GRA set to host a series of webinars in 2026

The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) has announced a list of webinars designed to address the tightening regulatory landscape and technical complexities facing the modern gravure and packaging industries. 

The live sessions, conducted via Microsoft Teams, aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical shop-floor applications, providing members with direct access to global experts.

Global climate reporting webinar 
On 17 April, a session titled Global Climate Reporting – Ask the Expert will be led by Matthew Rogerson, author of the Global Climate Initiative Reporting newsletter. 

The webinar will analyse shifts in sustainability regulations and climate-related reporting. Key topics include evolving packaging requirements, the ongoing discourse surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and the increasing expectations for industrial recycling. 

This quarterly briefing aims to assist businesses in navigating the legal and environmental frameworks transforming the gravure sector.

Scumming and hazing
Turning toward technical optimisation, the GRA will host Scumming and Hazing II on 8 June. This session serves as a deep dive into the fluid dynamics and mechanical interactions that lead to common printing defects. 

The webinar will review experimental data regarding cylinder surface finishing for both copper and chrome. By examining the relationship between doctor blade settings and ink rheology, the session seeks to provide a scientific basis for reducing waste and improving print consistency.

What causes the ink to come out of the cells?
The autumn sessions continue the focus on physics and chemistry with What causes the ink to come out of the cells? on 21 September. This presentation moves beyond anecdotal observations to examine the complex fluid dynamics involved in ink transfer. 

The discussion will focus on the cohesive and extensional forces that act on ink as it separates from the gravure roller and adheres to film substrates. By excluding porous substrates like paper to maintain a specific focus on film, the GRA aims to provide a granular look at how ink rheology dictates final print quality.

Is your ink the right colour and transparency?
On 9 November,  a session focusing on colourimetric characterisation and transparency will address the increasing demand for brand consistency and the adoption of expanded gamut printing. 

As the industry moves toward sustainable pigments and resins, the session will review the latest revisions to international standards. Experts will discuss how these standards apply to special colours and the interaction between ink transparency and print sequence, ensuring that gravure printers can meet heightened customer expectations for precision.