a digital label press) and obtaining any necessary food-safe or quality certifications. Another growth area is industrial specialty printing – for example, textile printing for apparel, large-format graphics for signage, or promotional products. Many printers have successfully evolved into one-stop marketing service providers, offering not just paper print but also branded merchandise, signage, and packaging. This diversification can open new revenue streams and deepen relationships with clients (who can source all their visual communications from one vendor). When diversifying, it’s wise to start in niches that leverage existing strengths – e.g. a shop experienced in color management might expand into high-end label printing for cosmetics. Print owners should research market needs in their region: for instance, pharmaceutical and healthcare printing (labels, instructions) is significant in Western Europe – serving that niche could be lucrative. Similarly, food packaging is a robust segment but requires knowledge of compliance (low-migration inks, etc.). In short, aligning the business portfolio with growing applications like packaging, labels, and certain industrial prints will position the company for sustained growth rather than fighting over shrinking pools of work.

4. Prioritize Sustainability and Communicate It: Embracing sustainability is both ethically responsible and increasingly necessary for market competitiveness. Print businesses should adopt eco-friendly practices at all levels – using recycled or certified paper, switching to vegetable-based or low-VOC inks, implementing recycling programs for waste, and optimizing processes to reduce energy and waste. These changes can not only reduce costs (e.g. less waste means less money literally in the trash) but also attract customers, as many brands prefer environmentally responsible suppliers. In Europe especially, printers report that having sustainability credentials (FSC certification, ISO 14001, etc.) helps in winning contracts as clients need to meet their own ESG goals. Companies should also invest in newer green technologies – for example, waterless offset or sustainable digital printing solutions – to further shrink their environmental footprint . Beyond implementation, marketing your sustainability is key: a printer should highlight measures like carbon-neutral printing options, use of green energy, or biodegradable packaging offerings. This can be a differentiator in the eyes of corporate clients and consumers. Additionally, staying ahead of regulations (such as EU rules on packaging waste or hazardous substances in inks) will avoid costly disruptions; for instance, proactively moving to compliant inks and substrates before they are mandated. Sustainable innovation can also open new business: e.g. offering “green print” services at a premium to clients who need it for their brand image. All in all, making sustainability a core strategy will future-proof the business, ensure compliance with evolving laws, and appeal to the growing segment of eco-conscious customers .

5. Offer Value-Added and Integrated Services: To stand out in a competitive market, print companies should go beyond putting ink on paper (or substrate) and offer broader solutions. This can include design services, marketing campaign support, fulfillment/logistics, and cross-media integration. For example, instead of just printing direct mail pieces, a print provider could offer campaign management – handling the data processing, personalization, mailing, and even coordinating a matching email campaign (in partnership with a digital agency). By becoming a one-stop service provider, printers become more deeply embedded in clients’ workflows, making them less likely to be replaced purely on price. Incorporating technology like personalized URLs, QR codes, or augmented reality into print can create an interactive experience that bridges print and digital, providing additional value to advertisers (this trend of print/AR integration is already identified in industry forecasts) . Another value-add is analytics – some forward-thinking printers now help clients track responses (through unique codes on print materials) and measure ROI, showing the tangible impact of print in marketing mix. Additionally, print businesses can add fulfillment and distribution services: for instance, printing, warehousing, and shipping products (kitting, handling e-commerce orders of printed products, etc.). Many Western print companies have successfully added fulfillment as a revenue stream. The key recommendation is to move up the value chain – rather than just selling commodity print, sell solutions and convenience. This often allows for better margins and stronger client retention. It may require investing in staff skills (hiring for design, IT or marketing expertise) and possibly software (campaign management tools, etc.), but it can differentiate a company in a crowded market.

