Here’s why offset printing remains a smart, strategic choice – and how it fits into a modern print program.

Offset Printing: A Quick Refresher

Offset printing is a time-tested technique that involves transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. This method has long been associated with high-volume, high-quality print production. While the setup process takes longer compared to digital printing, the per-unit cost drops significantly as the run length increases. This makes it an ideal choice for large print jobs where speed and cost-efficiency are top priorities.

When Offset Printing Shines in 2025

Despite advances in digital printing, offset remains a viable method in several scenarios:

1. Long Runs of Publications

When you’re printing thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of magazines, books or journals, offset is often the most cost-effective method. Setup and plate-making costs are spread over a large volume, drastically lowering the cost per piece.

Example: A professional association publishing a quarterly magazine for 150,000 members would likely benefit from offset printing. Not only does it keep costs down, but it also helps ensure a quick turnaround time.

2. High-Volume Catalog Printing

Product catalogs remain a critical marketing tool for retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers. While short-run catalogs or personalized versions may lean toward digital, larger runs are more efficient and cost-effective with offset.

Example: A national B2B retailer producing 500,000 copies of their seasonal catalog would use offset printing to maintain tight color control for product images and reduce printing costs over such a large quantity.

3. Color Precision and Consistency

Offset printing excels at producing high-quality, consistent color across large print runs. This matters especially when color accuracy plays a central role in the branding or presentation of content.

Example: A luxury cosmetics brand printing point-of-sale materials and product guides in high volumes would rely on offset to achieve the specific brand colors across all materials without variation.

4. Paper Flexibility and Specialty Finishes

Offset presses can accommodate a wider range of paper types and finishes than many digital presses. From ultra-glossy to textured stocks and specialty coatings, offset provides more flexibility for tactile, high-end pieces.

Example: A university printing its annual alumni donor report on a rich, uncoated stock with spot gloss accents can achieve the look and feel they want using offset methods.

Offset Printing in a Digital Age

Rather than viewing offset and digital printing as competitors, smart publishers and marketers today are using both to their advantage. Here’s how offset and digital printing work together in modern print strategies:

1. Short-Run Personalization + Offset Bulk Printing

Offset printing is ideal for the bulk of a project, while digital printing shines when you need versioned or personalized pieces layered on top.

Example: A health insurance company may print 100,000 plan booklets using offset for the core content. Then, they use digital printing to insert personalized cover letters or region-specific information based on the policyholder’s location.

2. Testing and Prototyping with Digital, Scaling with Offset

Before committing to a large print run, digital presses can be used to prototype or test different versions of a publication. Once the best version is finalized, offset takes over for the main production run.

Example: A consumer brand might test several versions of a catalog cover using digital printing to evaluate response rates. Once a winner is selected, they produce the final catalog in bulk via offset for maximum savings.

3. Digital Reprints Paired with Offset

Offset’s long-run efficiency doesn’t need to mean overprinting. In today’s hybrid model, print buyers often run an initial large batch offset and use digital for short-term or on-demand replenishment.

Example: A publisher prints the first 50,000 copies of a trade book offset, then fills additional orders digitally to replenish inventory without overprinting.

Efficiency and Sustainability in Offset

Offset printing has made major strides in becoming more sustainable and efficient, aligning with the environmental goals of many modern organizations.

Advances in plate-making, ink chemistry and press automation have minimized setup waste. Soy- and vegetable-based inks, along with FSC-certified paper, make offset a more environmentally responsible option.

Who Should Consider Offset Printing in 2025?

While digital printing has become the go-to for short runs, on-demand work and variable data projects, offset printing continues to offer unmatched advantages in many scenarios. You should consider offset if:

• You’re producing more than 2,500 pieces of a single version
  
• Color accuracy and consistency are critical
  
• You need uncommon paper stocks or specialty finishes
  
• You want to keep per-piece costs down on large runs
  
• You plan to combine offset with digitally printed components
  

Final Thoughts: Offset Still Delivers

Offset printing has stood the test of time for a reason. In 2025, it’s not a question of whether offset is outdated – it’s about how to best integrate it into your print strategy. For long runs, premium quality and overall cost efficiency, offset continues to be a smart and effective choice. And when paired with the speed and flexibility of digital printing, it becomes even more powerful.

