Membership of the Association is open to reputable companies involved in the production and supply of sealing products in Europe and the surrounding regions.

There are 3 forms of membership, dependent upon the nature of product or service which a potential applicant provides:

• Full membership
• Associate membership
• Consulting membership

In general, Full membership is limited to sealing material manufacturers with production capability in Europe. These Members may be independent Companies, or European subsidiaries of Groups or Companies with headquarters overseas. The important factor is that a Full Member must have production facilities in Europe.

On the other hand, Associate membership is for suppliers to the industry, users of the products and so on. This category is also used for those sealing material manufacturers who have no production capability in Europe. Importantly, these Companies must play a vital role in the sealing market in Europe.

As part of the aim of the ESA to develop sealing technology, it is recognised that the ESA and its Members must draw on the knowledge and expertise of a wide range of relevant persons outside of the sealing industry. Consequently, the ESA has introduced Consulting membership, which is by personal invitation from the Executive Committee, and aimed specifically at these expert contributors.

From the outset, membership has been open to organisations with significant presence based in Europe/UK only, and consequently the membership contributions reflect a level of professionalism and dedication which would be expected of the industry leaders. The annual contribution is set at a level to ensure that the ESA will have adequate funding available for worthy activities, and in return, those Companies which are prepared to commit the resources and time will gain the maximum benefit. The Association operates with tight control of its costs, and deliberately maintains a reserve fund (equivalent to approximately one year’s expenditure), for use in case of priority need if appropriate.

All Members pay an annual membership contribution, on an equal, flat-rate basis, independent of the size of the Company and Class of membership.

The annual contribution for 2024 membership is €6400.00.

A prompt-payment discount is offered for all annual invoices which are settled before the end of March of the new year.

This annual membership fee can be reduced after the first year of becoming a member by taking up a position within any of the divisions or Executive Committee or writing an article for a publication. The maximum reduction in fees is €1000.

More information:

• How to apply for membership
• Benefits of membership
• List of Members

For more information, please contact the Secretary General.