From advances in print quality and productivity to increasing demand for automation and sustainable solutions, the wide-format market continues to evolve. Rob Fletcher looks at the latest trends, challenges, and developments in this sector DRIVING WIDE-FORMAT PRINT FORWARD As evident through the many releases and events in the industry, wide-format print has been one of the most exciting areas in recent years in terms of innovations and development. Evolving customer expectations have driven manufacturers to release improved machines that present print service providers (PSPs) with more opportunities to diversify and add value. However, technological advancement is only one part of the story. Rising operating costs, increasing sustainability demands, and ongoing labour shortages are changing how PSPs invest in equipment. Businesses are now seeking solutions that deliver not only outstanding print quality but greater efficiency, automation, and longterm profitability. Against this backdrop, manufacturers are continuing to push the boundaries of what wide-format print can achieve. From productivity-enhancing features and workflow automation to environmentally conscious inks and media compatibility, suppliers are helping shape the next chapter of the market. Productivity, Sustainability, and Flexibility Up first is Colin Easton, UK and Ireland large-format country lead at HP, who says today’s wide-format print customers are looking for solutions that help them do more with less. As such, while productivity remains a priority, buyers are increasingly evaluating printers based on their ability to automate workflows, reduce operator intervention, and deliver consistent output. In addition to this is sustainability, which he says has moved from a “nice to have” to a key purchasing factor. Easton explains how customers want technologies that help them reduce waste, lower energy consumption, and meet their environmental commitments without compromising print quality or versatility. Finally, Easton highlights flexibility as being critical, saying PSPs are diversifying into new applications and that they need equipment that can support multiple media types and jobs efficiently. For technical and AEC customers, he says accuracy, reliWIDE-FORMAT PRINTERS PT. 1 | ROB FLETCHER 92 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 362 - September | October 2026
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