So whether you’re a magazine publisher, a catalog marketer or a brand looking to produce stunning print materials at scale, offset printing deserves a prominent spot in your toolkit.

Explore Offset Printing Solutions With 58łÔąĎÍř

With the combined power of offset printing and high-tech digital printing, 58łÔąĎÍř’s capabilities offer speed, customization and flexibility to businesses and publishers. Reach out to the experts at 58łÔąĎÍř today, and we’ll help you craft a strategy that blends traditional efficiency with modern innovation.

* This article was developed with assistance from OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language AI model.

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The Rise of Digital Inkjet Printing

In 2024, digitally printed books are becoming more popular due to publishers’ desire for short print runs and quick turnarounds. Digital inkjet printing has been steadily gaining ground in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. This technology offers several advantages, including:

• Customization options: Digital inkjet makes it easy to customize individual books without needing to create special plates. This capability has a variety of use cases in book printing, from including access codes in education books to personalization options for novels or photo books.
• On-demand printing: Digital inkjet allows for the printing of books in smaller quantities, reducing inventory costs and minimizing waste. This is particularly beneficial for niche titles and self-published works.
• Flexible order sizes: Digital inkjet printing enables a wide range of run lengths to be printed, whether publishers need one copy or thousands. This flexibility makes it easier to meet consumer demand.

As digital inkjet technology continues to improve in terms of speed, quality and affordability, it is poised to be an efficient printing method for many book publishing scenarios.

Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand (POD) is increasingly vital, offering significant advantages for publishers and authors. Its core strength lies in enabling printing only when orders are placed, eliminating costly inventory storage. Key benefits driving its growth include:

• Scalable Production: POD efficiently handles fluctuating demand, especially for niche titles and social media-driven trends, ensuring production scales precisely with real-time orders.
• Personalization Options: POD facilitates personalized book creation, like customized educational books, catering to the rising demand for unique reading experiences.
• Integrated Workflows: POD integrates seamlessly with online sales and order management, streamlining the publishing process for self-publishers and traditional publishers alike.

Book Market Segment Trends in 2025

In 2025, we predict specific trends to continue in key book printing segments, based on what we’ve been seeing over the last few years. 

Educational Books

• POD and variable data printing will drive personalized learning, enabling custom materials and rapid curriculum updates.
• Emphasis on agile delivery and reduced inventory.

Trade Books

• Data-driven inventory management will optimize print runs and minimize waste.
• Dynamic list management will allow for targeted marketing and hybrid print/digital strategies.

Self-Publishing

• Affordable POD and streamlined storefront integration will empower authors who self-publish.
• Increased access to high-quality print options and continued focus on lowering cost.
• Increase in demand for short-run digital printing.

The Impact of Foreign Import Tariffs

The imposition of tariffs on imported goods, including paper and printing materials, can have a significant impact on the book printing industry. These tariffs can lead to:

• Increased production costs: Higher costs for raw materials may translate into higher production costs for book printers.
• Price increases for consumers: To maintain profitability, publishers may be forced to increase the prices of their books, potentially impacting consumer demand.
• Shift towards domestic production: Tariffs may incentivize a shift towards domestic production of paper and other printing materials, potentially supporting local economies but also potentially leading to higher production costs in the short term.

The long-term impact of tariffs on the book printing industry will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific tariffs imposed, the availability of domestic alternatives and the overall economic climate.

Sustainability Considerations

Environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for consumers and businesses alike. In the book printing industry, this translates into a growing demand for:

• Sustainable printing practices: Printers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled paper, minimizing waste and reducing energy consumption.
• Plant-based inks and coatings: The use of plant-based inks and coatings is gaining traction as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based products.
• Friendly forestry: As environmental concerns become more prevalent among consumers, forestry practices may come under more scrutiny in the coming year. 

Many consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products that are produced in an environmentally responsible manner, and this trend is likely to continue to influence the book printing industry.

Stay Ahead of the Curve With 58łÔąĎÍř

58łÔąĎÍř is well-positioned to help guide its customers to the future of book printing. Our company is actively making strides to stay ahead of book printing trends and remain on the cutting edge of printing technology.

58łÔąĎÍř’s Digital Inkjet Capabilities

58łÔąĎÍř recently acquired Documation in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, adding state-of-the-art digital inkjet printing technology and print-on-demand to our wide list of capabilities.

