In the packaging industry, the use of gravure ink has a major influence on the product contained in the package in terms of protection and communication. Another purpose of the film of gravure ink is to prevent heat transfer either from outside or from inside of the container or pack. However, the adherent film is not always long lasting. In this work, the mechanical and thermal properties of gravure ink films were measured. The mechanical properties measured, included the density, modulus of elasticity and the Poisson's ratio. The thermal measurements were confined to thermal conductivity, specific heat, heat diffusivity and the coefficient of linear expansion. If taken into account, these findings may be helpful in applying these films for the better protection of packaged products and in improving the adhesion of the films to different metallic and non-metallic substrates. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2011