2026: Looking Ahead to a Year of Regeneration

Craig Brown, BSGA

I wouldn’t say we’ve seen any dramatic transformations in the past year. Materials, inks, and adhesives still tend to revolve around price points, and it’s up to each sign company to justify their choice of materials to the client, but hasn’t that always been the case?

What has changed is customer expectation. Clients increasingly want more, but their budgets don’t always stretch to match. That’s not a criticism, just an observation that competition often ends up being about cost rather than overall service.

A good example is customers using AI to create their own initial design concepts. They see that as a free or low-cost exercise, and by extension, assume that turning those ideas into usable outputs should also come at little or no cost.

AI in design is here to stay. The key is how we respond, whether we embrace it, challenge it, or use it as a tool to educate our customers. It doesn’t have to be a negative development. If a client feels more invested in a project because they had a hand in the original concept, that’s a chance to build a stronger, more sustainable relationship.

I think workflow and stock management are areas where we’ll see more software and AI tools being adopted. Some companies are already taking the plunge, others are waiting to see how it pans out, and some feel they’re too small to be affected. But in reality, this will touch all of us in some way, so it’s worth keeping an open mind and doing your own research.

My advice is to stay alert and keep learning. Watch what the companies you admire are doing and make small, steady changes rather than big leaps that could unsettle your business.

I’d also suggest staying close to your suppliers. Ask them about the trends they’re seeing, why certain materials are gaining traction, and where they’re being used. It’s not rocket science; it’s about investing time in your business and your people. Encourage your staff to be part of that process. When you invest in their development, you’re also strengthening your ability to adapt to whatever comes next.

Give your clients a reason to talk to you regularly. Sharing insights about what’s happening across the sector can be a simple but powerful way to keep those relationships active and valuable.

Koen Steert, Agfa

Throughout 2025, sustainability has continued in its role as one of the most dominant trends shaping the print industry. Customers and regulators alike have pressed for verifiable action on the environment throughout the entire print production chain – from raw materials to inks, machinery, waste reduction, and energy use. As a result, print service providers have faced growing pressure to shift towards more sustainable solutions without sacrificing productivity and competitive pricing.

Economic uncertainty has also proven a defining trend over the last year, with fluctuating input costs and constrained access to working capital hampering investment in new equipment and innovation. The shortage of skilled labour is partly a result of this issue and is worsened by an ageing workforce and difficulties adapting new talent. Combined with the growing expectations around sustainability, this dual imperative has driven a surge in automation and real-time workflow optimisation, which enable print service providers (PSPs) to effectively do more with less.

Looking to 2026, it is already evident that the ongoing rise of digital and on-demand printing will sustain its momentum, driven by advancements in automation and workflow management that enable faster turnaround times and enhanced efficiency. Experts predict that sustainability will deepen its influence, with stricter regulations, and increasing consumer demand for eco-conscious solutions prompting the industry to adopt more sustainable materials and more energy-efficient machinery. This shift will be supported by the proliferation of bio-based inks and more efficient curing production processes with lower energy consumption, all of which will be integral to meeting both regulatory compliance and brand reputation goals.

2026 is also expected to see several defining shifts in the print sector, among which will be the continued expansion of print-on-demand services. This method enables providers to simplify production, reducing costs and waste by only producing specific quantities exactly when needed.

Digital printing will further cement its role, especially for short run work and personalised print products, thanks to advances in inkjet technology and software solutions. The demand for customisation at scale will grow, with many print providers embracing advanced automation tools that facilitate rapid, highly customised output, tailored to individual customer preferences.

Automation and workflow integration will also gain prominence as they help printers handle the complexity of growing SKU numbers. As such, Agfa foresees expansion in areas including advanced automation, robotics, and smart dashboards, which will be key to making complex jobs easier for a shrinking talent pool, support data-driven optimisation, and enable tighter integration between hardware and software.

Companies seeking to navigate these changes would do well to start examining how they can invest in flexibility and efficiency. Targeted software and hardware upgrades will be key to removing friction points, with versatile, multi-purpose presses offering significant benefits to smaller print service providers. Larger operations may instead consider how scalable automation such as robotics and autoloaders can help them increase their overall capacity to keep pace with demand.

Nova Abbott, Kavalan

Over the past year, interest in environmentally responsible materials has accelerated and this has been reflected in our own broadening of distribution partnerships across Europe with more regions striving to improve sustainability and offer environmentally friendly large-format print products. Printers, consumers, and governments alike are all now prioritising reduced environmental impact and measurable sustainability.

