PRINTING TRENDS FOR PLANT & TOOL HIRE COMPANIES IN 2026

Labels, Tags, and Signage are used across every part of a plant and tool hire business.

Below is our 2026 guide to the print trends we’re seeing across the hire industry.

QR Code Labels Are Becoming Standard on Hire Equipment

QR codes are becoming standard practice for hire companies of all sizes.

More businesses are using QR labels to:

Link tools and plant to company records
Speed up check-in and check-out
Give customers instant access to manuals or safety info
Reduce paperwork and manual data entry

The key shift in 2026 is how these QR codes are being used. Instead of generic codes stuck on as an afterthought, companies want durable, scannable labels that stay readable after months (or years) on hire.

That means:

High-contrast printing for reliable scanning
Materials that don’t fade, crack, or peel
Adhesives suited to metal, plastic, and painted surfaces

Labels Built for the surface and environment – Not Regular Replacements

One of the biggest changes in recent years is the move away from “replace it when it fails” thinking.

Hire companies are increasingly asking for labels that are:

Designed for specific surfaces (powder-coated, plastics, rough cast metal)
Resistant to water, oil, fuel, UV, and abrasion
Built to last the life of the asset, not just a hire cycle

Outdoor storage, pressure washing, and rough handling quickly destroy standard labels.
In 2026, durability matters more – especially when downtime costs money.

Instead of reprinting the same labels every few months, many businesses are now investing in long-life materials and industrial adhesives that stay put – such as SUPA TUFF Labels!

Custom Printing Beats Off-the-Shelf Labels

We’re seeing a strong move towards custom-printed labels and tags, tailored to how companies actually work.

That might include:

Custom sizes to fit specific tools
Clear layouts that highlight key information
Icons, colour coding, or numbering systems
Variable data like serial numbers or asset IDs

When information is clear at a glance – processes speed up.

Off-the-shelf solutions are quick – but custom solutions are proving more effective long-term.

Branded Labels, Tags & Signs Are Replacing Generic Signage

Branding is becoming more important in the hire industry.

Instead of generic “Out of Order” or “Do Not Use” signs, more businesses are choosing:

Branded safety labels
Custom warning signs
Tags that match company colours and tone

Consistent branding:

Makes equipment easier to identify
Reinforces professionalism
Reduces confusion between owned and hired asset

In 2026, labels aren’t just functional – they’re part of how hire companies present themselves.

Process-Driven Tags That Save Time on Site

Tags are being used less as simple identifiers and more as process tools.

We’re seeing growing demand for heavy-duty tags that:

Clearly show inspection status
Highlight faults or restrictions
Guide staff through quick checks
Stay attached in harsh conditions

Products like SUPA TUFF Tags are popular because they remove friction from daily processes. When information is clear and visible, teams move faster and make fewer mistakes.