PFAS continues to be one of the most important regulatory topics for our industry, and it remains a clear priority for ESA.
As discussed during our Annual General Meeting in Seville, the ESA PFAS Working Group is currently preparing our submission for the SEAC public consultation, with the final deadline set for 25 May 2026. The draft ESA submission for sealing applications was shared with all members on 12 May.
Members have had the opportunity to review the draft and decide how they wish to proceed: by supporting the ESA submission, providing additional company-specific comments to complement it, or submitting independently under their own company name.
This is an important moment for our industry. Sealing applications play a critical role in safety, performance, efficiency, and environmental protection across many sectors. It is therefore essential that our voice is technically sound, fact-based, and clearly understood by regulators. I would like to thank the PFAS Working Group and all members contributing to this important work.
Looking back, our Annual General Meeting in beautiful Seville, held between 14th and 16th April, was a very successful gathering of more than 100 ESA members from across Europe. Over the course of the event, we had strong participation, valuable discussions, and meaningful exchanges across our network. These moments remind us how powerful our community can be when we come together with openness, expertise, and a shared commitment to move our industry forward.
The AGM also marked an important transition within our Executive Committee. I would like to sincerely thank Chiara Sozzi and Mike Eason for their dedication, hard work, and positive contributions to ESA. At the same time, I am very pleased to welcome Francesca Torriani and Alberto Rocca to the Executive Committee. Their experience and fresh perspectives will further strengthen our work in the period ahead.
Another highlight has been the strong contribution of our members to ESA publications throughout 2025. These articles demonstrate the technical depth, practical knowledge, and leadership we have within our association. I would like to congratulate and thank everyone involved. Your contributions help strengthen ESA’s collective voice and increase the visibility of our industry.
At the same time, we cannot ignore the wider global environment in which our members are operating. The continuing uncertainties caused by the crisis in the Middle East are creating additional pressure on supply chains, logistics, energy costs, and business planning. This makes the operating environment more challenging for many companies in our sector.
In such times, collaboration and communication become even more important. No company can address every challenge alone. Associations like ESA have a key role to play by bringing members together, sharing knowledge, representing common interests, and creating a platform for constructive dialogue. This is where the real value of our community becomes most visible.
Looking ahead, registrations are now open for the 5th Symposium on the Drinking Water Directive, which will take place on 17 June 2026 in Brussels. The event is hosted by European Metals, together with the European Drinking Water Alliance and EurEau. This will be another important opportunity to follow regulatory developments and engage with key stakeholders.
The momentum we built in Seville gives me confidence for the months ahead. With strong member engagement, clear technical input, and continued collaboration, ESA will remain an important and trusted voice for the European sealing industry.
Ozan Devlen,
ESA Chair