EFCC’s Manifesto for the EU legislative term 2024-2029 - Constructing a Sustainable and Competitive Future for Europe’s Construction Sector
As newly elected and appointed European policymakers take office, we, the European Federation of Construction Chemicals (EFCC), present the key priorities that we think could support a successful transition to a thriving, competitive, and sustainable construction sector.
Open letter to legislators on finding solution to the housing crisis
Today EFCC joined Construction 2050 Alliance in the discussion on the the critical situation in housing in Europe that has a negative impact on the construction industry. The roundtable discussion was hosted by the Urban Intergroup of the European Parliament. EFCC is one of the signatories to an open letter from the Construction 2050 Alliance, which advocates for action to be taken at the European level as the crisis affects the whole Europe. The letter was released at the time of the event.
Eurostat monthly data for production in construction (October 2023)
Production in construction is down by 1.0% in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU. Down by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU compared with October 2022.
Reiteration of the major negative impact on industry of the current CLP proposal regards minimum requirements for labelling
As a follow-up of the industry cross sector group letter of 5 September 2023, today industry released a new joint letter to reiterate the major negative impact on industry of the current CLP proposal as regards minimum requirements for labelling. In the new letter industry invites legislators to keep an open mind going in the trilogue discussions regarding minimum font size requirements.
EFCC position on the European positive list under the Drinking Water Directive
Today EFCC submitted its position in reply to the public consultation on the delegated act that supplements the Drinking Water Directive and that lays down the procedure for amending the European positive list of starting substances, compositions or constituents to be used in the manufacture of materials or products intended to be in contact with drinking water. EFCC is concerned that the increased data collection and analytical requirements planned to be required for the positive listing will put a significant burden of the manufactures and downstream users. In addition to this, EFCC considers that neither the DWD nor this implementing act provide sufficient protection for the shared data and confidential business information and as such is not protecting the intellectual property of the European economic operators. As downstream user formulators we fear that the number of applicants for the positive listing will be very limited resulting in a lack of substances available for drinking water materials after 2025. This would lead to a significant reduction of construction products available for drinking water installations which could put the distribution of the drinking water to European consumers via the pipe systems at risk.
EFCC position on the data handling aspects of the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
EFCC supports the key objectives of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) revision, and in particular the ones aimed at addressing the shortcomings of the current rules, enhancing the sustainability of construction products and contributing to the objectives of the green and digital transition of the European economy. However, EFCC members have been concerned about the planned introduction of a significant number of additional data sharing requirements. Members consider many of the additional data sharing requirements as not improving the accessibility of relevant digital product information for citizens and authorities, whilst adding a very significant administrative burden on the construction chemicals industry.
Cross industry request for a phased implementation of the Mixture Allocation Factor (MAF)
EFCC members have expressed many times their concern about the planned introduction of the Mixture Allocation Factor (MAF). Now, in June 2023, we reiterate this concern together with all DUCC member associations and SMEunited. We voice again that even a proposed MAF of 5 will have substantial impacts on the entire chemicals value chain, with serious knock-on effects on EU competitiveness and sustainability-driven innovations and only with very limited contribution to the safer use of chemicals and in most cases no benefits to end-users and society. If the MAF is introduced regardless of the concerns, we ask for its phased, stepwise, implementation and starting with substances with the greatest potential to contribute to unintentional co-exposure.
Environmental labelling for packaging in Italy
In Italy a specific label has to be applied on all packaging placed on the Italian market, to facilitate collection, reuse, recovery and recycling as of 1 January 2023. The label provides information on the composition of the packaging and on its proper disposal. You can read more about how it relates to the European labeling requirements, find some examples and information on guidance on the link below.