From Sept. 8- 11, the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) hosted the NAPIM 2025 Annual Convention/Technical Conference in Charlotte, NC. Building on last year’s collocated format, this year’s meeting once again combined the Annual Convention and Technical Conference into one program. 

Feedback from attendees was positive, with participants praising the quality of sessions, networking opportunities and conversations throughout the week.  

The NAPIM Annual Convention and Technical Conference featured a lineup of speakers and sessions that sparked dialogue and delivered insights for both business and technical professionals. 

• Panel discussions and general sessions generated new ideas and thoughtful debate on key industry issues, with attendees highlighting the practical takeaways they could bring back to their companies.  Topics included AI implementation strategies for business and manufacturing automation, Economic and Policy, Digital Technology, and Color Management. 
• Technical sessions explored topics ranging from packaging recyclability and microplastics to innovations in food packaging development, printing inks and coatings for circularity, and advances in offset press technology. 
• Regulatory updates covered both European and U.S. developments, including an FDA panel discussion that addressed compliance challenges, supply chain transparency and the role of public perception in regulatory priorities. 

Celebrating Industry Excellence

A highlight of the Annual Convention/Technical Conference was the Awards Reception and Dinner, where the industry came together to honor colleagues who have made outstanding contributions to the field. This year’s award recipients included: 

• Lawter Lecture Series Awards: First Place – Matthew Welmers, INX International; Second Place – Joseph Lengyel, BASF 
• TAM Service Award: Gene Cassidy, Lawter 
• Technical Achievement Award: Alex Folloso , INX International 
• Printing Ink Pioneer Awards: David Biro, Sun Chemical; Ron Deegan, INX International; Allan Neal, Sun Chemical; Jeff Newton, Sun Chemical 
• Ault Award: Chris Parrilli, Sun Chemical (retired) 

The week also featured industry exhibitors and service providers sharing their latest innovations. Through tabletop exhibits and spotlight presentations, companies had the opportunity to engage directly with attendees and showcase products, technologies and solutions that are advancing the printing ink sector. 

NAPIM is already preparing for what comes next, and attendees can expect another strong program in 2026.