FEICA - Association of the European Adhesive Sealant Industry

FEICA

FEICA is a member-oriented, value–driven organisation representing the European adhesive and sealant sector.

Lobbying Activity

Response to Advanced Materials Act

12 Jan 2026

FEICA Recommendation for a Stronger European Advanced Materials Industry Adhesives and sealants meet the criteria for advanced materials as defined by the European Commission. They are engineered and customisable; they address key economic and ecological requirements and enable strategic collaborations between partners across multiple value chains. Recognising them as such would reflect their true contribution to Europes industrial resilience, sustainability goals and technological leadership. A predictable regulatory environment is essential to attract industry investment in innovation and the production of advanced materials in Europe. Regulations should include clear, science-based sustainability criteria and remain technology- and material-neutral to avoid lock-ins and allow flexibility for innovation. Simplification should focus on what is strictly necessary, while future rules must strengthen the single market and enhance innovation and competitiveness. This includes reducing administrative burdens, eliminating unnecessary reporting and accelerating lengthy permitting and validation procedures. Furthermore, as the production of innovative, advanced materials typically faces higher raw material costs, substantial investments and process adaptations, policy measures can increase the availability and the speed of market uptake of such products, ultimately reducing market entry barriers. This includes an incentive-driven regulatory framework (1) compensating potential price premiums of advanced, more sustainable materials, (2) streamlining administrative processes, and (3) shortening approval timelines for innovation funding and industrial investments. Strengthening the advanced materials ecosystems by developing clear industry-wide roadmaps for advanced materials and clean technologies, supported by long-term political and financial commitment, would provide planning security. Safeguarding the competitiveness of the European supply chain The resilience of existing production capacity in adhesives in Europe should be safeguarded and protected. The adhesives industry faces increasing challenges due to global market distortions and the rise of protectionist policies in key regions. To safeguard Europes industrial base, a more strategic approach to trade and industrial policy is essential. We support trade policies that prevent unfair market distortions while maintaining the EUs openness to investment and competition under fair regulatory conditions. At the same time, we recognise the importance of reducing geographic dependencies and strengthening strategic sourcing of advanced materials. Targeted state-aid and industrial strategies should aim to secure Europes value-added in the adhesives supply chain, ensuring that public and private investment supports European industry while fostering reciprocity with like-minded trade partners.
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Response to Circular Economy Act

5 Nov 2025

FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry, welcomes the European Commissions Circular Economy Act as a landmark initiative to accelerate Europes shift to a truly circular model. Adhesives and sealants are essential enablers of circularity and the R-strategies throughout a products life. The adhesives and sealants sector in Europe comprises over 95 member companies and 16 national associations and contributes around 15 billion to the Unions economy. It supports high-quality employment in SMEs and large industrial groups, underlining its strategic importance to the Single Market. Adhesives and sealants are not mere inputs but essential enablers of circularity. They help minimise resource use, extend product lifetimes and close material loops across value chains. FEICAs requestsadoption of a technology-neutral approach, harmonisation of regulatory measures, investment in debonding infrastructure and support for affordable innovationwill ensure that the Circular Economy Act delivers a truly circular, competitive and sustainable European economy. More detailed input can be found in the file attached.
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Meeting with Ewa Malz (Head of Unit Environment)

5 Nov 2025 · environmental omnibus

Response to Review ecodesign electric motors and variable speed drives.

