Adhesion Matters - FEICA: Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry

Episode Date: August 3, 2025

FEICA (the Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry) plays a critical role not in the adhesive industry but with the users of such adhesives.  FEICA, established in 1972, is the preeminent representative body for the European adhesive and sealant sector. Its core purpose, as outlined in today's podcast episode, is to champion the collective interests of its members, enhance the industry's operating environment, and foster innovation and sustainable growth. Crucial for navigating complex and evolving European chemicals legislation (REACH, CLP, CPR, Food Contact Materials regulations), especially for SMEs. Without FEICA, the industry would face fragmentation, diminished effectiveness in advocating for its collective interests, and significantly increased vulnerability to disproportionate, impractical, or economically detrimental regulations.

Okay, so just take a quick look around you. Right now, how many things do you think are actually held together or, you know, sealed up tight? Well, something sticky. And I don't just mean craft glue. I'm talking about, say, the smartphone you might be holding or the car you drove, even the roof over your head. Right. High-tech adhesives and sealants are just everywhere. Quietly, invisibly.

Holding our modern world together. It's not just sticky stuff. It's really advanced chemistry. Absolutely. So today we're going to pull back the curtain. on this often unseen, but really fascinating world, we're diving into advanced adhesive and sealant technology and the absolutely crucial roles played by organizations like FICA. That's the association of the European adhesive and sealant industry and Bodomiller-Chemmy.

They're really driving innovation, safety, and sustainability here. Yeah, and for this deep dive, we've gathered quite a bit of information. Our sources give us detailed insights into FICA's mission, what they actually. do. Plus, a close look at Bodo-Meller-Kimmy, their global operations, they're really specialized services, and also some recent news, you know, highlighting key developments. Good stuff. Our mission, well, it's pretty straightforward. We want to show how these seemingly invisible products and the organizations behind them contribute massively to our economy and importantly to a more sustainable future. Think of this as your short-tut to understanding a

really vital high tech sector. Okay, let's talk scale then. Because when we talk about the European adhesive and sealant industry, these aren't small numbers, are they? Not at all. It turns out rough in 5 million tons of product every single year. Five million tons. Wow. And that gets used in over 250,000 different applications. Quarter of a million uses. That's incredible. It is. And these aren't just, you know, minor things. They're absolutely integral. Like what? Give us some concrete examples. Okay, well, inside your mobile phone, essential for cars, sealing your washing machine tight, holding your shoes together. Shoes too. And really fundamentally in the construction and weatherproofing of buildings, making them airtight, energy efficient. That energy efficiency

point is huge now. It really is. And what's quite remarkable is how the cutting edge chemistry, the adhesion science, is increasingly making products easier to recycle. Ah, circularity. Exactly. Driving product circularity actively slashing carbon footprints in huge sectors. Construction, automotive, energy. It's amazing how fundamental it is. And what's fascinating, I think, is that while it's incredibly high-tech today, the roots go back hundreds of years. Really? How so? Simple natural products like tree sap. That's where it started. But the evolution, exponential.

So from tree sap to what? To, well, advanced solutions so critical they contribute to the safety of modern aircraft, stopping parts, vibrating loose, mid-flight, countless other high-stakes uses. Aircraft safety. Yeah. Yeah, it just shows the historical depth, but also the modern sophistication. It's quite the journey. So with an industry this complex, this vital, who keeps it all in check?

Who makes sure the rules make sense? That's where FICA comes in. The Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry. They're the preeminent body. Right, FICA. You mentioned them. Formerly set up in 72. That's right, 1972. though the actual talks, the collaboration, started way back late 1950s.

And their goal? Their core purpose is to be the industry's powerful voice. That's how they pay it. A powerful voice. What does that entail? Well, it's multifaceted, really. Think of them as the industry's dedicated problem solvers in Brussels. Dealing with the EU institutions.

Exactly. Representing collective interests to policymakers. They're constantly working to sort of improve the economic and lead. landscape, ironing out wrinkles that might stifle things. Precisely, advocating for a balanced approach, one that supports both rapid innovation and rigorous safety, all while fostering growth, competitiveness. How do they actually do all that? Through robust advocacy, proactive engagement with regulators, big sustainability initiatives, and also crucial knowledge sharing and networking for members. Okay, that advocacy piece sounds key. You hear about Brussels being a complex place to navigate. How effective are they?

They have an excellent working relationship with EU legislators. They're seen as a trusted and competent partner. So they have real influence. They do because they bring expertise. They're critical and helping members understand and navigate these really complex regulations like Reach Chemicals Regulation. Oh, yeah. Reach is huge. And CLP classification, labeling and packaging.

