The International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC), which provides a forum for exchange and cooperation on international issues and priorities facing the paint and printing inks industry, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012. In its two decades of existence, the council has grown dramatically, establishing itself as a global voice for the industry.

Since its inception in 1992, IPPIC has developed into a leading representative of the global paints and printing inks industry. Through the years, the council has matured and flourished, adding members of paint and printing ink associations representing Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, UK and the United States. In that time, IPPIC has become a  force for industry, coordinating the development of industry policy on international issues by sharing information germane to industry and analyzing the global
implications.

Common concerns and matters facing the paint and printing ink industries on a global level have increased significantly. While it is always a constant challenge for each individual country to manage the myriad of domestic regulations, it has become increasingly difficult to interpret the potential impact of foreign issues. IPPIC was conceived and instituted in an attempt to improve communication and to coordinate industry policy on matters of international concern. IPPIC does not set policy; rather, it acts as a focal point for monitoring and communicating specified international issues; develops recommendations and analyses on selected issues of common interest to the participating organizations; and attempts to derive a common position in conjunction with the governing bodies of the respective participants.

Demonstrating its progress and recognition, in 2005 IPPIC was granted NGO status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which empowers IPPIC to highlight international industry issues before the UN and its affiliated organizations. Its global advocacy efforts follow and participate in the International Maritime Organization, UN Subcommittee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, UN Subcommittee on Globally Harmonized System for Labeling, World Health Organization, and the UN Environment Program.

In 2010, IPPIC launched an enhanced website, www.ippic.org, which contains comprehensive information about the council, its global advocacy efforts, upcoming meetings and events, and the new Global Paint & Coatings Industry Market Analysis Report (2009-2014). IPPIC produced the global market study—the first edition was published in 2008—to provide in-depth insight into the primary categories of coatings, and their many subsegments.

This comprehensive resource, which was in demand and well received by industry, is filled with solid market data pertinent to the global paint and coatings industry.

In addition, IPPIC has become a premier sponsor of global conferences for its industry, hosting the biannual Coatings Summit and Marine Coatings Forum. The Coatings Summit provides a unique opportunity for global coatings industry executives to gather in one place for interactive sessions that address a wide range of topics, from business strategy and economic forecasts to sustainability and new technology. The Global Marine Coatings Forum is geared to all industry stakeholders and provides valuable information on the most up-to-date topics with
regard to the marine coatings.

For more information on IPPIC, please visit www.ippic.org.