Dear Members and Partners,

As the chairman of the ESA, I am proud to represent the voice of the sealing industry in Europe and to promote the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental protection that our products provide for our customers.

The year 2024 was a challenging but rewarding one for the ESA and its members. Much of our attention has been driven by PFAS, and the work to produce the SEA report was truly outstanding and has generated much attention. The team was asked to host a webinar on behalf of the ImechE in the UK recently, which was very well attended, and we are being seen as industry specialists on this topic, which is truly fantastic. This activity has also generated more membership inquiries. This is a topic that will run and run and will impact all of us and our customers in one way or another.

We continue to strengthen our collaboration with other industry associations, such as the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA), and to foster global harmonisation and cooperation on technical, regulatory, and educational matters. Both the ISA and the Chinese Sealing Association are keen to form alliances. Whilst controversial on many fronts, with many of our members operating and manufacturing extensively in these regions, I can see a time in the future where there is a stronger global alliance of sealing bodies.

Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the prospects of the sealing industry in Europe and beyond. We believe that the sealing industry has a vital role to play in the transition to a low-carbon, digital, and resilient economy, and that the ESA can provide the leadership and support that our members and partners need to thrive in this changing environment. To that end, I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome Sandy onboard in the important role as ESG Director, as this becomes a topic of growing importance to our members and all our customers.

Therefore, over the next 12 months, we will continue to pursue our vision of being the recognised authority and trusted partner for the sealing industry in Europe, and to deliver value to our members and stakeholders through our core activities of advocacy, education, and innovation.

I would like to thank all the members of the ESA Board, the ESA Secretary, and the ESA Committees for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. I would also like to express my gratitude to all our members and partners for their continued support and engagement with the ESA. Together, we can make a difference for the sealing industry and for society at large.

I look forward to meeting you at our next events.

Sincerely,

John Morton

Chairman of the ESA