Without FICA, honestly, a great new greener adhesive could just get stuck in red tape for years. So they help unstick the process. You could say that. For REACH specifically, they consistently advocate for simplification. They tackle big issues like how new polymers get registered. Right. And they push for sensible reform of the restriction and authorization process, including things like the generic risk management approach. It's about making sure rules don't block safe innovation unnecessarily. Any examples. Sure, they held a stakeholder forum, just this June 2025, focused specifically on the REACH revision, bringing everyone to the table. And CLP. The labeling stuff. For CLP, they're calling for practical things. Flexible formatting rules, staggered transition periods, proportionate advertising provisions.

They know one-size-fits-all doesn't always work. Makes sense. Just recently, July 2025, they called for the swift adoption of CLP Stop the Clock. Basically, giving companies needed breathing room during big regulatory changes. And it's not just re-chage in CLP, right? They're involved elsewhere. Oh, absolutely. They're deep into the construction products regulation that affects everything from concrete strength to window seals.

They're active in the packaging and packaging waste directive too. Really stressing how adhesives are vital for enabling recycling and ensuring food contact safety. Dude contact safety. That's crucial. Definitely. And of course, the ongoing revision of food contact materials legislation. So they're really covering the basis. And even beyond specific rules, they engage with the big picture stuff. The EU Green Deal concepts.

Things like the essential use. use concept is a chemical truly indispensable, developing safe and sustainable by design chemicals, building safety in from the start. Proactive, not just reactive. Exactly. Pushing for one substance, one assessment approach to simplify things. And to boost their influence, FICA actually chairs the downstream users of Chemicals Coordination Group, DUCC.

EUCC. Yeah, it really solidifies their position in the wider chemical policy landscape. Okay. It's clear they're deeply involved in the regulatory side. Okay. But you also mention sustainability. That's a key priority for them. Yes. Right up there with health and safety and innovation. It's core to their mission. How does that play out in practice? Construction, for example. In construction, they highlight adhesives key sustainability role. They're deep into European model environmental product declarations EPDs. Those environmental report cards for products.

Exactly. Helping builders choose greener options. They also promote durable solutions like one-component foam O-CF. O-C-F. What's that? Imagine a spray foam. It doesn't just stick. It expands, creates this incredibly effective insulation barrier. Improves energy efficiency, seals buildings tight.

Ah, I like the stuff you see builders use. Precisely. Simple but powerful for sustainable construction. And in packaging, they put out FAQs, resources, emphasizing adhesives role in recycling, sustainability, food safety, making sure the glue on your cereal box doesn't mess up recycling. That's a common concern. It is. They also promote excellence by sharing good practice stories from members. Real-world example. Showing what works. Yeah. They even have a leaflet. Adhesives and sealance. Enablers of a sustainable society spells out the bigger picture.

So shaping rules, pushing green practices. But how do they help members actually innovate? Keep up. Knowledge sharing must be huge. Essential. They provide resources like FICA Market Reports, offer discounted access to partner reports like smithers, future of packaging adhesives, giving market intelligence. Data is king. And they publish vital industry guidelines, provide info on standards and test methods, OCF, CEM, standards, ensures quality, consistency. Nanotization is important.

Absolutely. And for deeper knowledge, they co-published a key book, Adhesive Bonding Technology in the 21st Century, with Franhofer IFAM. Fronhofer, the Research Institute. Impressive. Yeah. And to really spur innovation, they have their biannual. Adhesion Innovation Award. Spotlights breakthroughs. Recognizing the cutting edge. And like we said,

showcasing those good practice stories ensures successes get shared. Okay, so FICA shapes policy, champion sustainability, fosters innovation, and connects people. You mentioned networking. Yes, they're a massive connector. Major events like the annual FICA European Adhesive and Sealant Conference and XPO. Next year, San Sebastian 2025. Big industry gathering. Huge. They're also key in the World Adhesive and Sealant Conference London in 2026, and they launched a stakeholder forum this year. What's that for? Long-term dialogue and collaboration across the entire value chain.

Raw material suppliers and users, everyone gets a voice. Connecting the dots. Plus active working groups on key topics. Paper and packaging, OCF, mobility and electronics, digital product passports, construction, chemical legislation. Covering all hot topics. And regular webinars or workshops, like on labeling adhesives and packaging recycling, understanding CLP revision, even a P.U. Training platform for safely using Diasa Sinitz,

essential safety training. It sounds incredibly comprehensive. It really is. A full network to keep the industry plugged in. Okay, so that's AECA, the orchestrator. Now let's switch to Boto-Muller-Schemmy. You describe them as more than just a distributor. Deep technical expertise, global reach. Exactly. They operate adhesive competence centers worldwide, employ Ph.D. Chemists. They're almost like an external R&D arm for their clients. Adhesive competence centers. What do they actually do there? They offer a full service package. The adhesive laboratory, for instance, is super modern, extensively equipped. Tests structural adhesives to tough ISO-E-N-DVS standards.

