Agreement creates new opportunities for collaboration as company prepares for 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 continued advancement across India's rapidly expanding flexographic sector.

By reducing trade barriers and improving market access, the agreement is set to make it easier for Indian converters to access specialist UK print technologies, engineering expertise and technical support. It is also expected to accelerate the adoption of high-performance flexographic production while encouraging greater investment, knowledge sharing and long-term commercial partnerships. For printers, this creates further opportunities to improve productivity and quality while meeting sustainability objectives.

The timing is particularly significant as Sandon Global prepares to exhibit at FILMS 2026, the 13th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit & Exhibition, taking place on 26-27 August at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event will provide the company with its first major opportunity to engage with customers and partners following the FTA's implementation, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Indian market.

India remains a key strategic market for Sandon Global as flexible packaging manufacturers continue investing in CI flexographic printing as an alternative to rotogravure. The FTA further strengthens the commercial case for closer UK-India technical collaboration, 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, visitors to the Sandon Global stand will be able to explore the company's precision-engineered engravings, including XPRO, HVP, Fluid FP and GMX Anilox®. Developed for demanding print and coating applications, these anilox solutions are designed to support predictable ink transfer, stable press performance and consistent results across flexible packaging production.

A key focus will be helping converters understand how the right anilox specification can support the move from rotogravure to CI flexographic printing while improving efficiency, reducing waste and supporting the use of recyclable and mono-material packaging structures.

Recognised as the world's largest films and flexible packaging summit and exhibition, FILMS 2026 will bring together more than 2,500 industry leaders from across the global packaging supply chain to exchange knowledge, share technical expertise and strengthen industry partnerships. Sandon Global looks forward to welcoming converters, brand owners and industry partners to its stand throughout the two-day event.

Visit Sandon Global during FILMS 2026 – 13th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit & Exhibition, taking place from 26-27 August 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India.