58łÔąĎÍř’s Commitment to Sustainability

From the forest to the press, 58łÔąĎÍř leads the way in sustainable printing practices. By investing in low-emission printing equipment, using vegetable-oil-based ink and prioritizing recycling at every step of the printing process, we are actively working to minimize our carbon footprint. 

Additionally, 58łÔąĎÍř holds certifications with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® program and the Forest Stewardship Council. That means we purchase, track, produce and deliver products with raw materials harvested and produced from responsible and renewable sources.

58łÔąĎÍř’s Resistance to Foreign Import Tariffs

Many printing companies may feel harsh effects from potential foreign impact tariffs in 2025. However, thanks to our largely domestic supply chain, 58łÔąĎÍř stands in a strong position to resist the impacts of foreign import tariffs and pass those savings on to our customers.

Plan for the Future by Partnering With 58łÔąĎÍř

The book printing industry is poised to continue evolving in the coming years. By embracing technological advancements, adapting to changing consumer preferences and prioritizing sustainability, publishers and printers can navigate these changes and continue serving their customers with modern solutions.  As the , 58łÔąĎÍř is proud to serve its customers with top-notch customer service, as well as modern, sustainable book printing options. Contact us today to learn more about the 58łÔąĎÍř difference.

* This article was developed with assistance from Google’s PaLM 2 large language AI model.

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Drew’s Beginnings in the Print Industry

Drew’s path to book printing wasn’t exactly traditional. With a degree in athletic training, his career began with a job working with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Drew made the decision to move back home to Brookfield, Missouri. Soon after, a conversation with Gary O’Toole, 58łÔąĎÍř’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, would change his career path forever.

“The job market wasn’t the best at the time,” said Drew, I was looking for a good, steady job. Gary mentioned they had a Management Trainee position open. I applied, went through the interview process, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Lifelong Learning: A Printer’s Constant Companion

One of the things Drew emphasized is that as a book printer, the learning process never truly ends. “I still learn new things every single day,” said Drew. “It took the better of the entire 18-month management trainee program to fully understand the print, binding and business aspects. Plus, it’s always changing with different machinery, technology and customer needs.” Even our most experienced printers have to stay on their toes in order to keep up with advancing print technology, which helps us stay on the cutting edge.

The Magic of Book Printing

While the core principles of printing are consistent between books, magazines and catalogs, there’s something special about crafting books. “Printing books is unique because of all the binding types we can do, specifically our binding capabilities here in Marceline,” said Drew. Magazines normally print on standard paper substrates. For casebound books, plexiglass, linens, and acrylics have really taken off. There are lots of different substrates we can print on and offer to our customers.”

A Team Effort

So, how many pairs of hands work together to create a book? Drew estimates that a typical project involves somewhere between 30 and 40 skilled workers across various departments.  From the prepress employees who create impositions to the bindery workers who make sure our books are securely bound, and everyone in between, a 58łÔąĎÍř book print is truly a team effort.

Tips for a Smooth Printing Journey

For authors and publishers embarking on their printing adventure, Drew offers some valuable advice: keep an open line of communication with your dedicated Customer Service Representative and don’t be afraid to ask questions. “Meeting with your CSR and laying all questions out on the table gives us a chance to tell you yes or no or test what you want to be done before we commit to the project,” said Drew. “An experienced printing company like 58łÔąĎÍř will be happy to accommodate an author’s design and printing specifications to help achieve their vision.”

The Unexpected Wonders of the Printing Press

Even though books are a part of most of our daily lives, the vast majority of people have never seen books being printed or even set foot in a printing plant. When asked if there’s anything that might surprise the average person about the book printing process, Drew replied: “How crazy technology is on these presses. Printing 18,000 sheets an hour, both sides of the sheet, and aligning the four CMYK dots down to the micron level to achieve optimal color and registration – it’s absolutely amazing.”

More Than Just a Job: How Drew Found a Home at 58łÔąĎÍř

Even though Drew Elliott didn’t originally set out to work in print, he is thankful for the career he’s built at 58łÔąĎÍř.  He finds joy in the connections he’s built, the challenges he tackles every day and the ever-changing nature of the work. “I love the people I work with, truly every day is a new day,” said Drew. “58łÔąĎÍř has been good to me and my family – I met my wife working here.” Drew’s story is a reminder that the world of book printing is more than just ink and paper; it’s a world of dedication, precision, and a shared passion for bringing the written word to life.

