Despite Digital Advancement, About 80% Still Feel Value in Printed Paper Materials; Around 22% Show Interest in 'Premium Print Products'

The Renewed Appreciation for Printed Materials in a Digital Age

Smartphones and PCs have become central to daily life, and exchanging business cards and flyers digitally has become commonplace.

Yet, have you ever paused to appreciate a simple postcard or a heartfelt handwritten letter?

The tactile sensation and warmth of paper—something digital screens cannot replicate—may become even more prominent as digitalization advances.

For this reason, InkArt Co., Ltd., operator of PrintEarth, partnered with NEXER Inc. to conduct a survey targeting 300 individuals who regularly use digital tools such as smartphones and PCs, to explore perceptions of the value of printed materials and interest in premium print products.

*When quoting this press release, please adhere to the following:

- Clearly state the source as 'a survey conducted by NEXER Inc. and InkArt Co., Ltd., operator of PrintEarth'

- Include a link to InkArt Co., Ltd. (https://www.inkart.jp/)

Survey Overview: 'Public Perception of Printed Materials and Interest in Premium Printing'

Method: Online questionnaire

Period: June 1–8, 2026

Target: Individuals who regularly use digital tools such as smartphones and PCs

Valid Responses: 300 samples

Survey Questions:

Q1: Do you believe printed materials (e.g., business cards, flyers, postcards, brochures) still hold value in today’s digital age?

Q2: Please explain your reasoning.

Q3: Have you ever received a printed item that left a strong or positive impression?

Q4: What kind of printed material was it, and why did it stand out?

Q5: Are you interested in 'premium print products' such as trading cards, clear cards, or original merchandise?

Q6: What sparked your interest in premium print products? (Multiple answers allowed)

Q7: If you were to order premium print products from an online printing company, what factors would you prioritize?

Q8: Please explain your reasoning.

*Percentages are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not sum to exactly 100%.

81.3% Believe Printed Materials Still Hold Value in the Digital Era

First, we asked whether printed materials still hold value in an age dominated by digital tools.

The results showed that 30.0% responded 'strongly agree' and 51.3% 'somewhat agree,' totaling 81.3% who perceive value in printed materials.

Conversely, 14.3% felt 'not very valuable,' and 4.3% 'not valuable at all.' Despite the normalization of digital media, paper remains far from obsolete.

So, where exactly do people find value in paper?

Here are some selected responses explaining why printed materials are considered valuable:

Reasons for Perceived Value:

- Paper conveys a unique impression that digital cannot. (Female, 20s)

- The ability to avoid screen time itself adds value. (Female, 20s)

- Digital content can disappear unexpectedly. (Male, 30s)

- It feels like the creator’s emotions are conveyed. (Female, 30s)

- Paper documents are easier on the eyes and less stressful to read. (Female, 30s)

- Digital media includes AI-generated fake images, so paper has its own unique strengths. (Male, 40s)

Respondents highlighted both practical benefits—such as permanence and reduced eye strain—and emotional values like warmth and memorability. The sense of security from having a physical object may be increasingly appreciated in a digital world.

29.7% Recall Receiving a Memorable Printed Item

Next, we asked whether respondents had ever received a printed item that left a strong or positive impression.

29.7% answered 'yes,' while 70.3% answered 'no.'

Although a minority, a significant number of people have experienced receiving a printed item that made a lasting impact.

What kinds of printed materials were these?

Here are some specific examples:

What was the item, and why did it stand out?

- It had a unique paper texture and beautiful design. (Female, 20s)

- A flyer for my favorite game. (Female, 20s)

- A handwritten letter. It felt sincere and made me happy. (Male, 30s)

- A flyer from a small local business. It felt warm and personal. (Female, 30s)

- A newspaper article featuring me. Receiving congratulations from readers made me happy. (Female, 40s)

- A uniquely designed business card helped me instantly remember the person. (Male, 50s)

Responses indicate that not only emotionally meaningful items like letters, but also visually distinctive materials—such as unique paper textures or creative designs—leave strong impressions.

Even ordinary flyers or business cards can become memorable with thoughtful choices in paper quality, design, or messaging.

21.7% Show Interest in Premium Print Products Like Trading Cards and Original Goods

We then asked about interest in 'premium print products' such as trading cards, clear cards, and original merchandise.

5.7% responded 'very interested,' and 16.0% 'somewhat interested,' totaling 21.7% who expressed interest. Meanwhile, 30.7% were 'not very interested,' and 47.7% 'not interested at all.'

We further asked interested respondents what sparked their interest.

The most common response was 'received at an event or exhibition' (38.5%).

This was followed by 'saw on social media' (26.2%), 'received from a friend or acquaintance' (20.0%), and 'saw at a favorite brand or store' (18.5%).

Both real-world and digital touchpoints appear to drive interest in premium print products. Items like trading cards or collectible goods that people want to own or collect may remain a growing area of interest.

31.0% Prioritize 'Affordable Pricing and Small-Order Capability' When Using Online Printing

Finally, we asked what factors people would prioritize when ordering premium print products from an online printing company.

The top response was 'affordable pricing and ability to order small quantities' (31.0%).

This was followed by 'ability to review past work or samples in advance' (12.7%) and 'user-friendly, diverse design templates' (8.3%).

While affordability and small-batch flexibility are key, quality assurance and reliability also play important roles in selection criteria.