The momentum towards sustainability is undoubtedly set to continue into 2026 despite current global economic pressures. While cost concerns may cause some businesses to revert to cheaper, less sustainable, and toxic large-format print materials, we are certain that regulatory changes and consumer-driven demand will ensure that sustainability remains central to long-term industry progress, just as it has throughout 2025.

Growing regulatory action, such as the Estonian city of Tallinn’s planned ban on PVC advertising materials in public spaces from January 1st, 2026, is a clear example of the shift from sustainability from being an ethical choice to an operational requirement for print and signage businesses. At Kavalan, we believe this is just the start and we expect even greater emphasis on transparency, measurement, and collaboration across supply chains as we move into 2026. Tools such as our Eco Calculator, which measures the environmental impact of Kavalan’s PVC-free materials, will become even more key to achieving this transparency and awareness.

Companies should focus on accurate measurement of their environmental impact through transparent reporting and close collaboration with suppliers. Those that proactively adapt their practices and supply chains to meet emerging sustainability standards and regulations will be better equipped to remain resilient and competitive whilst reducing their impact on the environment at the same time.

Sam Yarnall, Clarity Software

Companies are realising that manual processes and disconnected systems are holding them back. The demand for data driven insights and complete visibility across operations has grown significantly. Customers are also expecting a faster, more personalised service, pushing print and signage businesses to rethink how they manage everything from quoting to delivery.

Looking ahead, the drive for connected workflows and automation will only accelerate. Businesses will expect their CRM, quoting, and production tools to work seamlessly together, with data flowing across every stage of the customer journey.

The need for real time insights will continue to shape business decisions, as companies use data to improve accuracy, profitability, and customer experience.

The best time to prepare for the future is now. Start by auditing your current workflow, identify where time and money are being lost through manual processes or multiple systems. Invest in a scalable software solution that can grow and adapt with your business.

Most importantly, empower your team to make the most of the tools you implement. Software is only as effective as the people who use it, so ongoing training will be key.

As we move into 2026, only businesses that invest into their processes will thrive. Efficiency, integration, and business insights are no longer optional; they’re essential to staying competitive in a fast-evolving marketplace.

Scott Clutton, China Print Supplies

Over the past year, we’ve seen significant advancements in printer technology, particularly in the speed of development and adaptability of Chinese-made machines. Unlike traditional Japanese brands that release major updates every five or six years, Chinese manufacturers are innovating at a rapid pace, offering customisation, modular upgrades, and continual software improvements. This has allowed customers to stay competitive and flexible in a fast-changing market.

We expect the pace of innovation to accelerate even further into 2026. Chinese manufacturers are responding quickly to customer feedback, leading to more refined and efficient models being released in shorter cycles. We anticipate continued improvements in printhead technology, automation, and user-friendly control systems, as well as stronger integration with digital workflows. The ability to upgrade existing machines rather than replace them will become a defining advantage in the industry.

My advice for 2026 is to stay open to flexibility and innovation. Instead of locking into long equipment cycles, businesses should consider investing in adaptable, upgradeable systems that can evolve with their needs. It’s also important to maintain close relationships with suppliers who can provide not just machines, but also training, updates, and technical support. Finally, keep an eye on sustainability; it’s becoming a key differentiator in customer decision-making and compliance.

The print and signage industries are moving faster than ever before, and that’s exciting. At China Print Supplies UK, we believe the future lies in agility – being able to adapt quickly, customise solutions, and support customers through each stage of technological change. With the innovation coming out of China’s print sector, the opportunities for UK and European businesses to stay competitive have never been greater.

Garrick Dartnell, Sign Trade Supplies.

Changes in the last year include sign businesses focusing on efficiency, speed of service, and really focusing on their sales and customer service. We have noticed so many more companies open to the idea of outsourcing the workshop and production of work to reliable suppliers and doubling down on project management.

With the current economic landscape, perhaps the option of having trade suppliers that have invested in high priced equipment and that can provide a competitive service means that sign-makers can continue to provide the best signage without the risk of tying up their cashflow in new machinery.

We have noticed the companies that have focus on their customers, rather than trying to do everything under one roof, tend to start winning larger jobs and contracts, allowing them to grow without the pain of hiring new talent (another big issue in the industry).

I think the trends of efficiency will continue into 2026 with AI tools advancing internal company processes, agentic quote requests, and ordering, while proofing and order acceptance will certainly be changing. I think the sign companies that are looking to push forward and set themselves apart will be focusing on how they can implement the most customer-centric services which will mean taking full advantage of the production power of trade suppliers

My advice would be to always keep an eye on technology breakthroughs (not just in the signage industry, but in general) the world is changing how it finds information, how people place orders, and how people search. This will spill over into the B2B signage world. The best thing to do is keep an open mind and embrace the technology when it fits into your business model.