The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) celebrated its 70th anniversary during the International Gravure Days, held from 7 to 9 October 2026 at the Munich Marriott Hotel City West. Under the motto “ Strong Tradition. Stronger Future.”, the event brought together representatives of the global gravure industry for three days of knowledge sharing, networking and celebration.
The conference programme reflected the diversity and future potential of gravure printing, with international speakers addressing key developments in technology, packaging, digitalisation, sustainability and market opportunities.
The presentations included:
- Miriam Bär, Adphos (Germany): Next Generation of Decor and Packaging Printing Processes – Quantified Case Study for Potential Upgrades
- Tobias Enk, Lebbing Automation & Drives (Germany): Opportunities in the Digitalization of Analog Gravure Printing
- David Fierlafijn, Esko (Belgium): The Partner Advantage: Extending Workflow Capabilities Beyond a Single Platform
- Davide Garavaglia, BOBST (Italy): Digital Gravure: Shaping the Future of a Proven Technology
- Thomas Hebes, Burda Druck (Germany): Invisible, You Won’t Win a Single Order
- Kaushik Nag, Jupiter Group (India): A Printer’s Perspective: Navigating Growth in the Indian Packaging Market
- Anselm Pahnke, Filmmaker and Author: Transformative Trust: Moving Beyond Facts and Figures
- Christophe Simoneau, Simpak Label (France): What If Rotogravure Is the Future? From Paper to Plastic – One Printer’s Journey and Why Rotogravure’s Best Days Are Still Ahead
- Stefan Ziemann, JTI (Germany): From Legal Requirements to Packaging Reality
Anselm Pahnke’s presentation offered a particularly inspiring perspective beyond the printing industry, drawing on his extraordinary 15,000 kilometres cycling journey through Africa and his experiences of trust, courage and embracing the unknown.
Beyond the conference programme, the International Gravure Days were marked by a truly special atmosphere. The anniversary Gala Dinner at the Augustiner Schützenhalle brought together cultures from around the world, with many guests wearing traditional attire from their home countries. The celebrations combined Bavarian hospitality and music with the international spirit of GRA, while a visit to the historic Spaten Brewery rounded off the three-day event.
New GRA Board Member Elected
During the GRA Management Meeting, held as part of the International Gravure Days, Frank Hüning of Saueressig was elected to the GRA Board, replacing Stephan Lammers, who recently retired from Saueressig.
The GRA warmly welcomes Frank Hüning to the Board and sincerely thanks Stephan Lammers for his dedication and valuable contributions to the association over the years.
The International Gravure Days 2026 once again demonstrated that the strength of the gravure industry lies not only in its technologies and innovations, but also in the people, friendships and international cooperation that drive it forward.
GRA would like to express its sincere gratitude to all participants, speakers, sponsors and supporters for making its 70th anniversary a truly memorable occasion.
About GRA
The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) brings together gravure printers, cylinder manufacturers, engravers, and supply industries from across the globe. Building on the legacy of the European Rotogravure Association (ERA), founded in 1956, GRA is committed to fostering international cooperation, technological progress, and industry excellence in rotogravure printing.
“Riceviamo e pubblichiamo integralmente. La redazione specifica di non aver apportato modifiche al testo inviato, declinando ogni responsabilità riguardo alla veridicità, accuratezza e completezza delle informazioni ivi contenute, che restano di esclusiva proprietà e responsabilità dell’azienda mittente.”
