Customized and Personalized Printing: A USD 68.5 Billion Market by 2030

Driven by rising consumer demand and rapid technology development, the customized and personalized printing industry is growing fast. This consumer-centered model breaks away from traditional mass production and focuses on meeting diverse needs with precision. According to forecasts, the global customized printing market will reach USD 68.5 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. This growth comes not only from new technologies but also from people’s strong desire for self-expression and unique experiences.

Technology and changing consumer demand are becoming the two main engines of this growth. Today, Generation Z is a key driving force. Their interest in personalized products—from fan merchandise and campus souvenirs to branded custom items—has pushed the industry from large-scale production to made-to-order solutions. At the same time, technologies such as AI and digital printing make this shift possible. Some companies use AI systems to improve customer service and analyze past orders, helping them cut costs and work more efficiently. Others use AI-powered design tools that can turn simple text input into ready-to-print files, improving design-to-production speed by over 80%. These innovations make it possible to handle small, personalized orders at scale.

On-demand printing and digital printing are now core industry trends. Traditional printing often suffers from high inventory and waste, while on-demand printing solves this by producing only what is needed. Some companies now offer “print one, each different” services, linking directly with publishers and online platforms. Others use flexible production systems to lower the cost of small orders, making custom packaging more affordable for small businesses. Digital printing also helps companies switch easily between one-piece orders and mass production, meeting different customer needs with speed and flexibility.

Sustainability and technology integration are reshaping competition in the industry. As environmental awareness grows, green production has become a key selling point. Many companies now use solar energy systems, recyclable materials, water-based inks, and energy-saving processes to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, technologies such as AR, 3D printing, and AI-based scheduling are being adopted. AI inspection systems can detect tiny defects, while smart scheduling systems improve machine use and shorten delivery times. These tools make customized printing smarter, faster, and more cost-effective.

Despite these opportunities, the industry still faces challenges. High production costs, unstable raw material prices, and pressure from mass-produced products remain major issues. To deal with these problems, companies are using AI to better manage resources, adopting sustainable practices to reduce long-term costs, and using automation to reduce waste. Some AI systems now achieve paper use rates close to 99% and cut energy peaks by 25%. These efforts help companies survive current challenges and build a stronger future.

Fast-growing niche markets are adding new momentum. The custom T-shirt market is one of the strongest examples. It is expected to grow from USD 4.67 billion in 2025 to USD 11.37 billion in 2035. Online sales will become the main channel, accounting for more than 60% of the market by 2030. Advanced printing methods such as direct-to-garment and screen printing support this growth. In China, the market is also moving toward higher-end and fashion-focused products, with eco-friendly fabrics and IP collaborations becoming more popular.

Looking ahead, as AI, digital tools, and personalized demand continue to grow, the customized printing industry will expand even further. From technology breakthroughs to green transformation and smarter production systems, this industry is changing fast. With a target of USD 68.5 billion by 2030, only companies that continue to innovate, understand users, and commit to sustainability will stand out and succeed in this new printing era.