GRA outlines expansion strategy at Pelican Rotoflex event

The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) marked a milestone in its 70-year history by hosting its first Indian Talks Factory on 13 February 2026. The event, held at the Pelican Rotoflex facility in Rajkot, Gujarat, served as a formal platform for the association’s leadership to outline a strategic transition from its European origins to a global entity.

The association, headquartered in Munich, Germany, officially changed its name—it was formerly the European Rotogravure Association—six months ago to reflect its broader international mandate. Sonn, the association's first non-European president, detailed the shift in governance following the 2025 International Gravure Days in Istanbul.

"My mission today is to provide an overview of what we do and what drives our industry initiatives," Sonn stated, emphasising that the GRA is increasingly visible in India, China, Japan, Africa, and the Americas. He noted that electing board members from India and China demonstrates the seriousness of the organisation's globalisation strategy.

Sonn highlighted that the GRA’s primary objectives involve advancing innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. He identified a demographic shift driving these initiatives, noting that while European and American markets face ageing populations, the younger demographics in India, China, and Africa are fuelling a rise in consumption and printing demand.

"In larger markets where the average age of a population is younger, and women's health consumes more, it seems to correlate with growth in India as an ecology," Sonn explained. To support this growth, the GRA is implementing initiatives such as reclaiming educational institutions and conducting environmental impact studies with the University of Applied Sciences in Leipzig, Germany.

Dhami expressed the association's gratitude toward the local hosts for facilitating this entry into the Indian market. "You have lifted this event to a different level. I do hope that there will be a lot more Talks Factory in India," Dhami remarked during her opening address.

She highlighted the importance of the Rajkot event in bridging the cultural and technical gap between the GRA’s Bavarian roots and the dynamic Indian industrial landscape. Dhami also emphasised the management team's role in driving the association’s transition as they expand their global reach.

The GRA is currently executing a diversification phase that includes expanding technical seminars and workshops beyond Europe. Following the Rajkot event, the association confirmed that the next Talks Factory will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking its first session on the African continent.

For its 70th anniversary, the association will host its International Gravure Days from October 7–9 in Munich, Germany, to celebrate the evolution of the gravure industry. Sonn concluded by encouraging industry players to participate in shaping the GRA's future through its website and partnership programmes, stressing that the association aims to keep the industry informed and connected through its digital platforms and technical publications.