Commercial Printers NAICS 3231

Oct 13, 2025 - AI Adoption Grows

• Commercial printers are increasingly leveraging AI tools in day-to-day operations, according to a recent survey by Alliance Insights. After identifying early use cases for AI, printers are now applying the technology to automate operations, gain fresh customer insights, and generate creative content. Of more than 300 printing firms surveyed, 85% believe AI is key to future competitiveness, and about 40% say firms that don't take advantage of AI may not survive. The most common use for AI among printers is generative AI for design and copy production (57% of respondents), followed by marketing personalization (38%), customer support chatbots and virtual assistants (26%), automating administrative sales tasks and scoring sales leads (23%), and job scheduling and workflow optimization (21%).
• US packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments rose 5% in August 2025 compared to the same time a year earlier, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AFPA). Year-to-date, packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments declined 1% compared to the first eight months of 2024. Shipments of unbleached bags and sacks increased 6% in August 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, but were down 5.4% year-to-date. The operating rate for bleached packaging papers reached 78.2% in August, marking the highest rate since January 2025. Paper packaging sales are an indicator of printed packaging demand.

• The global digital packaging and label market is valued at $22 billion in 2025 and is forecast to post average annual growth of 5.8% through 2030 to reach $36.9 billion, according to market research firm Smithers. Digital printing has seen strong growth in labels, but inkjet’s versatility and ability to scale are making it an attractive option for large-scale printing of cartons, corrugated boxes, and flexible packaging. Brands and retailers are expected to drive steady demand for digital packaging and label printing’s advantages in order processing, design, prepress, finishing, and logistics.
• Evolving consumer behavior—especially post-pandemic screen fatigue—has revitalized the commercial printing industry by driving demand for tactile, engaging experiences that bridge print and digital, according to Printing Impressions. Print service providers now play a crucial role in integrated marketing strategies, using tools like QR codes, custom URLs, and personalized landing pages to create seamless, multi-sensory brand experiences. Packaging, direct mail, and promotional items are no longer static; they’re interactive gateways to digital content, loyalty programs, and viral campaigns. This shift positions commercial printers as producers and strategic partners in delivering measurable, creative, and high-impact marketing experiences.