FEICA OCF test methods approved as EN standard

Soudal is pleased to announce that the PU foam industry has succeeded in developing testing standards that are recognized by government regulatory agencies. As a market leader and forerunner in the global PU foam aerosol market, Soudal has played an important role in the development of these standards.

One Component Foam (OCF) producers representing more than 90% of the European market have developed standardized test methods within FEICA (the association of European adhesive and mastic producers). These make it possible to accurately measure, compare and communicate the performance of OCF products. The FEICA OCF test methods are widely recognized, enabling consumers to purchase products in complete confidence. The next step was to convert the FEICA test methods into CEN standards, thus achieving a higher level of recognition.

On the initiative of Luc Thys, Group Marketing and R&D Director at Soudal and chairman of the FEICA OCF working group since 2009, a CEN Working Group 8 (OCF) was created in 2016 under CEN TC193 (adhesives). The working group, chaired by Ivan Boeykens (Soudal), developed a set of EN standards that were approved and published. These EN standards are in the area of testing efficiency, expansion, application, mechanical strength and insulation of PU foams in aerosols.

Luc Thys: "The PU foam industry had been pleading for years for a method to measure the performance of their products based on objective and transparent criteria. But until about ten years ago, there was insufficient cooperation or mutual trust. The establishment of the OCF working group within FEICA and the membership of most European PU foam manufacturers in aerosol, was a breakthrough. Soudal Group R&D Manager Peter Geboes was a pioneer in this process. But I would hereby also like to thank all competitors involved in the PU foam market for their valuable contribution and cooperation."

EN standards provide a basis for mutual understanding, and facilitate communication and measurement. Interested parties can access the new OCF standards 'EN 17333' on the CEN website. The standards are important for both industry and consumers.