Three of the leading trade associations representing the adhesives and sealants industry have collaborated to harmonize the industry's classification manual.

The 2012 ASC-CATIA-FEICA Adhesives and Sealants Classification Manual provides a common set of market definitions and product categories that can be used to represent the adhesive and sealant industry worldwide.

This is the first time that China, Europe and North America have harmonized the classification manual. In 2008, ASC and FEICA harmonized their respective manuals.

"For the first time, the three major adhesives and sealants markets - China, Europe and North America - share a common language when it comes to defining the marketplace for adhesives and sealants," notes Matthew E. Croson, President of ASC. "The project began in September 2011 in a meeting with Bernard Ghyoot of FEICA and Michael Yang of CATIA when we were together in Guangzhou, China and culminated in the effort being announced at the World Adhesives Conference held in September 2012 in Paris, France. The adhesives and sealants market travels on a global passport, and now all of the major markets speak the same language when it comes to defining the industry."

The Classification Manual will ease the compilation and comparison of market report data and improve the overall understanding and accuracy of this complex and fragmented industry.

"The new manual will play a vital role in the development of future market reports issued by both FEICA and ASC, and help align the reporting efforts of CATIA," notes Bernard Ghyoot, Secretary General of FEICA. "FEICA was honoured to play a leading role in developing the harmonized manual, and will continue working with other associations around the globe to add to the manual with the goal of having a truly globally recognized classification manual over the next few years."

China's addition to the harmonized classification manual is important as China's market continues to grow and is now the leader in terms of overall sales.

"On behalf of the 380+ members of CATIA, we were honoured to participate in this effort and pleased with the results," noted Michael Yang, Secretary General of CATIA. "CATIA feels this is just one example of how our industry can partner and collaborate together on opportunities that have mutual benefit for the member companies that we represent."

ASC, CATIA and FEICA would also like to acknowledge Monique von Dungen of CHEM Research as well as David Nick of DPNA International, for their efforts to bring this manual to the market.