If you’re ready to partner with passionate people like Drew to create your next book project, contact 58łÔąĎÍř today to get in touch with one of our Sales Representatives! Or, if you’re interested in working for a family-owned company with over 87 years of printing history, .

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Here’s how a printer can become your partner in your publishing success:

Navigation and Expertise

The world of printing can be full of unfamiliar terms and technicalities, especially for an author new to self-publishing. A good print sales representative can act as your guide, offering informative consultations to answer your questions and explain the printing process step-by-step before it begins.

From there, an experienced printing team will advise you on everything from paper selection and binding options to file formats and printing schedules. They can also help you navigate industry standards and ensure your book meets all the technical specifications for distribution. There are a lot of potential hiccups along the way when taking a book through the printing and distribution process – a quality printer can help you save time, avoid headaches and produce a high-quality, professional-looking book.

Quality Control

As an author, entrusting your book to a printer can feel like a leap of faith. For your peace of mind, a good book printer will work hand-in-hand with you to ensure a high-quality, error-free product. You will be given digital proofs of your book to fully review and approve before the print run begins. This is a very important step: pay close attention because mistakes are far less costly if caught at this stage rather than after printing is complete!  Specifically, look for typos, errors in layout, trim marks and any other formatting before it’s too late.

Reputable printers use only high-quality materials and advanced printing technologies to ensure your book looks and feels professional. After all, this is your masterpiece – the final printed book should fill you with pride every time you pick it up.

Design and Layout Support

Don’t have design experience? No problem! Some printers offer design services and can recommend qualified design partners. This takes the pressure off you to create a print-ready file and ensures your book’s cover and interior layout are visually appealing and translate well to physical form. Aspects of book design to consider include page layout, typography, cover art and much more. All these factors can have a huge effect on how your book is perceived and whether it sells – if you’re not confident in your skills as a designer, consider leaving it to .

Inventory Management and Distribution

Once your book is fully printed and bound, the work isn’t done just yet – have you considered distribution? Many printing companies offer warehousing and fulfillment solutions, storing your books and shipping them directly to retailers or customers upon order. If you’re just getting started as a self-publisher, you may not have the space or time to handle storage and distribution. This frees you up to focus on marketing and promotion while letting the printer handle the logistics. Plus, an experienced printing company will be well-versed in mailing systems, ensuring your books get to their destinations as quickly as possible.

Cost Management and Flexibility

Budgeting is crucial for new publishers. Reputable printers understand this and offer a variety of printing options to suit your needs and budget. They’ll ensure you’re well informed of all paper, binding and finishing options to help you find the perfect specifications to fit your budget. Whether you choose a smaller print run for initial marketing or a larger quantity for wider distribution, an established book printer can provide competitive pricing and flexible solutions.

Building a Long-Term Partnership

Assuming you find the perfect printer, there’s a good chance your relationship won’t end after just a single project. If you plan on continuing to self-publish in the future, look for a company that values long-term relationships. 58łÔąĎÍř can become your trusted advisor, offering guidance and support as you grow your readership and write more bestsellers. An ongoing partnership ensures consistency and quality for all future book projects.

Partner With 58łÔąĎÍř for Self-Publishing Success

The printing process doesn’t have to be a struggle for new self-publishers. By partnering with a reputable book printer like 58łÔąĎÍř, you gain access to expertise, quality control and valuable support services. That way, you can focus on your passion – writing and publishing fantastic books, while the printer handles the technical aspects and ensures your book reaches readers quickly and in a professional and polished format.

Remember, a good printer is more than just a service provider; they’re your partner in bringing your literary vision to life. Contact 58łÔąĎÍř today to learn more about our print and design services and to see for yourself why our family-owned printing company has been successful for over 87 years.

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Most readers are familiar with the various types of books that are widely available today; textbooks, coffee table books, novels, etc. They’re printed on paper of various weights and bound with either a hard or soft cover. But how were the first ever books made? How were they bound, and what were they printed on?

This blog will dive into the history of book printing, from the very first books to the latest best-selling novels.

