Reporting from Istanbul, Ben Daniel, Editor of Packaging MEA and MEA Chapter Ambassador of the Global Rotogravure Association (GRA), examines how International Gravure Days 2025 marked a turning point for the industry, as gravure adopted a global identity aligned with sustainability, digitalisation, and emerging market growth.
When the gravure community gathered in Istanbul from 20–22 October 2025, the mood was unmistakably one of renewal. Not merely a technical conference, but a defining moment for an industry long associated with tradition and regional identities.
For the first time in its nearly 70-year history, the former European Rotogravure Association (ERA) convened its annual conference under its new name—the Global Rotogravure Association (GRA).
The change may appear cosmetic at first glance. But as the discussions, debates, and presentations during the International Gravure Days 2025 made clear, this rebranding represents one of the most consequential shifts the industry has seen in decades.
Gravure, once anchored firmly in Europe’s printing and converting heartlands, is now a global technology—strengthened by deeper adoption in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
As the GRA Ambassador for the Middle East and Africa, I had the privilege of witnessing this transformation firsthand. What unfolded in Istanbul was not just a conference; it was the unveiling of a new chapter—one where gravure aligns itself with modern manufacturing demands, sustainability imperatives, and a far more interconnected global market.
Why ERA became GRA: A shift from continental to global mindset
Founded in 1955, ERA stood for excellence, collaboration, and technical leadership in European gravure printing. But over the past two decades, the industry’s centre of gravity has shifted dramatically.
Today:
-
Asia leads gravure capacity growth, particularly in flexible packaging
-
MEA markets are accelerating adoption, driven by population growth, FMCG expansion, and infrastructure investments
-
Latin America and Africa are rapidly scaling flexible packaging, decorative printing, and label production
With this broader footprint, the message from GRA was clear: gravure is no longer defined by borders; its relevance is defined by innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.
A modern association for a modern industry
GRA used the Istanbul conference not only to announce its new identity but also to introduce a modernised organisational model designed for global participation.
Key reforms included:
-
Digital voting and cloud-based governance, ensuring equal representation for members in Mumbai, Lagos, Dubai, São Paulo, and Milan
-
Hybrid and virtual participation formats, enabling broader engagement from technical teams and emerging markets
-
Planned rotation of major events, including future conferences across Asia, Africa, and Latin America
-
Formation of regional councils, beginning with Asia-Pacific and MEA working groups, to support localised technical and regulatory priorities
These updates signal GRA’s commitment to moving away from traditional structures and toward collaborative, digitally empowered engagement.
International Gravure Days 2025: A gathering that reflected a global industry
Held at the Crowne Plaza Florya overlooking the Marmara Sea, the International Gravure Days brought together printers, engravers, suppliers, ink manufacturers, machinery OEMs, and technology innovators from over 30 countries.
The three-day programme combined:
-
A main conference day
-
An informal networking evening
-
The International Gravure Awards 2025 Gala Dinner
-
Delegates also toured Schattdecor’s advanced gravure facility, gaining first-hand insight into high-precision gravure operations
The diversity of attendees—from India to South Africa, China to Italy—demonstrated gravure’s renewed global identity and relevance.
Conference highlights: innovation, sustainability, standardisation, and the future of gravure
1. Sustainability and environmental responsibility
Sustainability emerged as a central theme, with speakers highlighting advances in low-solvent and water-based inks, energy-efficient drying systems, and improved recyclability in gravure-flexible packaging.
As global EPR regulations intensify, GRA underscored environmental performance as both an industry’s moral responsibility and critical innovation frontier.
2. Regulatory evolution and compliance
Speakers examined fast-evolving regulatory frameworks—from the EU Green Deal to emerging MEA compliance mandates.
The sessions stressed the urgent need for harmonised global standards, positioning GRA as a platform to lead coordination and best-practice alignment.
3. Digitalisation and data-driven production
The conference showcased gravure’s entry into the digital phase, including:
-
AI-driven engraving
-
Predictive maintenance tools
-
Automated cylinder logistics
-
Integrated workflow management
These advancements are reshaping gravure’s efficiency, consistency, and competitiveness in modern packaging production.
4. Global standardisation and quality benchmarking
GRA highlighted its ongoing push to establish unified global gravure standards—aimed at reducing process variability and elevating print consistency across regions.
This initiative positions gravure as a harmonised, high-quality benchmark for worldwide packaging applications.
Leadership reshaped: a more international executive board
The election of GRA’s newly expanded Executive Board marked a pivotal moment for the association, with representation now spanning multiple continents.
Notably, the appointment of Packaging South Africa President and Dr. Mario Wirtz of Windmöller & Hölscher broadened leadership perspectives.
Fresh members from India and China further reinforced GRA’s shift from Eurocentric governance toward global balance.
Celebrating excellence: International Gravure Awards 2025
The International Gravure Awards recognised outstanding achievements in innovation, sustainability, and print performance.
Major winners included:
-
Gold – Innovation: Bobst for its smartGravure system
-
Gold – Packaging: Janoschka for its high-quality flexible packaging work
-
Silver – Technology: Neugrav for its AST electrostatic assist system
-
Silver – Sustainability: Korozo for its recyclable mono-PE pouch
-
Special Joint Award: Windmöller & Hölscher and Sappi for developing fully recyclable coffee packaging
A technical showcase: Schattdecor plant visit
The concluding day offered participants an up-close look at gravure excellence in practice at Schattdecor’s advanced production facility.
Attendees observed:
-
Advanced printing, digitalised workflows
-
Colour management systems
-
Precision cylinder handling
-
Seamless design-to-production integration
The visit demonstrated why gravure remains a benchmark for ultra-consistent, high-fidelity print applications.
What Istanbul 2025 revealed about gravure’s future
Istanbul 2025 highlighted gravure’s transition from a legacy process to a technology undergoing strategic renewal.
With sustainability, digitalisation, and global market expansion driving its next decade, the event made clear that future competitiveness will depend on:
-
Automation-driven efficiencies
-
Data-led production control
-
Expansion into emerging regions such as MEA, India, China, and Southeast Asia
A strong foundation for the next chapter
As GRA approaches its 70th anniversary in Munich next year, Istanbul 2025 stands out as the moment gravure fully embraced its global future.
The shift from ERA to GRA is more than a rebrand—it represents a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.
For emerging regions such as the Middle East and Africa, the message is unmistakable: the gravure story is now truly global.
Voices from leadership
“The gravure industry is no longer European. It is global, diverse, and entering its most transformative era.”
Simon Sonn, Newly Elected President, GRA
“The name change was about mindset, not geography. Gravure’s future is global, and our association must reflect that reality.”
Davide Garavaglia, Outgoing President, GRA