22 Sept 2025

In the updated eco-design requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives, the critical role of adhesives and sealants in their production and performance should be recognised. In motors, adhesives and sealants bond permanent magnets, seal casings, retain axle parts, secure motor wires through tacking and reinforcement, provide thread locking, and enable electro-insulation laminates as well as potting of components to protect against vibration and corrosion. In variable speed drives, adhesives and sealants play the same key role they as in all electronics production, both at the chip and component level, and at the circuit board and overall device level. This includes, for example, chip production, component encapsulation and fixation, underfill, case sealing, and thermal management functions. Aside from being indispensable for the production of modern electric motors and variable speed drives, adhesives and sealants provide additional benefits particularly in terms of energy efficiency and material efficiency. In doing so, they support a low-carbon circular economy. ENERGY EFFICIENCY benefits result, for example, from adhesives enabling motor core lamination, improving thermal management, dampening vibrations, sealing out moisture and dust to prevent corrosion and enhancing electrical insulation. In particular, in motors using permanent magnets, adhesives perform the crucial function of precisely positioning and securely fastening the magnets without introducing magnetic interference, thereby improving the motors torque and efficiency. MATERIAL EFFICIENCY benefits are also generated by adhesive and sealants, due to material savings and by extending equipment lifespan. The latter is a consequence of increased ruggedness, for example through wire tacking, environmental protection of components, or the higher longevity of retaining compound-based axle constructions, compared with press fitting. Adhesive and sealants also provide important MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FUNCTIONS such as retaining or fixing replacement parts, resealing casings after maintenance or repair, compensating for worn axles and bearings, and even rebuilding damaged metal parts. These and other examples clearly refute the sometimes generically voiced criticism that adhesives and sealants are a concern for and an impediment to circularity. Finally, adhesives and sealants are ideally suited for the automation of production processes, helping to reduce material waste, out-of-spec rates, and crucially, production costs. They therefore contribute to making highly efficient electric motors and variable speed drives more affordable, while keeping European industry competitive. Considering their important functions and contributions to a low-carbon circular economy, the use of adhesives and sealants in electric motors and variable speed drives should be embraced rather than restricted by the updated eco-design requirements. References: https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/de/en/industries/manufacturing/emotors.html https://www.isotek-gmbh.de/en/solutions/motors/ https://filmcutter.it/en/# https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/de/en/applications/all-applications/case-studies/loctite-helps-improve-electric-motor-performance.html https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/hu/en/products/repair-material/metal-rebuilding-material.html
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Response to Repairability score for tumble dryers

2 Dec 2024

FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry, thanks the Commission for the publication of the draft Delegated regulation and the revision of the Annex III (1 c) for the so called METHOD FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE REPAIRABILITY INDEX OF HOUSEHOLD TUMBLE DRYERS. Please see the FEICA feedback attached and we thank you in advance for considering it.
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Meeting with Maria Spyraki (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Dec 2023 · Cocktail event

Meeting with João Albuquerque (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs and

25 Apr 2023 · CLP - Classification, labelling and packaging

Response to Revision of EU legislation on hazard classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals

21 Mar 2023

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to revise the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, confirming the ambitions laid out in the proposals inception impact assessment by including provisions aiming at better identifying and classifying hazardous chemicals, and improving communication on chemical hazards, including that by online suppliers. Revising the CLP means changing the foundation of one of the most comprehensive pieces of hazard communication legislation in the world, and it is important to consider sectorial implications. FEICA would like to share the attached position with comments on the following points of the revision: - New rules regarding labelling layout - Broader use of fold-out labels - Updating information on labels - Advertisement - Distance sales - Digital labels and simplification of labels
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Meeting with Luisa Regimenti (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Dow Europe GmbH and

10 Mar 2023 · PPWR

Response to Environmental impact of mobile phones and tablets - Ecodesign

27 Sept 2022

Please see attached the FEICA Feedback to the Draft act on Designing mobile phones and tablets to be sustainable – Ecodesign.
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Response to Review of the Construction Products Regulation

4 Jul 2022

Dear, FEICA thanks in advance the Commission for considering the industry feedback attached on the revision of the Construction Products Regulation.
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Response to Simplification and digitalisation of labels on chemicals (CLP, Detergents, Fertilising Products)