6. Leverage Partnerships and Consolidation (Strategic Scaling): With the industry consolidating, print business owners should assess how they can achieve the benefits of scale or specialization. For some, this might mean pursuing a merge or acquisition – joining forces with a competitor to expand capabilities or geographic reach, which can lead to cost synergies and a broader customer base. If selling or merging isn’t desirable, consider forming partnerships or networks. For example, a group of smaller printers can form a consortium to share workloads and refer specialized jobs to each other (one handles large-format, another handles packaging, etc.), allowing each to offer a fuller range of services. This way they can collectively compete with larger rivals. Another approach is niche specialization: become the go-to expert in a particular high-value niche (like luxury packaging, or art book printing) that may be too small for the largest companies to dominate. Specialization can command premium pricing. The underlying strategic principle is to avoid being caught in the middle: either scale up to compete on volume/price or differentiate so clearly that price is not the only factor. Western markets have many examples of both strategies working. Also, engaging with industry associations and buying groups can provide access to resources and collective bargaining (for supplies, shipping rates, etc.). In an era where giants like Cimpress (VistaPrint) and others set tough price expectations in some segments, smaller print businesses must be smart – collaboration and strategic positioning are key to not only survive but thrive.

7. Enhance Supply Chain Resilience: Recent global events (like tariff changes, material shortages, and logistics delays) taught print businesses the importance of a resilient supply chain. As a proactive strategy, printers should diversify their suppliers for critical inputs (paper, inks, plates, spare parts) – relying on a single vendor or country for key materials is risky. It’s wise to qualify both domestic and international suppliers, so you have alternatives if tariffs or disruptions hit one source. For instance, if most of your paper comes from overseas mills, establish relationships with a local merchant as backup. Similarly, consider inventory strategies: keeping a slightly larger buffer stock of critical supplies can prevent downtime during a shortage (balancing the carrying cost against risk). Some printers are also exploring near-shoring – sourcing materials or outsourcing certain production steps closer to home to reduce exposure to international turmoil . On the client side, offering flexibility – such as adjusting to different paper brands or sizes based on availability – can turn supply challenges into opportunities (a nimble printer can win work when others can’t get stock). Additionally, invest in good forecasting and tracking systems for your supply chain. This lets you see trends (e.g. lead times increasing) and respond early. Many print businesses learned this the hard way during the paper shortages of 2021/2022. Going forward, a resilient supply chain is part of remaining competitive; those who manage it well can maintain reliable delivery for their customers while others struggle with delays or price spikes. In summary, anticipate and plan for volatility – it’s becoming part of the print business environment – and make resilience a strategic focus alongside marketing and production.

Conclusion

In Western Europe and North America, the print industry of 2025 is a dynamic mix of challenge and opportunity. Major trends – from digital disruption and sustainability demands to the rise of packaging and the need for automation – are reshaping what it means to be a successful print business. Technology shifts are enabling new applications (digital, 3D, AI-driven production) even as they render some legacy practices obsolete. Customer demand is polarizing: shrinking in areas like mass publication print, but expanding in packaging, targeted marketing, and industrial uses of print. For print business owners, the path forward lies in strategic adaptation: adopting new technologies, focusing on growing segments, streamlining operations, and aligning services with the evolving needs of clients. The print companies that invest wisely and innovate – whether through offering personalized print marketing, sustainable packaging solutions, or end-to-end fulfillment services – are positioning themselves to thrive. Those that resist change, on the other hand, risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive environment.

Despite the “digital age,” print in its various forms still plays a vital role in commerce and communication across Western markets. The industry is reinventing itself – becoming more high-tech, more eco-conscious, and more integrated with digital media than ever. By recognizing the major trends and making proactive changes, print providers can turn disruption into opportunity. In short, the print industry is far from dying; it is evolving – and with the right strategies, print businesses can continue to grow and remain indispensable in the years ahead .

Sources: Connected references from 2024–2025 industry reports, market analyses, and expert commentary have been cited throughout this report to substantiate data and trends discussed. Each citation (e.g.,  ) corresponds to the specific source and line range for verification of the information provided.