Simon Sonn was elected GRA President during the 90th Management Meeting, held as part of GRA’s International Gravure Days from October 20 to 22 in Istanbul, Türkiye

Words from the new President

Dear Global Gravure Community,

It is truly an honour to succeed Davide Garavaglia as the newly elected President of the Global Rotogravure Association (GRA), formerly known as the European Rotogravure Association (ERA).

During my many years in the printing, paper and packaging industry I have always been intrigued by the association’s presence in the industry, albeit it focussed largely on the European market. A little over three years ago, at the annual conference, known as the International Gravure Days, hosted in Baveno in Northern Italy, I was privileged to be afforded the opportunity to present as only one of two keynote speakers from outside the European borders. The task was to provide an overview of the gravure printing industry in South Africa as a lucrative market for growth and a suitable and convenient gateway into Africa.

“The next three years will be of paramount importance,
as the momentum continues, and we drive membership growth
with a deeper understanding of the strength
of the combined and eclectic gravure community.”

Simon Sonn,
GRA President

Over a week ago, while attending the conference in Istanbul, I was once again reminded of this association’s collective wealth of knowledge, insightfulness, innovative and forward-thinking attributes, to name a few, and I was fortunate to be part of the transition from ERA to the globally inclusive, GRA. Part of this historical change in the association’s 69 years of existence was demonstrated through the appointment of the first three board members, including the role of President from other parts of the world, namely India, China and South Africa. The former President, the Board, the Membership Manager, the Secretary and all the participants must be credited for shepherding in a new exciting era.

The next three years will be of paramount importance, as the momentum continues, and we drive membership growth with a deeper understanding of the strength of the combined and eclectic gravure community. This will take centre stage as we leverage the many learnings this rich diversity brings to the industry. The focus of this new phase will be to continue the work that comes with being truly global and not by name only, as well as the continued focus on sustainability and gravure as a print technology’s response to its impact on the environment, as well as the ongoing work that’s been done by the Standardisation Working Committee in Flexible Packaging, to name only few main objectives.

In addition, the aim will be to align more closely with Print Convertors & End-User and/or Brand Owners to establish a clear path for the future of not only gravure printing, but also through a healthy coexistence with alternate print technologies, which must complement each other to provide a suitably packaged solution for the consumer.

It is my privilege to serve the GRA in my role as President and I pledge to do so to the best of my ability. I intend to make a difference through a more globalised membership community while ensuring that the work which was done by the association for many decades remains critical and key, keeping it technical and relevant, while continuing to foster emotional and cultural intelligence.

Simon Sonn
GRA President