20 Sept 2021

FEICA welcomes the European Commissions’ initiative on simplification and digitalisation of labels on chemicals to better communicate essential information about chemical products to users via innovative digital tools, and thanks the Commission for the possibility to provide feedback. This initiative is of high relevance to the adhesives and sealants (A&S) sector because it would introduce changes for the labelling of a very broad spectrum of A&S products and A&S packaging. A&S products are often placed on the market in very small packaging and, consequently, it is almost impossible to present all the mandatory information in a clear and readable way. Practical experiences clearly indicate that less than 30% of consumers read the label before buying the product and even less before using it. FEICA members are committed to ensure end users are provided with adequate and useful safety and sustainability information. Information and conclusions FEICA fully supports the initiative of the Commission to simplify CLP labels and allow for digitalisation when possible. The question is not about deciding which information could be provided digitally but, rather, about avoiding too much text and duplication of information and improving the readability of the product label, especially with multi-language labels (fold-out labels) and very small packaging (See the labelling exemptions under CLP). Overlaps and inconsistencies between European pieces of legislation establishing labelling requirements should be addressed. A&S are used by three different user groups, i.e., industrial, professional and consumer users. We acknowledge that the level of understanding of chemical labels is different depending on the group. Of the various pieces of information provided on labels, we believe a distinction can be made between information that is particularly important for consumers’ use and safety and should stay on the label and information that could be removed, replaced by icons or moved to a digital label. (Further details on our suggestion are provided in the attachment.) This differentiation would create more space for clear and distinct wording and would increase the readability of, for example, the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), which now mostly disappears in the overload of text on the package. FEICA members consider that already existing and very well-known IT tools, such as QR codes, could be of use to provide access to digital labels. A possibility to consider would also be to install and use scanning equipment in retail shops so that information could also be accessed before a sale. This would facilitate access to the information for users without a personal smartphone. Small shops with more personal and dedicated assistance can further help the customer to get information, either verbally or via a printout. We would also like to highlight that digitalisation of labeling should not open the door to adding additional new information requirements. Simplification should remain key. Existing and working initiatives should be considered while this regulation is developed; for example, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) regarding CE marking and the Declaration of Performance (DoP) is important for this study. Further information attached.
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Response to Revision of EU legislation on hazard classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals

29 May 2021

FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry, is a multinational association representing the European adhesive and sealant industry. Today's membership stands at 15 National Association Members, 24 Direct Company Members and 19 Affiliate Company Members. The European market for adhesives and sealants is currently worth more than 17 billion euros. With the support of its national associations and several direct and affiliated members, FEICA coordinates, represents and advocates the common interests of our industry throughout Europe. In this regard, FEICA works with all relevant stakeholders to create a mutually beneficial economic and legislative environment. FEICA welcomes the opportunity to participate in the Inception Impact Assessment Revision of the EU legislation on hazard classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP). Our industry’s capability to formulate products strongly depends on the availability of the raw materials used as ingredients in adhesives and sealants. For that reason, we would like to position ourselves as stakeholders in the CLP amendment process. In our opinion, international standardisation is key; new hazard classes should go the route of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) before being added to CLP. Uniform criteria across regulatory tools are important to create a viable basis for companies, especially Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and prevent impacts on innovation. FEICA disagrees with the approach taken by the Commission to consider CLP as the only option to identify EDs without evaluating other potential options under the REACH regulation. REACH has already demonstrated its ability to identify and assess Endocrine Disrupting chemicals. The implementation of ED identification criteria under REACH could be done in the same way as PBTs via an Annex. The importance of a dialogue with all stakeholders in the supply chain cannot be overestimated. Downstream users of chemicals provide innovative solutions with economic, environmental and societal benefits. Downstream users are best placed to oversee the impact of substance policies and can provide valuable input on the possible consequences. The administrative burden that will be triggered by the introduction of new hazard classes should not be underestimated. Thus, FEICA remains available to discuss the potential impacts of the revision of the CLP in the adhesives and sealants industry and participate in any foreseen impact assessment.
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Response to Revision of EU legislation on registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals

