# Printing industry diversification and automation trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/printing-industry-diversification-and-automation-trends
> Updated: 2026-09-29T15:31:44.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The printing industry is undergoing a period of diversification and technological evolution. According to the ‘State of the Industry Report 2026’, over 75% of participants have expanded their services into areas such as wide-format printing, packaging, and apparel to become comprehensive solutions partners.

To support this growth, new infrastructure is being established, including the appointment of Installation United to manage installer training and certification through a new academy in Hyattsville, Maryland. 

As printing technology advances, the wide-format sector is increasingly focusing on finishing processes like lamination and digital cutting to address operational bottlenecks. To combat labor shortages, the industry is moving toward industrialized manufacturing through automation, utilizing robotic loading and camera-based registration to allow single operators to manage multiple machines.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Digital printing industry shifts focus to finishing and automation

Wide-format printing is evolving to prioritize smarter finishing processes, utilizing automation and high-production lamination to eliminate bottlenecks in digital print workflows.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digital-printing-industry-shifts-focus-to-finishing-and-automation

### 2026-09-21: Printing industry trends show diversification and new installer training

The printing industry is diversifying into wide-format and packaging, while Installation United takes over the PRINTING United Alliance installer training and certification program.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/printing-industry-trends-show-diversification-and-new-installer-training

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Cite as: Printing industry diversification and automation trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/printing-industry-diversification-and-automation-trends