But what’s next? Over the next five years, we’ll see a wave of innovations that will reshape how print professionals source materials, operate equipment, and deliver value. And it all starts with substrates — the silent force behind every great print.
Here’s what to expect as digital print continues to evolve.
The next generation of digital presses will be faster, more automated, and increasingly self-optimizing. But they’ll also demand more from substrates. Digitally printable materials will need to meet tighter tolerances, faster curing times, and smarter sensor integration.
Expect growth in:
Digitally printable materials with RFID or QR-enabled coatings
Substrates that respond to environmental changes (humidity, temperature, etc.)
Self-reporting print materials for real-time quality tracking
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for layout and color correction. It’s coming to every corner of print production — including how we match inks to substrates and how we forecast material usage.
AI-powered systems will:
Recommend the best print materials based on job specs
Adjust ink laydown and curing automatically based on substrate type
Predict print defects before they happen
Substrates will need to be more transparent — both literally and digitally — offering detailed performance data that supports intelligent automation.
Green isn’t a trend anymore — it’s a baseline requirement. Over the next five years, PVC-free films, recyclable label stocks, and compostable packaging materials will become standard.
Digital printing will rely more heavily on:
LCA-certified substrates
Print materials made from recycled content
Digitally printable eco-films compatible with UV and water-based inks
This shift means suppliers need to lead with transparency — and printers must be ready to spec sustainable options by default.
As the print world becomes more digital, so too must the material sourcing process. Platforms like Substrate Bank will continue to grow, offering real-time access to certified print substrates, compatibility data, and sustainable alternatives — making sourcing smarter and faster.
In five years, expect most print shops to rely on centralized digital substrate libraries to:
Avoid sourcing delays
Find regionally available or tariff-friendly materials
Cross-reference sustainability and compliance documentation
Digital printing is spreading into new sectors — from architectural finishes and automotive interiors to personalized home décor and on-demand packaging.
To keep up, the industry needs:
Printable substrates that perform in non-traditional environments (heat, cold, flex, stretch)
Specialized coatings for hygiene, scratch resistance, or anti-microbial use
Media that adapts to curved, textured, or high-touch surfaces
The next five years of digital print will be defined by innovation, intelligence, and impact. And while machines and software are evolving, so too are the substrates that make it all possible.
Because in digital printing, the surface isn’t just what you print on — it’s where the future unfolds.