Your Weekly Large Format Print Briefing [Week 28, 2025]
Welcome to this week’s edition of Wide Format Brief, your no-fluff snapshot of the trends, moves, and breakthroughs shaping the large format printing industry. From AI-led education to immersive product demos and market forecasts, this week delivers a look at how innovation is accelerating across every corner of the wide format space.
📢 This Week in Wide Format Brief:
AI Front and Center at PRINTING United 2025
The 2025 Rising Stars of Print
Drytac Stands Out with Immersive Café Display
swissQprint Expands U.S. Footprint
Large Format Printer Market to Hit $10.36B by 2030
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. AI Front and Center at PRINTING United 2025
Summary:
PRINTING United Alliance unveils major AI education initiatives including an AI Pavilion, live workshops, and new learning content for print professionals.
Key takeaways:
AI Pavilion debuting at PRINTING United Expo (Oct 22–24, 2025, Orlando)
New AI and Color Management course now live via iLEARNING+
White paper series explores AI in marketing, automation, and customer experience
Why It Matters:
This is a pivotal move by the industry’s leading association to make AI tangible and relevant. From color workflows to executive strategy, LFP professionals need to prioritize AI literacy—especially heading into 2026.
2. The 2025 Rising Stars of Print
Summary:
The Printing Charity celebrated 78 award recipients at the House of Lords, funding 148 professional development courses across print, graphics, packaging, and publishing.
Key takeaways:
28% increase in awardees from 2024
£106,000+ invested in future skills
Courses include SEO, fabrication, leadership, and design
Why It Matters:
Talent pipelines are mission-critical. These investments highlight the expanding diversity of roles in the print ecosystem—from technical to creative—while showcasing the industry’s appeal to the next generation.
3. Drytac Stands Out with Immersive Café Display
Summary:
At Sign & Digital UK 2025, Premier transformed its booth into a working café using 12+ Drytac media products on brick, windows, tables, and floors.
Key takeaways:
Showcased Polar Grip, ReTac, Paper Fleece, and ChalkMate in action
Real-world application examples in an indoor/outdoor café layout
Visitors could scan QR codes on printed tabletops for product info
Why It Matters:
It's a textbook example of experiential marketing that sells the application, not just the product. LFP providers can take notes on how real-world demos turn print substrates into immersive brand stories.
4. swissQprint Expands U.S. Footprint
Summary:
swissQprint broke ground on a new 24,000+ sq ft facility in Illinois, with a showroom, training center, and solar-powered infrastructure.
Key takeaways:
West Dundee, IL site enhances accessibility and customer support
Facility includes a refurbishing center and dedicated application zones
130% increase in total U.S. operational space
Why It Matters:
This signals long-term commitment to North America and a maturing customer service model for LFP OEMs. As service, training, and sustainability become competitive differentiators, this facility sets a high bar.
5. Large Format Printer Market to Hit $10.36B by 2030
Summary:
MarketsandMarkets projects the global LFP market will grow from $7.94B in 2025 to $10.36B by 2030, driven by demand for custom and on-demand solutions.
Key takeaways:
CAGR: 5.5% from 2025 to 2030
24–36” segment holds largest market share
Wireless connectivity is fastest-growing segment
Why It Matters:
Steady growth and changing buyer expectations favor nimble shops that embrace mobile workflows, short-run personalization, and eco-conscious materials.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
AI isn’t on the horizon—it’s here. Whether you're a production manager or a business owner, integrating even one AI tool into your color workflows, prepress, or business analytics could save time and boost precision. Expect your competitors to start training their teams now.
❌ This Week’s Noise
Talk of “metaverse-enabled” print experiences is mostly fluff for now. While interesting, the lack of demand and standardization makes it more of a distraction than a near-term strategy for LFP shops.
📅 What’s Coming Up
PRINTING United Expo – October 22–24, 2025 – Orlando, FL
The new AI Pavilion is a must-see for any shop evaluating automation tools or next-gen workflows.
🧠 Smarter Every Week
“Always test new substrates in real lighting conditions before running a 100m² job.”
Thanks for tuning into this week's Wide Format Brief!
Stay focused, stay informed, and keep your edge in the evolving world of wide format. Until next time—keep printing.