With the outbreak of COVID-19, industries are being asked to confirm whether their businesses are considered to be essential to the running of the country.

John Copeland, executive director of the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers, and George Fuchs, NAPIM’s director, regulatory affairs and technology, recently sent a letter to various governmental agencies regarding the importance of the printing ink industry in everyday life. The text of the letter is posted below:

March 19, 2020

Dear U.S. Federal, State & Local Government Officials,  
 
The printing ink industry sets a high priority for the health and safety of its employees.  As this COVID 19 Coronavirus crisis is at a critical tipping point, we are paying special attention to industry employees and customers, and all who come in contact with our members, and are encouraging our industry to exercise common sense and care. 

The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM), has been the sole voice for the printing ink industry in the United States since 1914.  Our member companies manufacture printing inks, raw materials, equipment and supplies for printing ink manufacturers.  Safety and health have long been an important issue in our industry and our members abide by the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and other public health agencies in their respective regions and states.  Our members are implementing policies that require social distancing, enhanced personal hygiene, strict sick leave policies and wide-spread work at home opportunities. 

The printing ink industry (NAICS 32591) employs over 10,000 employees across the country in manufacturing facilities, warehouse and distribution facilities.  We are a $4 billion dollar plus industry with a wide network of suppliers, distributors and customers. Printing ink is essential to printers’ capability to produce the packaging, literature (instructions) and products in vital industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, military, food packaging and consumer goods. In fact, almost all manufacturing processes that result in the production of a tangible product include a printed carton, leaflet or label.  The printing ink industry is an integral partner to the printing and manufacturing industry. 

It is for these reasons that we are concerned that the COVID-19 outbreak could impede or prevent the effective supply of printing ink, or any of the raw materials used to make it, to printers.  The imposition of a nationwide lock-down and/or border closures will rapidly cause disruption to vendors supplying raw materials and printing ink manufacturers supplying ink to printers. This will result in an interruption in the capability of printers to produce the materials described above.

NAPIM is monitoring government and public health orders issued across the country to assist our industry in complying and developing policies that will allow us to continue to keep our workers employed.  In our manufacturing, distribution and warehouse operations, social distancing can be accomplished, as well as enhanced personal hygiene practices and additional protections for employees and customers alike.  While some of our employees may be able to work at home, it is not possible to operate manufacturing facilities from a distance. These are essential services. 

NAPIM remains ready to do our part to protect our families, our industry and our country.  We urge you to consider the importance of the printing ink manufacturing industry to the health and well-being of our economy. NAPIM is seeking assurance that the raw material suppliers and printing ink manufacturers will be exempt from restrictions that may be imposed in response to COVID-19 so that we may continue to provide these essential products and services.

Please contact me ([email protected]) or George Fuchs ([email protected]) if you have questions or comments.

Best Regards,
 
John R. Copeland
Executive Director NAPIM 
 
George Fuchs
Director – Technology and Regulatory Affairs