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GravurExchange Newsletter – November 2021

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The November edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news for the Gravure Industry!

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The GAA AIMCAL R2R “Gravure Fundamentals and Gravure Track” coordinating committee brought together a group of gravure experts to share their knowledge during the 2021 AIMCAL R2R, October 18-21 in Orlando FL: The committee, chaired by John Edwards of Sun Chemical, faced many challenges with the continued COVID travel restriction.  All total, the committee reached out to over 40 potential speakers and garnered 24 commitments to fill the 29 spots (11 for the Gravure Fundamentals and 18 for the Gravure Tracks).  The “Gravure Fundamentals” followed the format that was used for the Gravure Basics virtual seminar held this past May. For the gravure tracks, the committee was able to assemble speakers from brand owners, suppliers and researchers to cover trends, technologies; updates on the three gravure cylinder research products as they are all in beta testing, and methods to support the gravure process users. A big thank you to the committee members for their hard work behind the scenes. Committee members:  Bill Poulson, Dan Comerford, John Edwards, Johnny Stamey, Mandee Jones, Rod Sosa, Todd Luman and Tony Donato.

ACiMGA 2021 Co-Sponsor of the Golden Cylinder Awards, Invited the GAA to present at the 2021 Roto4All conference!

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ACiMGA the association of Italian manufacturers of machinery for the graphic, paper and converting industry and the 2021 Co-Sponsor of the Golden Cylinder Awards invited Lou DeFlaviis of INX International the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance chair and Tony Donato to presented virtually to the ACiMGA 2021 Roto4All conference that was held on October 22 in Florence Italy. The presentation presented how AIMCAL/GAA-Committee and its members are contributing to help and guide the Gravure community as it maneuvers through the challenges of sustainability and trends effecting our industry. To learn more about the Roto4All: Roto4All 2021, the rotogravure community meets live (convertingmagazine.it)To join the AIMCAL Sustainability Committee: Sustainability Committee (aimcal.org)

AIMCAL Roll-to-Roll (R2R) Virtual Conference

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AIMCAL R2R Virtual Conference on December 7th through 9th will provide attendees ability to pick and choose from the 112 sessions that were presented in Orlando: ​The AIMCAL planning group utilized an on-line recording technology for the speakers to pre-record their presentation for the R2R live event.  This preplanning, as a back-up for presenters who could not travel, or changes in the COVID protocols, will now allow AIMCAL to hold a virtual conference.  The virtual conference provides the attendee the ability to pick from all the recorded sessions.  With 6 simultaneous tracks daily, it literally made it impossible to attend all the sessions that were of interest.  The virtual conference solves the issue! More Info: 2021 R2R Virtual Conference (aimcal.org)

Golden Cylinder Award Winners

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A big congratulations goes out to all the 2021 winners of the Golden Cylinder awards: During the AIMCAL Awards dinner held in Orlando at the R2R event Lou DeFlaviis the chair of the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance committee announced the 2021 winners. Lou and Chris Kerscher, the Executive Director of AIMCAL presented the trophies to the winners who were present at the awards dinner: The winners are as follows: Category “A” is “Packaging and Label”: Winner of A-2 “Film /Film Lamination” is Fres-co Systems. Winner A-6 “Film-Pressure Sensitive” is Multi-Color Corporation (Batavia).

Category “B” is “Product”: Winner of B-1 “Decorative Coverings” is O’Sullivan Films; Inc. Winner of B-8 “Decorative Laminates” is Omnova Solutions Inc. a Synthomer Business.

Category “D” is “Technical Innovation”: Winner of D-1 “Image Preparation” is Fres-co Systems. Winner of D-2 “Image Carrier” is Syntek Co. Ltd. Winner of D-3 “Inks & Substrates” is Amcor Specialty Cartons, Chester, VA. Winner of D-4 “Press” is PAD INKSPEC. Winner of D-6 “Packaging” is Fres-co Systems.

The judges also picked the best of the best for each category:

Category “A” Packaging and Label “Best of the Best” winner is Fres-co Systems.

Category “B” Product “Best of the Best” winner is Omnova Solutions Inc.

