The ESA Executive Committee met in Seville on 3–4 December. Seville proved to be an excellent location, and the hotel provided a very comfortable setting for our work. We had productive discussions on ESA’s priorities for the coming year, as well as time to exchange views informally and strengthen the collaboration within the Executive Committee.

A key focus of the meeting was the preparation for our Annual General Meeting on 14–16 April 2026. This will be an important moment for ESA and for the European sealing industry. It is crucial that all member companies are represented. ESA can only continue to deliver value to the industry if our members are actively engaged in the dialogue, share their experiences from the market and contribute to shaping our common positions. I would therefore kindly ask you to already secure these dates in your calendars and plan to join us with your colleagues.

We also briefly reviewed the current situation on PFAS. The regulatory process is moving forward, and another round of commenting is expected in the near future. ESA will again coordinate input on behalf of our members and provide guidance so that we can present a clear, fact-based message on the importance of sealing applications, realistic transition periods and the availability of alternatives. Your data and practical experience will remain essential in this next step.

Another important topic in Seville was the development of the new ESA website. The site is now under construction, with strong contributions from our members through the Marketing Committee. The new platform will be faster, more responsive, and significantly more user-friendly. It will make it easier to access technical information, position papers, division activities, and event details, and it will give a clearer picture of the value ESA brings to the sealing industry.

As we come to the end of the year, I would like to thank all of you for your support, your time and your continued engagement in ESA’s work. I wish you, your colleagues and your families a Merry Christmas and a healthy, successful New Year.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller

This spirit of working together is exactly what makes ESA strong, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you in 2026 and welcoming you at the AGM in April.

Ozan Devlen,
ESA Chair