The Early Days of Bookmaking

In the beginning of their history, books were printed on a variety of materials, including fabric, papyrus, parchment, vellum and paper, depending on what was regionally available. However, it would take thousands of years before anything resembling a modern book would emerge.

Scrolls

Long before the invention of the printing press, the earliest form of “books” were scrolls; long stretches of papyrus (an early form of paper made from the papyrus plant) containing writing in columns. Unlike books, scrolls are not bound with multiple pages. Rather, the entirety of a scroll’s text is contained on a single sheet, and it is rolled up when not in use. Scrolls, while prevalent, had limitations. They were cumbersome to store and navigate, making them less than ideal for quick reference. The first uses of scrolls .

Wax Tablets

Wax tablets, generally made of wood and covered with a sheet of malleable wax, Wax tablets were often bound together in pairs so the contents could be closed off and protected and so the writers could benefit from the use of two wax surfaces. These wax tablets offered convenience from the fact that writing could easily be erased but lacked the writing space and permanence of scrolls. The tablets were simple to use; the writer would use a stylus to etch characters into the layer of wax, which could then be erased by using a flat, scraper-style tool.

Codices

Around the 1st century CE, a new format emerged: . This revolutionary invention, believed to have originated in the Roman Empire, consisted of individual sheets bound together at the spine, much more akin to a modern book. The codex offered significant advantages – it was far more portable, durable and user-friendly than scrolls.

Above all, the codex offered much more writing space than scrolls – a scroll long enough to hold the contents of an entire modern book would be incredibly heavy and difficult to use. The original codices were handwritten on papyrus or vellum, an early form of paper made from animal skin.

Woodblock Printing: The Dawn of Mass Production

Fast forward to China, where we find another crucial development in book history – woodblock printing. This method, dating back to the 2nd-5th century CE, involved carving characters onto wooden blocks, which were then used to press ink onto paper. This allowed for the reproduction of text in a standardized way, paving the way for the mass production of books.

Woodblock printing was initially used to print onto textiles, like linen or silk, but was later used on paper. , created using woodblock printing, is considered the world’s earliest dated printed book.

The Printing Press: Gutenberg’s Revolution

A huge development in printing technology was introduced in 15th-century Europe with invention of the printing press with movable type. Gutenberg’s system used individual, reusable letters that could be rearranged to create different words and pages. While the original Gutenberg press required much more time and labor than a modern printing press, his innovation dramatically increased printing speed and efficiency, leading to a surge in book production and literacy rates across Europe.

The first book printed on Gutenberg’s press was a bible, now known as the . Few copies of the Gutenberg Bible survived in the nearly six centuries since they were printed, and the handful that are still intact are highly sought after.

The Evolution of Book Printing

Gutenberg’s printing press wasn’t the end of the story. The evolution of book printing was just getting started. Over the centuries, book printing continued to evolve. Paper production improved, eventually leading to materials like papyrus and parchment being all but phased out. The improvement of paper also made books more durable and affordable.

Illustrations and decorative elements were incorporated, adding a visual dimension to the reading experience. Binding techniques were refined, resulting in the sturdy hardcovers and flexible paperbacks we know today.

On the press floor, modern printing presses are thousands of times more efficient than the original Gutenberg printing press. Modern web and sheetfed printing presses still emulate Gutenberg’s invention to this day, but have swapped individual letter plates for modern, laser-etched aluminum printing plates that are more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Modern Day Book Printing: Applications and More

Continued advancements in print technology led to invention of many specialty print applications, such as lithography, thermographic printing, embossing/debossing and much more. These applications, in conjunction with the many types of mass printing available today, mean that books are fully customizable and can be unique in every aspect. A professional book printing company has the capabilities to create gorgeous books that will last for years – all with a level of efficiency that the early pioneers like Gutenberg could only dream of.

The Enduring Power of the Book

From the earliest Egyptian scrolls to the first works of the printing press, books have endured for millennia, evolving to meet the needs of each era. The history of book printing is a testament to our enduring desire to share stories, knowledge and ideas. So, the next time you pick up a book, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable journey it took to reach your hands.

If you’re interested in taking the next steps to print your very own book, talk to the book printing experts at 58łÔąĎÍř. Our cutting-edge print capabilities mean we can meet and exceed your vision while staying within your timeframe and budget. Contact us today!

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