Have you ever wondered why the product packaging industry continues to be essential to businesses? Why are newspapers and magazines still being printed, even when most content is just a tap away? Or why do billboards, posters, and promotional flyers remain prevalent in streets, stores, and events?
These are important questions that highlight the ongoing relevance of print. While digital platforms have transformed how information is shared and consumed, print has not been replaced. It remains visible, timeless, and effective—whether through product packaging, marketing materials, or publications. For businesses, publishers, and marketers, understanding where print fits today offers a clearer view of the future of printed materials—and why it still matters.
Keep reading to learn why print continues to be a powerful tool in the digital world.
The Emotional and Physical Connection of Print
Printed materials connect with audiences on a tactile and sensory level. A beautifully crafted wedding invitation or a well-designed brochure handed out at an event offers something digital cannot replicate—physical presence. This creates lasting impressions. The act of holding something, flipping through pages, or reading a high-quality printed piece can lead to stronger emotional engagement. These moments of interaction are often more memorable than scrolling past a screen.
Print materials are also free from distraction. There are no pop-ups, notifications, or hyperlinks to lead readers elsewhere. Readers are more likely to absorb the full message without interruption. For brands and marketers, this undivided attention can be a valuable advantage. In fact, print media can reach up to 90% in brand recall, making it more effective than other advertising formats.
Trust and Credibility in Printed Media
People tend to associate print with authority and legitimacy. A printed magazine or newspaper often feels more reliable than an online article surrounded by ads. About 63% of consumers trust printed news and magazines compared to digital formats, which highlights the credibility of traditional media.
Printed documents also carry a sense of formality and importance. Contracts, official letters, and certificates are still preferred in printed format in many sectors despite widespread digitisation.
This sense of trust remains strong in advertising as well. A direct mail campaign often receives more attention than an email campaign. Flyers, catalogues, and postcards are often saved or shared physically, while digital ads are blocked, deleted, or ignored.
Business Identity in Physical Form
A handshake and a printed business card still mark the start of many professional relationships. The quality of the card, the typography, and even the weight of the stock signal something about the person handing it over. Digital contact exchanges may be more efficient, but they miss the impression made by something tangible. According to Metrobi, 72% of professionals say a well-designed business card leaves a strong first impression, and 39% would not do business with someone who uses a cheap-looking card. This indicates the importance of thoughtful design in shaping how others perceive one’s professionalism.
In cities where branding matters, services like business card printing Melbourne continue to thrive. Professionals want cards that represent their personality and business values. The act of handing over a card also creates a personal connection that digital exchanges often lack.
More than just contact information, business cards can carry branding elements, design statements, or even QR codes that bridge the physical and digital. They remain part of a complete brand strategy.
Retail, Packaging, and Shelf Impact
Digital tools have changed marketing, but they have not made print irrelevant. Instead, print has become more targeted, more strategic, and more creative. A prime example of this is packaging.
Packaging frequently serves as the first interaction a customer has with a product. Well-executed printed packaging builds anticipation and communicates value. From cosmetic boxes to food labels, print still defines brand personality at the shelf level. Seventy-two per cent (72%) of consumers report that packaging design impacts their purchasing decisions, emphasising the continued influence of print on consumer behaviour.
Even with online shopping, packaging still matters. The unboxing experience—complete with tissue wrap, thank-you notes, and branded inserts—relies on well-crafted print. It adds to customer satisfaction and increases the chances of repeat business.
In retail spaces, signage, window decals, and printed promotions also drive attention. While digital displays offer motion, printed signs feel stable and grounded. They guide the customer without needing a device in hand.
Sustainability and Print’s Environmental Perception
Environmental concerns have long affected how print is viewed. Digital platforms are often seen as cleaner and less wasteful. However, digital media also has a carbon footprint—data centres, devices, and energy use contribute to emissions. Print, when managed responsibly, can offer a more balanced footprint.
Sustainable printing practices reduce environmental impact by using recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and energy-efficient presses. Certification systems like FSC help buyers support responsible forest management. With 55% of consumers willing to pay more for brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices, many printing companies have shifted to eco-conscious processes as they recognise that environmental performance affects customer choices.
Is Print Dying or Reinventing Itself?
The question isn’t whether print is dying—it’s how print is adapting. As the global value of print and printed packaging is projected to increase from $889.4 billion to $1.16 trillion by 2028, it underscores the ongoing relevance and potential of print in today’s market.
For businesses, printed materials are an integral part of a comprehensive communication strategy. Print supports brand presence at events, enhances customer experience through packaging, and strengthens customer engagement through personalised marketing materials. The format may evolve, but the purpose remains—clear communication, tangible connection, and lasting impression. The digital shift has not erased the need for printed materials, but rather, it has refined its purpose.
Print with Purpose—Partner with Emmpressit
Printed materials bring those qualities to life, and Emmpressit delivers thoughtful, high-quality solutions designed to meet modern expectations. Whether it’s impactful packaging, memorable business cards, or promotional materials that resonate with your audience, Emmpressit offers personalised solutions that align with industry demand for quality and sustainability.
At Emmpressit, we provide more than just print. Our creative team is here to assist with design and production, transforming your ideas into printed assets that perfectly align with your brand’s identity and goals. With support from print management software, the entire process remains streamlined and transparent.
Don’t let the digital shift overshadow the power of print. Let Emmpressit help you harness the full potential of print in your marketing, branding, and communication strategies—making every interaction count.
Connect with us today to discover how our expert services make your marketing campaigns successful.
References:
https://info.zimmercommunications.com/blog/the-relevance-of-print-media
https://blog.tonercartridgedepot.com
https://www.bbpress.co.uk/news/the-power-of-print-in-a-digital-age
