Every year on 9 October, International Print Day celebrates an industry that’s far from old-fashioned, it’s evolving faster than ever. Organised by Print Media Centr, this global celebration invites print professionals and customers alike to “Help Print Trend the Planet” by sharing their love for print on social media.

At McGowans Print, digital printing solutions Ireland businesses rely on combine this year’s official #PrintSmart theme with our commitment to cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices and the skilled people who bring it all together.

Here, smart printing means more than just speed and efficiency. It’s about solar-powered facilities reducing carbon footprints, digital workflows eliminating waste and experienced teams turning concepts into tangible results. From custom packaging that makes products pop on shelves to large-format installations that transform spaces, modern print is intelligent, responsible and remarkably effective.

This blog explores what makes digital printing solutions Ireland businesses rely on truly smart in 2025, examining the technology, sustainability credentials and expertise that define modern print excellence.

What makes digital printing solutions smart for Ireland businesses?

Smart printing isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a fundamental shift in how Irish businesses approach their marketing, packaging and communications. According to Print Media Centr, organisers of International Print Day, #PrintSmart “celebrates the powerful intersection of technology, collaboration and creativity in the printing industry” (Print Media Centr, 2025).

It’s about innovations that help print providers work faster, reduce waste, personalise at scale and deliver measurable results. It’s also about empowering print customers, marketers, designers and brands to get better outcomes by collaborating with knowledgeable partners who understand how to use print strategically.

Speed without compromise: Digital printing technology like our Nozomi 14000 delivers a super-fast turnaround service nationwide. No more choosing between fast and quality – you get both.

Print only what you need: Gone are the days of ordering 10,000 units to make the economics work. On-demand printing means Irish startups and SMEs can print 50 or 5,000, paying only for what they use.

Data-driven personalisation: Modern print workflows integrate with your customer data, enabling personalised direct mail campaigns that dramatically outperform generic messaging. According to the Two Sides research (2024), physical mail achieves 29% higher brand recall than digital advertising alone.

Whether it’s automation, AI, data-driven workflows, sustainable practices or smarter customer engagement, #PrintSmart highlights the tools and teamwork shaping the future of print.

This is where technology meets expertise. Our team doesn’t just press buttons, they optimise workflows, troubleshoot challenges and ensure every job meets exacting standards. Smart technology needs smart people to unlock its full potential.

As print industry analyst Mark Smith notes, “The future of print isn’t about competing with digital – it’s about complementing it with tangible experiences that digital alone cannot deliver” (Smith, 2024).

Explore our portfolio to see smart printing in action

Sustainability in digital printing solutions Ireland: smart for business, smart for the planet

Here’s something that might surprise you: print can be one of the most sustainable marketing channels available, when it’s done right.

At McGowans, we’ve made sustainability central to everything we do. Our solar panels reduce CO₂ emissions by 192 tonnes annually whilst providing 25% of our facility’s energy needs. That’s not greenwashing, that’s measurable impact you can see from the air.

But solar is just the beginning. We use:

• FSC® certified materials to ensure responsible sourcing
• Carbon Balanced Paper through the World Land Trust, protecting biodiversity with every print run
• Energy-efficient equipment with smart power management that reduces consumption during idle periods
• Eco-friendly inks and recycled materials wherever possible

Our EcoVadis Silver Medal recognition confirms what our customers already know: sustainability isn’t an add-on at McGowans, it’s built into our DNA.

The Print Industries Environmental Association highlights that “modern digital printing produces up to 40% less waste than traditional methods, making it the environmentally responsible choice for forward-thinking businesses” (PIEA, 2024).

For Irish businesses, this matters more than ever. Consumers increasingly support brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Choosing a sustainable print partner isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business.

Discover our full sustainability story

Innovation that delivers results for Irish businesses

Technology without purpose is just expensive equipment. At McGowans, innovation serves a clear goal: delivering exceptional results for Irish businesses seeking digital printing solutions Ireland can be proud of.

Take our Highcon digital finishing technology. Traditional die-cutting requires custom tooling and setup time, adding days or weeks to production. Highcon eliminates all that, going from digital file to finished package in hours. For Irish businesses launching new products or responding to market opportunities, that agility is invaluable.

Or consider our approach to retail POS printing. We’ve refined our workflows to handle everything from concept through production, ensuring brand consistency across every touchpoint. When a retail chain needs 500 customised displays across Ireland, our process ensures each one arrives on time, on brand and ready to install.

This is where the “people” part becomes crucial. Technology provides capabilities, but experienced print professionals provide judgement. They know when to push a job through quickly and when to slow down for perfection. They spot potential issues before they become problems. They turn “We need this yesterday” into “We’ve got you covered.”