Category “D” Technical Innovations “Best of the Best” winner is Amcor Specialty Cartons, Chester VA.  More information: Golden Cylinder Awards – GAA

A special thank you to our co-sponsor; Italian Manufacturers Association of Machinery for the Graphic, Converting and Paper Industry – ACiMGA

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It is time to start thinking about entering the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards:

being accepted until May 7th 2022.  To download the entry form, go to: GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form.pdf

Mike Gaffney participated in ICEC USA's "Ask the Experts"

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Mike Gaffney, one of the GAA’s Subject Matter Experts participated in ICEC’s “Ask the expert” on the ICE Expo floor in Orlando: ​Mike also participated as a speaker in the Gravure Fundamentals and Gravure track sessions. With reductions in the COVID restrictions, the GAA consultants Mike Gaffney and Bob Kikkert bring 80 years of combined printing experience to their resource bank.  They are ready to assist those who need consultation. Contact us at: Contact – GAA

Anna University - College of Engineering Guindy

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An inquiry into the GAA’s “Gravure Process and Technology and GST Blue Book (Gravure Specifications and Tolerances) text books turned into a new international university member: ​Anna University in India is Asia’s oldest technical institution, established in 1794, contacted the GAA website looking for Gravure text books for their Printing and Packaging Technology program. Anna is now a university member of AIMCAL. To learn more about Anna Universities printing and converting program go to: The Latest News | Gravure Association of Americans (gaa.org)

PGSF GEF Facilitates Donation of K-Proofer to Cal-Poly

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GAA Committee PGSF GEF board members Walter Vail, Rod Sosa & Todd Luman facilitate donation of K-Proofer to Cal-Poly: The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) announces that California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo became the first school to receive a grant from the PGSF Gravure Education Foundation Endowment. With the funding, the Cal Poly Graphics Communications Department acquired a K Printing Proofer from RK Print Coat Instruments Ltd. The new equipment gives Cal Poly staff and students the ability to learn about the strengths of gravure.The read full release

Benefits & Resources in Two Combined Associations for the Cost of One

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GAA members it is that time of year when membership fee invoices will be distributed: Walter Vail, GAA Chair Emeriti, and Tim Janes, AIMCAL Member Outreach Director have put together a comprehensive document that lists the expanded benefits of membership of the combined associations. The document identified all the programs, committees, training and other valuable assets now available to the GAA members. With AIMCAL being an International Association; and many of its members are suppliers to GAA members, our combined association represents an expanded supply chair to printed and converted products. To review the combined benefits that resulted from the merger into AIMCAL go to: Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Resources | Renew 2022 at Discount of $1,000 for GAA MembersGAA Video Walkthrough of AIMCAL Website + Resources

Western Michigan University 37th Annual Gravure Day

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GAA Committee members were presenters at Western Michigan University 37th annual Gravure Day on November 1st: Dan Comerford of WRE Color, Rod Sosa of Fres-co Systems, Tony Donato of GAA Committee were joined by Mark Fisher, President and CEO of Council of the Great Lakes Region to provide information ranging from cylinder manufacturing, packaging printing – to include color control, gravure industry segments and the challenges the industry faces to help in effort for packaging sustainability. Mark Fisher’s presentation showed all challenges that need to be addressed to protect the Great Lakes North America’s great fresh water resource: Circular Great Lakes

2022 AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference/Global Summit April 4th & 5th:

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The 2nd AIMCAL/GAA combined conference will be held in-person at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte NC. Historically the GAA has held its winter/spring “Summit” event as the business topic-oriented conference.  With the GAA merging into AIMCAL, this works out perfectly with the AIMCAL winter/spring event that has the same business theme.  The GAA Committee has already started with content ideas that can be integrated into the AIMCAL conference. For more information: 2022 Executive Leadership Conference Landing (aimcal.org)

Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee had an organizing meeting to identify those interested in participating more

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The Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee had an organizing meeting at the R2R to identify those interested in participating in various committees to help organize and build programs that will promote the Gravure related industries:​ Lou DeFlaviis led the meeting to kick off this activity.  Lou was very pleased with the large turnout and the enthusiasm of the group.  For those who were not at the R2R and want to join this dynamic group of Gravure believers, review the following opportunities to participate.

A call for Gravure Technical papers and articles:

Converting Quarterly / AIMCAL are offering to include Gravure Industry papers and articles in their newsletters and perhaps also in the magazine.  Anyone interested in contributing a non-commercial technical paper of 600 to 650 words please contact info@gaa.org with subject line “Article” with your idea or abstract and we will contact you.  For Gravure “white” longer papers we can add them to the Technical Library – GAA on the GAA website.  Also contact info@gaa.org with subject line “White Paper”.

Join the following GAA Committees:

A conference committee has been established to provide ideas to Chris Kerscher for the April 4th and 5th Executive Leadership Conference in Charlotte, NC. To join the committee and or suggest topics email info@gaa.org subject line “Summit”.

