Once considered a niche e-commerce model reserved for hobbyists and independent creators, print-on-demand (POD) has evolved into one of the most important enablers of modern commerce. Today, POD powers the sourcing and production strategy behind many of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in the world. From Shein to Merch by Amazon, entire marketplaces are scaling globally without holding inventory, thanks to the flexibility and efficiency of on-demand production. What started with custom T-shirts has grown into a powerful engine for personalized commerce across dozens of categories.
This rapid evolution raises a bigger question: where does the industry go from here?
While T-shirts and hoodies still represent a large portion of the POD market, new product categories are emerging—customized tech accessories, homeware, pet products, and even high-end fashion. While POD apparel is expected to grow at a solid CAGR of 11.1% through 2030, the broader print-on-demand market is projected to grow by 25.8% to reach $38.21 billion by the same year. This disparity highlights how much faster demand is accelerating in categories beyond apparel, underscoring the massive potential of non-apparel POD products.
Innovations in both production methods and OEM hardware are enhancing print speed, quality, and versatility, while increasing output per labor hour. The Kornit Apollo, for instance, claims a throughput of 400 impressions per hour, providing a real challenge to traditional analog production economics. Emerging technologies like direct-to-film (DTF), sublimation, and UV printing are enabling decoration across a broader range of products—economically and efficiently. These advancements are closing the gap between POD and traditional manufacturing, allowing for faster, more diverse product fulfillment without the need for inventory or long lead times.
Distributed production networks, such as those pioneered by Gooten, are enabling faster, more sustainable fulfillment through localized manufacturing. According to McKinsey, regional fulfillment centers can cut delivery times by up to 40% and reduce logistics costs by 25%, making this model essential to meeting rising customer expectations. Managing a distributed network of on-demand manufacturing partners allows businesses to offer next-day or two-day home delivery while also supporting rapid retail replenishment through the same streamlined supply chain.
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Shoppers today are looking for more than just products—they want experiences that reflect their individuality. As a result, demand for customized and personalized items continues to grow. Brands that embrace POD can offer a broader range of SKUs, deliver unique designs, and engage customers with dynamic personalization tools—all without the burden of maintaining physical inventory.
Sustainability is a major driver of POD’s rise. Traditional mass manufacturing often leads to overproduction, unsold inventory, and significant waste. On-demand manufacturing, in contrast, produces goods only when ordered, drastically reducing excess and better aligning supply with real-time demand. Localized fulfillment helps shorten the supply chain and reduce emissions, a key concern for today’s eco-conscious consumers. With the fashion industry being the second-largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the shift toward sustainable POD models presents a significant opportunity for environmental impact reduction.
AI and automation are streamlining every stage of the print-on-demand process. From intelligent order routing and inventory balancing to AI-powered design tools that let customers personalize products in real time, technology is enabling both efficiency and scale. These innovations minimize operational friction, allowing businesses to meet growing demand without added complexity.
Looking ahead, expect to see continued evolution in key areas:
As consumer expectations continue to evolve and technology advances, the POD model is becoming not just an alternative to traditional retail—but the new standard.
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