Positions and Publications

The chemical industry is undergoing a profound transformation as it advances toward defossilisation and a fully circular economy. For downstream sectors such as adhesives and sealants, this transition depends on access to a broad range of renewable carbon sources—recycled materials, biomass, and CO₂-based feedstocks—as well as new technical processes needed for a functioning circular economy and that are not yet developed to scale.

FEICA cosigns industry position paper on UK-EU chemicals regulatory cooperation

FEICA has cosigned a position paper calling for the full implementation of the Chemicals Annex under the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The paper highlights the importance of structured regulatory cooperation to support business growth, competitiveness, and high standards of consumer and environmental protection in both regions.

Key points from the position paper include:

• Urging the implementation of regular and structured meetings between UK and EU regulators and agencies.
• Supporting cooperation on ongoing and emerging priorities, such as the REACH and CLP regulations.
• Promoting the exchange of non-confidential information and best practices, including scientific data and risk assessment approaches.
• Encouraging collaboration on non-animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) for chemicals safety.

The paper outlines how regulatory cooperation will reduce costs and administrative burdens, unlock resources for innovation, and ensure products remain suitable for both markets.

FEICA published the first version of a Guidance on the restriction of Synthetic Polymer Microparticles (SPM)  in November 2023 to support members in understanding and implementing the new requirements introduced under Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 (REACH Annex XVII, Entry 78). Based on new information from ECHA and the European Commission, the FEICA Guidance has been updated.

FEICA’s full work on Synthetic Polymer Microparticles (SPM):

• FEICA Guidance on Restriction of Synthetic Polymers
• Pictograms for SPM
• E-Calc: SPM Calculation Tool + E-Calc_SPM concept
• Presentation: SPM Tonnages & E-Calc Concept (MARII)
• FEICA Webinar Recording – REACH Restriction on SPM
• FEICA Webinar slides

FEICA welcomes the EU Circular Economy Act and highlights adhesives and sealants as key enablers of circularity. The paper calls for a technology-neutral, harmonized regulatory framework, increased investment in debonding infrastructure, and support for innovation. FEICA urges clear rules to foster competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation in the adhesives and sealants sector, ensuring maximum environmental benefits for Europe’s circular economy.

FEICA supports the Chemicals Omnibus Proposal, welcoming simplifications to CLP regulation, such as flexible font requirements, transition periods for relabelling, and optional digital contact. The Association advocates exemptions for small packaging and streamlined rules for distance sales. FEICA urges co-legislators to address these priorities, warning that failure could negatively impact the adhesives and sealants sector and broader industry.

FEICA has submitted its position paper to the European Commission’s Environmental Omnibus, advocating for simpler, more coherent environmental legislation. Our key conclusion: streamlining reporting, aligning definitions, and proportionate rules for SMEs will reduce unnecessary burdens and foster innovation in the adhesives and sealants sector.

See also FEICA Position paper Adhesives in the regulation of end-of-life vehicles (ELVR), 2024 here.

On 16 May 2025, FEICA participated in the European Commission’s ‘CLP Reality Check‘ workshop, which gathered over 700 stakeholders to explore simplification opportunities under the CLP Regulation. This document provides FEICA’s written follow-up, reiterating key concerns raised during the workshop—particularly the need to remove font size requirements and to simplify hazard label obligations in advertisements.