Trade agreement is expected to strengthen technology collaboration, support Indian converters, and accelerate flexographic packaging innovation ahead of FILMS 2026 in Mumbai.
Sandon Global has welcomed the implementation of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into force on 15 July, describing it as a significant milestone that will strengthen collaboration between the two countries and support the continued advancement of India’s rapidly expanding flexographic printing sector.
By reducing trade barriers and improving market access, the agreement is expected to make it easier for Indian converters to access specialist UK print technologies, engineering expertise, and technical support. It is also anticipated to accelerate the adoption of high-performance flexographic production while encouraging greater investment, knowledge sharing, and long-term commercial partnerships. For printers, these developments create further opportunities to improve productivity, print quality, and sustainability.
The announcement comes as Sandon Global prepares to exhibit at FILMS 2026 – the 13th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit & Exhibition, scheduled to take place on 26–27 August at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The exhibition will provide the company’s first major opportunity to engage with customers and partners following the implementation of the FTA, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Indian market.
India continues to be a key strategic market for Sandon Global as flexible packaging manufacturers increasingly invest in CI flexographic printing as an alternative to rotogravure. According to the company, the FTA further strengthens the commercial case for closer UK–India technical collaboration by giving converters greater access to specialist anilox expertise, application knowledge, and advanced engraving technologies.
Tinku Sharma, Regional Sales Manager for India, Middle East and Africa at Sandon Global, said:
“The UK–India Free Trade Agreement represents an important step forward for businesses in both countries. India is one of the fastest-growing flexible packaging markets in the world and a key part of Sandon Global’s long-term growth strategy.
“By making it easier to collaborate and exchange expertise, the FTA creates greater scope for working alongside converters as they invest in new flexographic capabilities and continue improving print quality, efficiency and sustainability.
“With FILMS 2026 taking place just weeks after the agreement comes into force, the event provides the ideal opportunity to meet customers and industry partners, discuss emerging requirements and demonstrate how our innovative anilox engravings and application expertise can support the next phase of development within India’s packaging sector.”
At FILMS 2026, Sandon Global will showcase its precision-engineered anilox engravings, including XPRO, HVP, Fluid FP, and GMX Anilox®. Developed for demanding print and coating applications, these solutions are designed to deliver predictable ink transfer, stable press performance, and consistent print quality across flexible packaging production.
A major focus of the company’s participation will be demonstrating how the right anilox specification can support the transition from rotogravure to CI flexographic printing, helping converters improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support the production of recyclable and mono-material packaging structures.
Recognised as one of the world’s largest films and flexible packaging events, FILMS 2026 is expected to bring together more than 2,500 industry professionals from across the global packaging supply chain to exchange knowledge, share technical expertise, and strengthen business partnerships.
Source: Sandon Global