Print Trends 2025: What's Next for Magazines & Catalogs?
In a world where digital distractions are everywhere, print is proving to be a powerful way to slow things down and stand out. Magazines and catalogs are no longer just marketing tools; in 2025, they're brand experiences.
At Progress Printing Plus, we're seeing a new era of print take shape, one that's innovative, sustainable, and designed to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Here's what's making waves in magazine and catalog printing this year:
Print & Digital Integration Gets Smarter
In 2025, the blend of print and digital is smoother and more strategic than ever. Dynamic QR codes and AR-enabled pages extend print into interactive experiences, all while being easy to track and update in real time.
Why it matters: Catalogs now act as gateways, not endpoints. A quick scan takes readers from a printed page to product demos, virtual try-ons, or limited-time offers.
Sustainability Isn't a Trend; It's a Priority
Eco-friendly printing is no longer a niche practice; it's the new standard. Brands in 2025 are investing in closed-loop paper systems, plastic-free packaging, and carbon-neutral print processes.
What's new: More clients are asking about tree-free alternatives like hemp or cotton-based paper, and soy-based inks are gaining traction for their low environmental impact.
Tactile Storytelling Takes the Lead
Touch matters. In an increasingly digital world, the physicality of print is a differentiator. In 2025, we're seeing a rise in multi-sensory design, think textured coatings, perforated stand-up pieces, or press coating inside pages to differentiate between sections of your publication.
What we love: A catalog that invites interaction, pages that feel like fabric, textures that evoke emotion, and finishes that turn content into keepsakes.
Micro-Targeted, High-Impact Campaigns
Big print runs are taking a back seat to personalized, niche-targeted content. Short-run catalogs and zines are customized by audience segment, region, or individual buyer behavior, delivering more relevance and stronger ROI.
Real-world strategy: Retailers are combining first-party data with on-demand printing to create unique catalogs for different customer personas — "clean beauty lovers," "home chefs," "eco-travelers," and more.
Editorial-Driven Marketing
Magazines and catalogs are moving from product lists to story-first experiences. The 2025 trend is to inform, inspire, and engage with editorial layouts, interviews, behind-the-scenes features, and aspirational lifestyle imagery.
Why it works: Today's audiences, especially Millennials and Gen Z, want substance. Brands that tell compelling stories build loyalty and trust; print gives them the space to do that beautifully.
Bonus Trend: AI-Assisted Print Planning
Artificial Intelligence is now helping brands design smarter print strategies, from optimizing layout and color for engagement to predicting print quantities with greater accuracy.
But don't worry: While AI is a great tool, the magic still happens when human creativity meets expert craftsmanship, something we specialize in at Progress Printing Plus.
The Future of Print Is Intentional, Beautiful, and Bold
As we head deeper into 2025, one thing's clear: print isn't fading; it's evolving. Magazines and catalogs are reclaiming their place as powerful, lasting storytelling tools that create real connections in an increasingly noisy world.
Whether you're refreshing your seasonal catalog, launching a high-impact magazine, or exploring innovative finishes, Progress Printing Plus is here to bring your vision to life.
Let's make something worth holding on to.
Ready to explore what's possible in 2025 print? Reach out to the team at Progress Printing Plus — we'll help you build something that connects.