FESPA has officially launched its 2026 Print Census, a global research initiative designed to gather industry insights and track key developments shaping the print and signage sectors worldwide. Conducted in collaboration with Keypoint Intelligence, the survey aims to provide actionable market intelligence for print businesses navigating rapid technological and operational changes.
First introduced in 2015, the FESPA Print Census supports the organisation’s ongoing efforts to equip its members and the wider speciality print community with data-driven insights focused on innovation, productivity, growth, and resilience.
The 2026 Print Census will examine three major themes influencing the industry today: E-Commerce and Web-to-Print; Workforce and Skills Gaps; and Growth Applications, Pricing Pressures and Profitability.
Print and sign businesses globally can participate in the survey through FESPA’s official platform.
At the same time, FESPA has also released findings from its previous 2025 Print Census, which focused on Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Sustainability. The report was based on responses from 774 businesses across 89 countries and marked the organisation’s first global survey since 2018.
Key Findings from the 2025 Print Census
The study revealed that 75% of print businesses employ fewer than 50 people, limiting their investment capacity and slowing the adoption of emerging technologies. Nearly half of print service providers (PSPs) reported having no automation systems in place, despite increasing demand for faster digital workflows and ongoing labour shortages.
AI adoption also remains limited, with around 40% of PSPs stating they are not currently using AI in any capacity. Businesses that have adopted AI are primarily applying it to functions such as design support, colour management, and scheduling rather than integrating it into larger production workflows.
Sustainability continues to be recognised as an important issue, with 92% of respondents saying it matters to their business. However, only 40% identified sustainability as a core strategic priority, highlighting a significant gap between awareness and implementation. Rising material costs and weak customer demand for sustainable solutions were cited as major barriers, particularly for smaller firms.
The report also highlighted a broader disconnect between technological innovation and practical implementation. While suppliers continue introducing advanced automation, AI, and sustainable solutions, many PSPs lack the resources, expertise, or infrastructure required to adopt them effectively.
Industry Facing Operational and Technological Transition
According to the report, smaller businesses continue to dominate the print sector, with nearly half of respondents employing 10 people or fewer. These operational limitations often force businesses to prioritise immediate operational needs over long-term transformation strategies.
Automation adoption has largely been concentrated in workflow management, web-to-print platforms, and prepress processes, where businesses can achieve measurable efficiency gains without major production disruption. However, the high cost of advanced automation solutions continues to create a divide between digitally scalable businesses and those relying heavily on manual operations.
Similarly, AI adoption is being slowed by limited internal expertise, uncertainty around implementation, and a lack of clear ROI measurement.
The report further noted that external pressures related to sustainability, including regulatory requirements, procurement standards, and supply chain expectations, are expected to intensify in the coming years, making sustainability initiatives increasingly unavoidable for businesses across the sector.
FESPA also observed shifting customer behaviour, including growing demand for digital-first ordering systems and increased transparency, which is reshaping operational expectations across the print industry. Businesses capable of adopting connected, data-driven workflows are expected to gain stronger competitive advantages moving forward.
FESPA members and association members can access the complete 2025 Print Census report on Automation, AI, and Sustainability through the organisation’s official website.
