The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) successfully hosted the first-ever GRA Talks Factory in South Africa on 5–6 May 2026 at CTP in Johannesburg. Around 30 participants from across the gravure and packaging industry gathered for two days of networking, knowledge exchange, and practical insights in a lively and highly engaging atmosphere. As part of GRA’s international “Talks Factory” series, the event combined presentations, discussions, and networking with a unique factory-based setting.
For the first time in the history of the format, presentations and discussions took place directly inside a real production environment, creating a highly practical and authentic experience for attendees. The event opened with an informal networking dinner at The Butcher Shop & Grill, where participants from different countries and industry sectors connected in a relaxed atmosphere.
The following day, participants gathered at CTP’s factory facilities for presentations and discussions covering a wide range of gravure-related topics, including sustainability, packaging development, electrostatic solutions, coating and lamination technologies, and global industry developments. Before the start of the presentations, guests were welcomed with live violin music as well as traditional African Zulu singing and dance performances, creating a unique South African atmosphere and a memorable cultural experience for the international participants. Speakers included Simon Sonn, President of GRA and Managing Director of 4Packaging Africa; Prof. Lutz Engisch from the University of Applied Sciences Leipzig; Tracey Venter from Anheuser-Busch InBev; Shrey Agrawal from Narendra Gravure; Eric Plüschau from Enulec; and Shaun Bradley from CTP.
The event highlighted GRA’s mission of strengthening global exchange within the gravure industry and further expanding its international network. With participants from Africa, Europe, and Asia, the Talks Factory once again demonstrated the growing global reach of the association and the strong interest in collaborative industry platforms. GRA sincerely thanks CTP, all speakers, participants, supporters, and contributors for helping to make the first GRA Talks Factory in South Africa such a successful and memorable event.
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