It’s this combination – advanced technology operated by skilled craftspeople, that makes McGowans different.

Learn more about our innovative approach

Real benefits for Irish businesses

Let’s get practical. Here’s what smart, sustainable digital printing solutions Ireland businesses are leveraging mean for your operations:

Faster time to market: Digital workflows and efficient production mean your marketing materials, packaging or POS displays reach you in days, not weeks. In Ireland’s fast-moving business environment, that speed advantage can be the difference between capturing an opportunity and missing it.

Budget flexibility: On-demand printing eliminates minimum orders and setup costs. Test new designs, run limited editions or respond to seasonal demands without financial risk. Perfect for Irish SMEs watching every euro.

Reduced waste: Print exactly what you need, when you need it. No more disposing of outdated materials or tying up cash in excess inventory. Sustainability and cost-efficiency working in harmony.

Enhanced brand perception: Partnering with a sustainability-certified printer enhances your own environmental credentials, something increasingly important to Irish consumers who scrutinise supply chain ethics.

Tangible impact: In a digital-first world, physical print cuts through the noise. A well-designed brochure, package or display creates memorable brand experiences that screens can’t replicate. Research shows that 75% of consumers trust print advertising more than digital ads (Printweek, 2024).

Whether you’re a Dublin startup launching your first product or an established brand refreshing your retail presence nationwide, smart printing delivers measurable ROI.

Contact us to discuss your next project

The people behind the print

Whilst we celebrate technology and sustainability, International Print Day ultimately honours the people who make it all work. At McGowans, our team brings decades of combined expertise to every project.

From prepress technicians who perfect colour matching to machine operators who maintain exacting standards to finishing staff who add the final touches, each person plays a vital role. They’re problem-solvers, perfectionists and partners in your success.

This human element is what transforms good print into exceptional print. It’s the operator who spots a potential colour shift before it affects your job. The account manager who suggests a more cost-effective approach. The finishing specialist who achieves that perfect fold.

Smart technology amplifies human expertise, it doesn’t replace it. That’s a distinction worth celebrating this International Print Day.

Join the conversation

This International Print Day, we’re celebrating everything that makes modern printing smart: innovation, sustainability and the people who make it happen.

Print Media Centr, organisers of International Print Day, encourage everyone to “Help Print Trend the Planet” by declaring your love for print on social media throughout 9 October. It’s a global celebration of an industry that continues to evolve and innovate.

Share your experiences using #IPD25 and #PrintSmart on social media, and tag @internationalprintday to join the global conversation.

This International Print Day, we’re proud to showcase how Irish printing has evolved. At McGowans, #PrintSmart means harnessing innovation and sustainability whilst never forgetting that exceptional results come from exceptional people.

From our solar-powered facility to our cutting-edge technology to the skilled professionals who orchestrate it all, we’re proving that print isn’t just relevant in 2025, it’s smarter than ever. Digital printing solutions Ireland businesses trust are built on this foundation of technology, sustainability and expertise.

Ready to discover what smart printing can do for your Irish business?

Explore McGowans’ innovative digital printing solutions Ireland or contact our team to discuss your next project.

Frequently asked questions about digital printing solutions Ireland

Why should Irish businesses choose digital printing over traditional methods?
Digital printing eliminates setup costs and minimum orders, making it perfect for Irish SMEs. Print 50 or 5,000, you only pay for what you need, with dramatically faster turnaround times. Traditional offset printing only becomes cost-effective at high volumes.

How can companies reduce the environmental impact of their printing?
Work with certified sustainable printers who use solar power, FSC® materials, eco-friendly inks and carbon offsetting programmes. Leverage on-demand printing to eliminate overproduction waste and choose recycled or sustainably sourced paper stocks.

Does McGowans support Irish startups and small businesses?
Absolutely. Our on-demand digital printing and scalable packaging solutions are designed for businesses of all sizes. No minimums means you can start small and scale as you grow, with consistent quality at every volume.

What makes digital printing more efficient than traditional printing?
Digital printing requires no plates or setup, meaning jobs go from file to finished product in hours rather than days. Changes can be made instantly, and each print can be personalised, impossible with traditional offset printing.

How does Highcon digital finishing improve print quality?
Highcon delivers precision cutting, creasing and embossing without traditional dies or setup time. The result is consistent quality, intricate designs that weren’t previously possible and dramatically faster production without sacrificing detail.

How can Irish businesses participate in International Print Day?
Share your print projects, sustainability initiatives or team highlights on social media using #IPD25 and #PrintSmart. Tag @internationalprintday to join the global celebration. You can also download the official International Print Day poster from internationalprintday.org to display in your business.