Europe’s shift towards a circular economy is often framed through targets and legislation, including upcoming initiatives such as the Circular Economy Act (#CEA) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (#ESPR). But in practice, delivering on these ambitions depends on something more fundamental: a strong and competitive industrial base that can turn policy objectives into real-world solutions.
Circularity does not happen in isolation. It relies on the ability of industries to innovate, and on meeting the increasing functional, structural and sustainability-related requirements of modern products.
The role of adhesives and sealants in connecting Europe’s industries
Adhesives and sealants are rarely visible, but they are present in almost every modern product. From buildings and vehicles to electronics and renewable energy systems, they help connect materials and ensure products perform as intended.
The adhesive and sealant sector has a unique position in the middle of many value chains. It is a midstream industry, sitting between raw material suppliers and the sectors that deliver final products.
Adhesives and sealants support product innovation and provide the design freedom needed for applications that will increasingly be shaped by ESPR requirements promoting circularity, resource efficiency, repairability and recyclability. As a midstream industry, they link value chains and act as multiplier for innovation, industrial progress and competitiveness.
Delivering innovation across value chains
Because they are widely used, even small improvements in adhesives and sealants can have a significant impact. This is where their role as a multiplier becomes clear.
When these solutions improve, they enhance performance across multiple sectors at once. Stronger bonds can increase durability. Flexible solutions can enable repair. New formulations can support more efficient use of materials and enable (re)design of products.
This can be seen across industries. In construction, adhesives and sealants support safer, more durable and resource-efficient buildings, including through refurbishment, repair and design for disassembly. In renewable energy, they help maintain the long-term performance of critical infrastructure, while in electrification they contribute to the safety, durability and reliability of battery systems. These examples illustrate the broader role of adhesives and sealants in enabling innovation, circularity and competitiveness across multiple industries.
Enabling innovation requires strong value chains
Innovation depends on sustained investment, which in turn requires stable, resilient and economically viable value chains with a clear long-term outlook.
As a mid stream industry, the adhesive and sealant value chain relies on a wide range of substances and supports applications across many sectors. It connects upstream suppliers with downstream industries, and disruptions or structural imbalances can have far-reaching effects across value chains.
In the context of ongoing discussions, including the Critical Chemicals Alliance and broader industrial policy initiatives, it is essential to ensure that well-functioning markets are not inadvertently undermined. Maintaining competitive and resilient value chains is a prerequisite for continued innovation, industrial performance, and the delivery of Europe’s circular economy objectives.
Consult FEICA’s Position on The Circular Economy Act here: https://www.feica.eu/eu-policy/circular-economy/sustainability-legislation/circular-economy-act/
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