About BASA
Introduction
BASA is an unincorporated Trade Association set up to act as the voice for the industry. BASA supports its members by representing and promoting the industry, offering guidance on technical and compliance issues, providing networking opportunities for members and providing members with support services. We are an association run for our members by our members. Our greatest strength resides in the experience and expertise of the volunteers who agree to sit on our working groups and task forces.
The Association is managed and run on a day-to-day basis by a Secretariat, who work under contract by a voluntary Council of senior industry representatives appointed from current Member Companies under the rules of the BASA Constitution. The current Council members do not work for the Association and all contact with BASA by third parties should be via the Secretariat either by direct email to the General Secretary of the Association or via the Contact Us page of this website. The contact details for the Association Office are given on the bottom of this page. The Current Executive Officer and General Secretary of BASA is Lorna Williams and the latest list of Council Officers and Members can be read in the current BASA Handbook available under publications on the home page.
Formed in 1983 from the marriage of two long established associations, the British Adhesives Manufacturers Association and the Sealant Manufacturers Conference, the British Adhesives & Sealants Association is the adhesives and sealants industry’s sole voice and primary information source for manufacturers and suppliers. BASA is now Europe’s only independent National trade body dedicated solely to the interests of the adhesives and sealants industry and we liaise with Government regarding legislation and keep Members abreast of UK, EU and International proposals and initiatives.
In addition to promoting the interest of industry as a whole, BASA’s aim is also to raise technical standards generally ion order to assist members and customers in the selection of products appropriate for specific applications. To this end BASA works very closely with the British Standards Institute to set and monitor high standards. Undeniability BASA’s main strength lies in its technical working parties which evaluate product performance, set industry guidelines and formulate codes of practice. Information gathered by working groups often provides useful materials for leaflets or papers given to conference.
We are unable to offer specific application or product advice, but by using the Directory users and specifiers can find companies able to help.
Sustainability
BASA supports the vision of the FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry, that the adhesive and sealant industry is committed to enabling a growing population to live a better life and to use the planet’s resources responsibly and efficiently and in light of the transition to a circular economy, BASA supports efforts to improve product efficiency and circularity to help create a more sustainable society, promoting the concepts of energy saving, material efficiency, repairability, durability and recycling. We will encourage Members to continue developing solutions for energy efficiency, to enable the efficient use of raw materials and to continue to safeguard the environment and people’s health.
Regulatory Support
Information, interpretation and guidance on regulatory issues relating to the adhesives and sealants industry is delivered to members through a range of communications including technical and management notices, our newsletter, The BASA Bulletin, regular technical meetings, the website and special training seminars.
Sustainability
Sustainable technical and business practices have been an integral part of our industry culture for decades and are also a central element of our vision for the future. Thus, our association BASA is not only a platform for the interests of adhesive and sealant producing companies in their various fields of application. In a special way, it represents exemplary work, future-oriented innovation, potential and environmental awareness and consumer protection in this industry. The principle of sustainability is at the heart of our strategy.
Ongoing development is not only aimed at meeting current needs. The needs of today's generation must be met without jeopardizing the opportunities of future generations. In order to act responsibly and leave behind an intact ecological, social and economic structure, we must not use any products or processes today that could cause damage or pollution in the future. It is important to take ecological, economic and social factors into account.
The upskilling of all employees of our industry in sustainability is a key business priority for BASA.
Networking
An active programme of technical, business and social events provides a forum for sharing and exchanging information on issues of broad concern to our industry as well as assisting the development of good personal relationships. Our regular annual programme includes twice yearly free Open Industry Forum meetings (1 virtual and one in-person), a Business Forum before the AGM and Industry Lunch each March, a Sports Day with Golf and Shooting, and a newly launched for 2024 Awards Dinner at the end of November.
Technical Programmes
BASA provides the voice for our industry. Our working parties staffed by technical experts from member companies with support from experienced consultants, consider and contribute towards a wide range of technical issues including national and international standards, legislation and regulation, and inter-industry co-operation. BASA sits on many relevant standards committees within BSI, ISO and CEN and is regularly consulted by government on industry matters.
European Representation
Since 1974 BASA has been one of the most active partners within FEICA, the European Federation of the Adhesives Industry. As an increasing amount of regulation affecting our industry is derived from the European Commission, BASA’s role ensures that UK industry concerns are strongly represented at the European level.
Representing Member Interests
Our Association is for more than just adhesives and sealants producers. We also enjoy the active support of many suppliers of raw materials and services, machinery manufacturers, distributors and allied businesses. Large or small, Full Member or Associate, BASA encourages all members to play a full and active part in its work to ensure we fully represent and meet the needs of our industry.
Industry Surveys and Consultations
Regular industry surveys keep members up to date with sentiment in the industry. We also make sure that we alert members to all of the relevant UK and EU Consultations and issue guidance and advice and encourage input to ensure that the sectors views are heard. We also ensure that these positions are clear to UK and EU regulators through our UK and EU advocacy with the Alliance of Chemical Associations and Government for the UK and FEICA for EU matters.