NEU-ULM, Germany—European Sealing Association Chairman John Morton sees 2024 as a challenging year for the industry, not least due to the need to address the European Union's proposed PFAS legislation.
On this topic, ESA has carried out some "outstanding" report work and established itself as an industry specialist on PFAS-related issues, Morton said in a July 9 statement to members.
"This is a topic that will run and run and will impact all of us and our customers in one way or another," he said.
Against this background, Morton said that the ESA would continue to strengthen its collaboration with other industry associations, including the U.S.-based Fluid Sealing Association.
Morton also noted that "both the ISA (Indian Sealing Association) and the Chinese Sealing Association were keen to form alliances."
ESA's chairman acknowledged that such moves could be "controversial on many fronts, with many of our members operating and manufacturing extensively in these regions."
Nevertheless, the Morton said, "I can see a time in the future where there is a stronger global alliance of sealing bodies."
Meanwhile, the German-based association is "optimistic about the prospects of the sealing industry in Europe and beyond," Morton said. "We believe that the sealing industry has a vital role to play in the transition to a low-carbon, digital and resilient economy."