Was your company once a member or do you know a past member:

Walter Vail is chairing a committee to reach out to past GAA members to inform them of the expanded benefits now available with the merger.  To support Walter email info@gaa.org subject line “Membership”.  This committee is intended to support the GAA Committee mission statement by connecting those who use and recognize the importance of the gravure printing and coating process.

University and College Gravure Day:

We need more Gravure Days! Universities or Colleges with a graphic, printing and or packaging program – we are ready to support you and help you hold a Gravure Day.  The program is to help your students understand all the industry segments that use the Gravure process and give them the awareness of all the careers in printing and converting.  Interested in holding a “Gravure Day”? email info@gaa.org subject line “Gravure Day”.

Cylinder Society:

The Cylinder Society has been a way to recognize your colleagues and those who have been influential in the advancement of the gravure process across the industry. Please send your nominations to gaa@aimcal.org, put in the subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee. An application Form will be sent to you.

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

Will resume as soon as restrictions are lifted. In the interim, we continue to deliver mentored training and consulting, featuring our technical experts, Bob Kikkert and Mike Gaffney. Virtual and hybrid training is also available. Those in need of these services please contact , subject line “Consultant Services”.

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and for the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks, so we decided to extend the half-price sale through the end of the year. Both books are US$50 each plus freight (FOB Greenville, SC) and in addition to English-language versions ,the Process and Technology book is available in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Purchase at 

Gravure Certification:

We are happy to announce that we had two students complete and receive their certificates, and more students started the online training in August. The training consists of lessons, downloads, videos and quizzes. Each student has to pass a quiz that tests what the student learned in each lesson before they can advance to the next lesson. All quizzes and lessons have to be completed before receiving the certification; this ensures students truly earn their certificates.

 

There are four levels of Certification training available online:

• Level 1 Assistant Certification (suitable for assistants and especially new hires)

• Level 2 Operator Certification (suitable for experienced press operators)

• Level 3 Application Specialist Certification (suitable for non-pressroom personnel and sales)

• Level 4 Master Operator Certification (suitable for press operators with advanced press-room experience)

 

Information and registration for all four levels of the certification is available at . Special Member pricing has been established for the Certifications. For pricing and to register, email , subject line “Certification”.

Want to be a member:

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to:  Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at 

 

The October 2021 GravurExchange will have information from the AIMCAL R2R USA and other news.

GravurExchange Newsletter – September 2021

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Congratulations to the Gravure Community!
Great new benefits, under a new banner

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The GAA lives on as the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee inside AIMCAL. The committee is led by Lou DeFlaviis of INX as the chair with JD Harris of Fresco-Systems vice-chair and John Edwards of Sun Chemical as secretary. The following link takes you to the GAA Committee page on the AIMCAL website: . The page is still a work in progress.

 

The Mission Statement for the Committee: The Gravure AIMCAL Alliance will promote the growth of Gravure by understanding customers’ needs, demonstrating advantages of the Gravure process, developing operational efficiencies, cultivating innovation, and advocating for Gravure Education. The alliance will collect and distribute information to increase industry knowledge, while fostering an environment that builds relationships and a spirit of cooperation between member companies worldwide.

 

The GAA Committee is tasked with organizing subcommittees that will help to Educate, Connect and Grow the Gravure Community. The first subcommittee, “R2R Gravure Forum Track,” was assigned with finding topics and speakers to present relevant and current technical topics as specified in the mission statement for the AIMCAL R2R USA Conference’s “Gravure Forum” track. The committee of eight members led by John Edwards, including Mandee Jones, Dan Comerford, Rod Sosa, Todd Luman, Johnny Stamey, Bill Poulson and Tony Donato, compiled 18 gravure-related presentation (six a day). The following link shows all tracks for each day: 

AIMCAL Roll-to-Roll (R2R) USA Conference

This multi-track conference will be held in-person Oct. 18-21, 2021, in conjunction with the ICEC (International Converting Exhibition and Conference USA (, formerly ICE USA) at the Orange County Convention Ctr. in Orlando, FL. The track session rooms are large enough for social distancing to meet attendees’ personal preferences.

The following link is the best source for information on registration and especially on the latest on Health and Safety Protocols, as the organizers address the best way to hold the conference and keep within all COVID-19 Protocols, then scroll down to the “Health and Safety” shield (Updated September 16)

We are looking forward to having the first live conference since the GAA Summit in March 2020. The number of our members that have registered has been growing day-to-day and so is those planning on attending. The Gravure Community is excited to get together and attend the sessions as well as ICEC USA. Live conferences are the best way to network and learn from each other to keep the Gravure process the premium means of printing packaging, publications and products from Décor to Functional.

