The Coalition for Paper Options (CPO), Washington, D.C., USA, a stand-alone coalition devoted exclusively to protecting citizen access to paper-based information, this week welcomed its newest members—the  Association for Print Technologies (formerly NPES), Reston, Va., and the Idealliance. These new members have joined with Printing Industries of America, the American Forest & Paper Association, the Envelope Manufacturers Association, and a host of individual corporations in the paper manufacturing, printing, and mailing industries as financial supporters of the CPO’s efforts to protect access to paper-based resources and information.

"By supporting the Coalition for Paper Options, the paper, printing, and mailing industry is speaking out in a loud and unified voice against government efforts to limit access to important paper-based information," said John Runyan, executive director of the Coalition for Paper Options. "Our coalition, however, is not just about industry, as evidenced by a wide range of consumer, senior, and rural groups which are also active members. We are all united in making sure that our nation embraces technology without penalizing citizens who still need or prefer traditional access to paper-based services offered by government and the private sector."

In addition to its industry partners, the CPOs’ membership includes consumer advocacy groups such as the Coalition of Mutual Fund Investors, Consumer Action, the National Consumers League, the National Grange, the Senior Citizens League, and more.

The Coalition for Paper Options’ federal policy agenda http://paperoptions.org/ currently includes a range of issues from preserving shareholder access to paper mutual fund performance reports to restoring printed versions of important government documents such as Social Security statements and tax forms.  For more information, contact the coalition by email. 

The Association for Print Technologies (APTechSM), formerly known as NPES, is a purpose-driven organization dedicated to supporting the entire commercial printing value chain. APTechSM helps its members maximize alignment with their value chain partners to be more effective and competitive. Printing has been vital to communication for decades; today, the digital culture has heightened the industry’s complexity and reframed its relevance. APTech’s signature event—PRINT®—answers the call by bringing the boldest and brightest innovators, influencers, and newest technology together to create connections that showcase and advance the printing industry. For complete information about the Association, its programs, and its member companies, visit the association’s web site, or phone: 703-264-7200.

Idealliance, a global thought leader in the graphic communications industry since 1896, is a non-profit industry organization with 11 strategically located offices around the world. ISO recognizes Idealliance as the world’s foremost certifying body for competencies, systems, materials, and facilities required to function as a state-of-the-art operation in a dynamic and highly competitive graphic communications marketplace. Idealliance serves brands; content and media creators; manufacturers; service providers in mail, marketing, print and packaging; and material suppliers and technology partners worldwide. It serves through Standards Development, support for Print Workflows & Technologies, Industry Research, and Certification & Training. Its specifications have transformed the graphic communications industry by defining production workflows for color (GRACoL®, SWOP®, XCMYK™, G7®, BrandQ™), content management (PRISM®), mail supply (Mail.dat®, Mail.XML™), and paper (papiNet®). As a leading innovator in ISO standards and program development, Idealliance provides information, insight, and training designed to drive innovation and advance the industry segments it serves. More information about Idealliance, or call 703- 837-1070.

The Coalition for Paper Options is an alliance of consumer organizations, labor unions, rural advocates, and print communications industry organizations and employees who recognize the need to preserve access to important paper-based information and services for Americans who prefer them or depend on them. While the CPO supports the use of technology, it believes that the government and private sector should promote digital services and information without discriminating against citizens who want or need more traditional access. By giving Americans a choice, we can bridge the digital divide and save millions of dollars – without shifting cost burdens to citizens who can least afford them. More information about CPO and a list of its members are available online.