29 May 2021

FEICA would appreciate the consideration of the following issues with respect to the impact of the revision of REACH on adhesives and sealants formulators. Revision of registration requirements The use of polymers within the adhesives and sealants industry is very widespread. In particular, customisation of polymers is key for innovation and the circular economy and must be supported by proportionate registration requirements with a minimum of administrative burden. FEICA supports pragmatic grouping criteria for polymers, including exemption for polymeric precursors, that would allow balancing the impact on industry and would ensure availability of everyday products. At the same time, grouping would help to reduce the potentially large number of polymer registrations, often for similar polymers customised by adhesive manufacturers. Introduction of a Mixtures Assessment Factor (MAF) The MAF concept should be supported by scientific evidence. The introduction of a MAF should therefore be risk-proportionate, workable, and effective. When exposure limits are derived under REACH (PNEC , DNEL ), several conservative default assessment factors are already used, all of which contain a safety margin. Their multiplication leads to an overall factor that contains a considerable safety margin that would also cover possible additive combination effects. An additional application of a MAF would lead to a further lowering of the already quite low, conservatively derived exposure limits. The introduction of a ‘mixture assessment factor’ in REACH Annex 1 will significantly affect the REACH Chemical Safety Assessment of the ingredients of our products. As a result, many ingredients may no longer be used in our products. The available data on occupational diseases does not indicate that the exposure of workers is too high in all cases and that the use of an additional MAF is justified. Simplifying communication in the supply chains FEICA reiterates its commitment to the improvement of supply chain communication and welcomes the EU COM initiative to look for ways to improve communication in the supply chain. We support implementation of new digital solutions in the market on the basis of favourable impact assessment. Reforming the authorisation process We are of the opinion that the risk assessment is specific to uses, and expertise should remain with the existing agencies responsible. Reforming the restriction process The application of the ‘generic approach to risk management’ should be limited to the current scope of Article 68 (2) of REACH (CMR and consumer). In the professional use sector, employees receive training and apply risk management measures such as personal protective equipment in the course of their professional activity. An appropriate risk assessment cannot be replaced by the ‘generic approach to risk management’. Regarding the concept of essential uses, a generic ‘definition based’ approach to ‘essentiality’ is not a solution that can ensure sufficient clarity and predictability for industry and consumers. Subjective judgement cannot replace robust regulatory processes. Minimising exposure through evidence-based policy making should be the corner stone when safe chemicals are defined. Revision of provisions for control and enforcement The regulatory framework should be proportionate, well-assessed and based on sound science. The CSS describes ‘toxic-free’ as the ultimate goal. Toxic substances occur naturally or not. The focus should be on risk, not hazard, when assessing whether a substance poses a risk to people and the environment. A more detailed version of FEICA's comments is attached.
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Response to Revision of EU rules on food contact materials

28 Jan 2021

Due to the complexity of our answers and for better comprehension we have summarised our comments and attached as PDF.
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Response to Amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 relating to emergency health response

7 Aug 2019

FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry is a multinational association representing the European adhesive and sealant industry. With the support of its national associations and several direct and affiliated members, FEICA coordinates, represents and advocates the common interests of our industry throughout Europe. In this regard FEICA aims to establish a constructive dialogue with legislators in order to act as a reliable partner to resolve issues affecting the European adhesive and sealant industry. FEICA welcomes the 1st amendment of CLP Annex VIII, as presented on this draft delegated act. We congratulate the European Commission for the efforts and resources spent on addressing MSCA/industry issues on the CLP Annex VIII (including the one-year postponement), however FEICA would like to reiterate its members interest/concerns in addressing the proposed changes as presented on the 1st amendment of CLP Annex VIII. Please find hereby attached detailed feedback. We thank you in advance for taking into account our integrated industry/national associations comments.
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Response to Review of ecodesign requirements for computers and computer servers

8 Mar 2018

FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry, is a multinational association representing the European adhesive and sealant Industry. With the support of its national associations and several direct and affiliated members, FEICA coordinates, represents and advocates the common interests of the industry throughout Europe. FEICA members support the need for ecodesign to encourage end-of-life re-use and recycle solutions for electronic products and components, such as computers. The aims for reducing waste and ensuring full circularity of the economy go beyond what economic actors can achieve alone. FEICA has already been an active advocate in the ecodesign legislation proposals for electronic displays and supports the principle that design for circularity is important. Adhesives are an outstanding and versatile fixing solution. The use of appropriate adhesive bonding solutions to facilitate repair and recycle should be properly planned and engineered during the design phase of a product. For these reasons, FEICA members believe that, should the European Commission decide to pursue either policy options 2 or 3, the revision of these regulations must be balanced and the competitiveness of European industry must be considered. Imposing specific technologies on manufacturers could potentially result in a technology lock-in, thus hampering innovation and preventing the development of more efficient products in the future. By working closely with customers, adhesives manufacturers can help ensure that the optimum adhesive solution is specified in the design phase to improve the recycling and repair potential of future products.
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