On Monday October 18, a Gravure Fundamentals Workshop:

Will be held by the Gravure experts who conducted the GAA Basics Virtual Seminar on May 4-6, 2021. This is a good opportunity for those new to the industry to learn Gravure process basics and ask questions. When registering for the R2R, you will see the options for signing up for a Fundamentals Course and pick the Gravure session.

R2R Conference Sponsors:

It’s good to see GAA members have come forward so far and are participating as sponsors for the AIMCAL R2R USA Conference: Amcor, Bobst, BST Group, Max Daetwyler, Flint Inks, INX Inks and Saueressig. Being a sponsor and participating on committees is a great way to embrace the merger with AIMCAL. R2R USA sponsorships are still available: Don’t be left out. 

Cylinder Society Nominations are Closing Soon

The Cylinder Society has been a way to recognize your colleagues and those who have been influential in the advancement of the gravure process across the industry. Time is running out to submit nominations for this year’s class of honorees.

Please send your nominations to info@gaa.org, put in the subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee Application Form will be sent to you.

2021 AIMCAL R2R USA Industry & Entertainment Dinner on Monday night, October 18:

Our main event will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel located directly across the skybridge from the Orange County Convention Center. Your purchase of this add-on includes admission to the event with full access to our Networking Cocktail Hour with two drink tickets, a seated Banquet Dinner, and a program full of industry updates, awards including the 2021 GAA Golden Cylinder Awards, and live entertainment. A highlight will be “The Magic of Puck” (Season 7 “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalist).

How AIMCAL/GAA Members can participate and contribute to the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance!

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Call for Gravure Technical Papers and Articles:

Converting Quarterly / AIMCAL are offering to include Gravure Industry papers and articles in their e-newsletters and also in the print ad online magazine. Anyone interested in contributing a non-commercial technical paper of 600 to 650 words, please contact , subject line “Article” with your idea or abstract ,and we will contact you. For longer Gravure White Papers, we can add them to the  on the GAA website. Also contact , subject line “White Paper”.

Join the following GAA Committees:

A committee has been established to set the topics and recruit speakers for the April 4-5, 2022, Gravure Business Summit to be held in conjunction with the AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC. To join the committee and or suggest topics, email , subject line “Summit”.

 

Walter Vail is chairing a committee to reach out to past GAA members to inform them of the expanded benefits now available with the merger into AIMCAL. To join Walter, email , subject line “Membership”. This committee supports the overall GAA Committee Mission Statement by connecting those who use and recognize the importance of the Gravure Printing and Coating Process.

University and College Gravure Day:

One of the most important ways to ensure continued talent is available to the Gravure Industry is to participate in “Gravure Day”. Gravure Day is the day gravure professionals visit schools in-person or virtually and participate in an event that spotlights all the segments and job opportunities to students at schools with programs in the full workflow of printing processes. By participating, we ensure the message that “gravure is alive and well.” We want to acknowledge Michelle Fontaine Calkins of Amgraph (at RIT) and Rod Sosa of Fresco-Systems (at WMU) for participating last school year. WMU is having its Gravure Day on November 1 and has asked for virtual speakers. Anyone interested in being a speaker or any school interested in having a “Gravure Day”, email , subject line “Gravure Day”.

Cylinder Society:

The Cylinder Society has been a way to recognize your colleagues and those who have been influential in the advancement of the gravure process across the industry. Please send your nominations to , subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee. An application form will be sent to you.

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

Will resume as soon as restrictions are lifted. In the interim, we continue to deliver mentored training and consulting, featuring our technical experts, Bob Kikkert and Mike Gaffney. Virtual and hybrid training is also available. Those in need of these services please contact , subject line “Consultant Services”.

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and for the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks, so we decided to extend the half-price sale through the end of the year. Both books are US$50 each plus freight (FOB Greenville, SC) and in addition to English-language versions ,the Process and Technology book is available in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Purchase at 

Gravure Certification:

We are happy to announce that we had two students complete and receive their certificates, and more students started the online training in August. The training consists of lessons, downloads, videos and quizzes. Each student has to pass a quiz that tests what the student learned in each lesson before they can advance to the next lesson. All quizzes and lessons have to be completed before receiving the certification; this ensures students truly earn their certificates.