And certified. Oh, yeah. Crucially, certified to the highest safety class, A1S1 under DIN 67012. That's for railway vehicles. Trains, a really high safety demand. Absolutely. Think high-speed trains. The adhesive bonds have to hold under immense stress. That certification proves it. They also meet DIN 20404-1 for calculating bonds, plus over 15 other certs. What kind of tests? Common ones like tensile shear, peel tests basically pulling bonds apart to measure strength, and aging simulations, cataplasma, weathering, mimicking decades of harsh conditions. Ensuring long-term performance. Right. And what's really unique is their engineering data management. Go on. It's a worldwide service. They take chemical characteristics, run long-term tests, and convert it all into design data.

Data for engineers. Essential data for comprehensive process simulation, like a digital twin of the adhesive application before you build it. Saves huge time and money, critical tool. That sounds incredibly valuable. And their design office goes further. They use math, fem, software, finite element method modeling to actually calculate adhesive bond. Cons. Crucial for safety in cars, trucks, buses, rail, shortens development time. They also act as an audit body. Help companies prep for those tough din standard audits with pre-audits, making sure processes meet the highest requirements.

Helping companies meet the standards. And finally, their training center. Knowledge transfer through seminars, workshops, hands-on lab training. Practical learning. Very practical. They partner with big names, BASF, Dow, DuPont, Henkel, Huntsman, and research. places like Fronhofer IFEM again. Bringing industry knowledge together. Exactly. Unique product and application knowledge from demanding sectors, automotive, railway, aerospace, electronics, direct to clients, bridging research and real world use.

That's incredibly hands-on. And you mentioned their global reach. Yeah, offices and sales ops across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas. Truly global. And growing. Definitely expanding. Just this July, 2025, they acquired Rockton in Asia and office. Aqua Engineering Services in India, bolstering their footprint in key growth markets.

Big moves. And also this July, they celebrated their 50th anniversary, half a century in the business. Quite a milestone. And it's great seeing these connections. Bodo Miller-Chemmy's VP of Technology, Dr. Schnell, actually presented at the FICA conference this year, right? It's right. He did. Presented on sustainable and future-proof adhesives at the 2024 conference in the Netherlands.

It really shows that collaboration you mentioned, the shared goals. Absolutely. If you look at the bigger picture, it's the synergy, right? An association like FICA, expert companies like Bodo-Muller-Schemi, they create this powerful ecosystem. How so? Well, FICA sets the framework, promotes standards, advocates at the policy level, high-level stuff. Right. Then companies like Boto-Meller-Semi provide the practical applied tech, the testing, the training. They put those standards and innovations into practice on the ground.

One sets the stage, the other performs on it in a way. Kind of, yeah. It's a symbiotic relationship. So let's bring it back to the listener. What does all this coordination, this ecosystem, mean for you, just living your daily life? Well, it means you benefit directly. You get safer, more reliable, and increasingly sustainable products. Think about your car.

Advanced adhesives make it safer, lighter, more fuel efficient, the food packaging you use. Adhesives play a role in making it recyclable and ensuring it's safe for contact with food. Okay, I see. This synergy ensures continuous. innovation. It tackles big challenges like environmental impact, all happening behind the scenes, basically, for your benefit. So, summing up then, we've taken a deep dive into this hidden world of adhesives and sealants. We've seen their invisible but totally indispensable role, the essential work of FICA in advocacy, sustainability for the whole

European industry. And then the critical hands-on expertise from companies like Bodo-Miller or Chimmy, making sure innovation and safety happen in the real world. Exactly, from CONSEC right through to application. So a final thought then. As industries everywhere push harder for sustainability for new functions, what's next for adhesives? Well, that's the provocative question, isn't it? Imagine future adhesives.

Maybe they don't just hold things together. What else could they do? Maybe they actively sense changes, detect stress or temperature shifts, perhaps even self-repair tiny cracks. Self-healing glue. Could be, or maybe they'll be designed to perfectly facilitate deconstruction, making complex products easy to take apart for complete recycling. Wow, okay.

How might this fundamental, often invisible technology continue to shape our world in ways we can, you know, barely conceive of today? Something to think about.