As workplaces continue to evolve, so does print. Despite ongoing digital transformation, print remains a critical part of how organisations communicate, operate, and present their brand. What has changed is how print is used, managed, and measured. 

In 2026, print is no longer about volume, it’s about value. Businesses are focusing on smarter print strategies that balance efficiency, security, sustainability, and impact. 

Here are the key print trends shaping the year ahead. 

1. Sustainability Is No Longer Optional

Environmental responsibility has moved from a “nice to have” to a business expectation. Organisations are under increasing pressure from customers, employees, and regulators to demonstrate meaningful sustainability action, and print is firmly part of that conversation. 

In 2026, leading organisations are: 

• Reducing unnecessary print through better visibility and controls 
• Choosing energy-efficient devices and responsible consumables 
• Monitoring usage to cut waste and carbon impact 
• Working with partners who prioritise sustainable print practices 

A managed approach to print helps businesses make measurable improvements without compromising day-to-day operations. 

2. Personalisation Drives Engagement

As digital channels become increasingly crowded, well-designed, personalised print is standing out again. 

From tailored marketing materials to customised internal communications, organisations are using print to: 

• Deliver targeted, relevant messaging 
• Reinforce brand identity 
• Improve engagement and recall 

Personalisation doesn’t mean excess, it means printing smarter, ensuring every document has a clear purpose and audience. 

3. Smarter Print Management Over Higher Print Volumes

Businesses are printing less overall, but managing print far more strategically. 

In 2026, the focus is on: 

• Understanding who prints what, where, and why 
• Controlling access and permissions 
• Aligning print usage with business needs rather than habits 

Print audits and managed print services help organisations gain visibility, control costs, and support hybrid working environments without disruption. 

4. Print Security Is a Growing Priority

Printers are no longer standalone devices, they are connected endpoints on the network. That makes them a potential security risk if not properly managed. 

Organisations are increasingly aware that secure print is essential to: 

• Protect sensitive and confidential documents 
• Support compliance requirements 
• Reduce the risk of data breaches 

Secure print policies, authentication, and monitoring are becoming standard expectations in modern workplaces. 

5. The Rise of Hybrid-Friendly Print

Hybrid working is now embedded in how organisations operate. Print strategies in 2026 are adapting accordingly. 

This includes: 

• Flexible print setups that support shared spaces 
• Centralised management across multiple locations 
• Print environments designed for scalability and change

The goal is consistency and reliability, regardless of where employees are working. 

6. Print as Part of a Wider Workplace Strategy

Print is no longer treated as a standalone function. Instead, it’s increasingly aligned with: 

• IT strategy 
• Workplace transformation initiatives 
• Cost-reduction and efficiency programmes 

When print is managed properly, it supports smoother workflows, better document control, and a more professional working environment. 

Conclusion: Print in 2026 Is Smarter, Leaner, and More Intentional 

Print isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving. 

The organisations that get the most from print in 2026 are those that: 

• Focus on sustainability and efficiency 
• Use personalisation where it adds value 
• Treat print as a managed service, not an afterthought 
• Align print with wider business goals 

At Principal, we help organisations take a practical, forward-thinking approach to print, ensuring it delivers value while supporting modern ways of working.