NAPIM has been the only national trade association for the printing ink industry since its founding in 1916. Its overall purpose is to promote general development and improvement of member companies by fostering greater understanding and knowledge of the printing ink industry as well as representing the industry as a whole on a national basis. In addition, NAPIM provides seminars, conferences, publications, bulletins and consultation services to its member companies on an ongoing basis. The association exists in order to serve its membership, which is accomplished by being both reactive and proactive on key issues affecting the ink industry. NAPIM members include ink manufacturers, companies that supply raw materials, and manufacturers of instrumentation and equipment utilized by the printing ink industry.