The printing ink industry is clearly changing, and it is interesting to hear the perspective of people who have long been involved in the field. From time to time, Ink World will interview some of the leaders in the field, and present their viewpoints. This week, we spoke with Pat Carlisle, president of Joules Angstom U.V. Printing Inks, as well as the new president of the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM).
 
After years of learning the ink industry with mentors such as Pete Jacobs of Continental Inks, Carlisle started Joules Angstrom from nothing in 1999, working out of his parents’ basement. Carlisle has continued to grow Joules Angstrom to the profitable business it is today, employing more than 50 people in its state-of-the-art headquarters in Etna, OH, and becoming a leader in the UV litho ink field.
 
A strong believer in the ink industry and in NAPIM, Joules Angstrom joined NAPIM in 2000, one year after opening the business. This was motivated by ]Carlisle’s desire to move the industry forward, and make whatever contributions he could to that end. Initially, Carlisle worked with NPIRI due to his background in formulating inks, but he switched over to NAPIM. His dedication to the industry earned him the prestigious Printing Ink Pioneer Award from NAPIM in 2013.
 
Ink World: What are your thoughts on becoming the new president of NAPIM?
Pat Carlisle: It is an honor to be elected as the new president of NAPIM. I look forward to working with the NAPIM staff, the NAPIM Board of Directors, NPIRI, Tappi and the Technical Associate Members to promote the welfare of the printing ink industry. We will continue the work hard to maintain the integrity of our industry.
 
Ink World: What do you see as the main benefits of being a NAPIM member?
Pat Carlisle: The benefits of being a NAPIM member are many. First, as the Mission Statement explains, NAPIM provides information and assistance to its members so that they may better manage their businesses; NAPIM also represents the printing ink industry in the United States. We provide our members vast resources on a wide range of topics that include, but are not limited to, seminars, webinars, conferences, bulletins and books – to name a few. But, what I also consider to be of great importance to the members (and also very important for non-members to consider) is the representation of the ink industry with a unified voice before government – and to the graphic arts industry and other allied associations. We have to protect our industry and continue to voice the vital importance of ink and printing to this great nation.
 
Ink World: What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish as president of NAPIM?
Pat Carlisle: As president of NAPIM, my goals include increasing membership, improving participation in all aspects and strengthening our relationship with EUPIA and like associations as globalization continues.
 
Ink World: What do you see as the greatest challenges ahead for NAPIM and for the ink industry in general?
Pat Carlisle: The greatest challenge ahead for NAPIM is “change.” (Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. – John F. Kennedy) As an association, we must continue to focus on technological, regulatory, and environmental changes involving our industry and allied industries.
 
Ink World: What is your outlook for NAPIM and for the ink industry as a whole?
Pat Carlisle: As an interesting note, realize that the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) has been the only national trade association for the printing ink industry since its founding in 1915.
 
My outlook for NAPIM and the ink industry is positive. We must continue to be strong and diverse. The publication market has shrunk as a result of both the global financial crisis in 2008-2009, and a shift from ink on paper to the internet. The packaging segment continues to grow as the economy strengthens and consumers spend more. Indications are, this will continue; along with this, the need for products that lessen the environmental impact and increase consumer safety will be necessary. NAPIM fills a vital role in representing the ink industry to meet these needs. We must continue educating both internally and externally to support the many interests in print and to help foster the next generation of ink makers and suppliers.