 

There are four levels of Certification training available online:

• Level 1 Assistant Certification (suitable for assistants and especially new hires)

• Level 2 Operator Certification (suitable for experienced press operators)

• Level 3 Application Specialist Certification (suitable for non-pressroom personnel and sales)

• Level 4 Master Operator Certification (suitable for press operators with advanced press-room experience)

 

Information and registration for all four levels of the certification is available at . Special Member pricing has been established for the Certifications. For pricing and to register, email , subject line “Certification”.

Want to be a member:

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to:  Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at 

 

The October 2021 GravurExchange will have information from the AIMCAL R2R USA and other news.

GravurExchange Newsletter – July 2021

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GRAVURE FORUM at AIMCAL R2R

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This past year has handed us all a bunch of lemons… and it’s time we start making lemonade! Over the past year, AIMCAL and GAA have been working hard to make sure our memberships have access to the events, tools, training, and networking opportunities so important to their businesses.

… [Continue Reading]

GravurExchange Newsletter – May 2021

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Entering a New Era

Announcing the formation of Gravure AIMCAL Alliance (GAA)

The GAA name is headed towards a strong, robust future thanks to our new partnership with the Association of International Metallizers Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL).

Slated to take effect on August 1, 2021, Gravure Association of the Americas will become part of AIMCAL. Our current membership will automatically be entitled to all the benefits enjoyed by AIMCAL members. All existing benefits, products and services will continue under the banner of Gravure AIMCAL Alliance and can be found at www.gaa.org.

… [Continue Reading]

GravurExchange Newsletter – April 2021

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As we move further in to 2021, there are many exciting developments ahead for the GAA. New partnerships, continued support for the future of the industry, a return to training seminars and workshops, and an ever-growing membership are highlights for the rest of the year to come.

… [Continue Reading]

AIMCAL’s Latest Education Member Offering Gravure/Converting Training: Anna University

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
AIMCAL OFFICE: Tel: 803-948-9470
E-mail: aimcal@aimcal.org; Website: www.aimcal.org

AIMCAL's Latest Education Member Offering Gravure/Converting Training: Anna University

Anna University is one of the premier technical institutions in India offering higher education in Engineering, Technology and allied Sciences. College of Engineering Guindy (CEG) under Anna University is Asia’s oldest technical institution and was established by the East India Company in 1794. Like many other first time B.E. courses pioneered by CEG in India, B.E. in Printing Technology was started for the first time in South East Asia in 1983 with the support of British Government.  British Council through its Overseas Development Administration (ODA) programme donated books and laboratory equipment. Staff members of the Department were trained in London College of Printing, UK under ODA faculty exchange programme.

Extending its pioneering program to Packaging education, the Department started M.E. programme in Printing and Packaging Technology in 2009 and renamed B.E. Printing Technology to B.E. Printing and Packaging Technology in 2019. The mission of the Department is to evolve into a Centre of Excellence in Printing, Packaging and Publishing education, training and research.  Students are exposed to interdisciplinary, choice based flexible curriculum in printing, packaging, allied engineering, science and management courses. In-depth practical training on Prepress, Colour Management, Offset Printing, Package Design, Package Testing and Print Finishing is given in laboratories equipped with the sophisticated state of art equipment and instruments.  After graduation, the students opt either for higher studies in India/abroad or get placement in reputed printing and packaging organizations.

The faculty undertake interdisciplinary approach towards research in thrust areas like sustainable packaging and functional printing with funding from university and government agencies. The Department has two research laboratories: Inkjet Material Deposition Lab with Microfab Jetlab 4XL for creating functional printing solutions and Blown film extrusion Lab with lab scale Thermo Scientific Blown Film Extruder for developing biobased packaging materials. The laboratory and research facilities are extended to the Industry for consultancy works. Training programs are conducted for the industry on advancements in printing and packaging technologies. The Department would like to acknowledge the tremendous support given by the industry and alumni in providing industrial training, project work and industrial visits.

Presently the Department aims to strengthen the laboratory and research facilities for gravure printing. Increasing presence of multinational converters in the Indian market has caused an exponential growth of gravure industry. While the leading brands across the globe compete with each other to bring out innovative and circular packaging design, there is a growing demand for high quality technical expertise at the converters end. With this goal, the Department has reached out to Gravure AIMCAL Alliance for guidance and support in establishing the necessary infrastructure. The Department extends its thanks to GAA for the donation of Gravure Process and Technology book and Gravure Specification and Tolerances book.