From 11 to 13 May 2026, FEC members, national associations and experts came together in Liverpool and online to address key regulatory developments, coordinate advocacy priorities and define the next steps for the European cookware, cutlery and housewares industries.
The FEC Spring Meeting 2026 combined technical expertise, sustainability policy, advocacy and strategic decision-making in a three-day programme. Following the arrival of participants and an informal welcome dinner on 11 May, the Food Contact and Sustainable Development Expert Teams met on 12 May for separate working sessions, followed by a joint exchange. The Advocacy Task Force continued the programme later that day, before the Directors’ Committee concluded the Spring Meeting on 13 May.
Food contact regulation: ensuring workable requirements
The Food Contact Expert Team addressed several regulatory developments with significant implications for the industry. Key topics included PFAS, ceramics and bisphenols, all of which remain subject to evolving European requirements.
Particular attention was given to analytical methods, limit values and the practical feasibility of possible future compliance requirements. The discussions underlined that regulatory objectives must be supported by reliable, reproducible and proportionate testing methods that can be implemented across the industry.
The future testing of sol-gel coatings was identified as an important priority. FEC members agreed that the industry needs to develop a coordinated position on appropriate testing procedures for food-contact compliance. Without timely industry input, testing approaches could be defined externally without sufficiently reflecting material properties, production processes and practical manufacturing realities.
The Expert Team also considered developments concerning ceramics, enamel and glass, including future European guidance and discussions around lead and cadmium limits. While regulatory direction is becoming clearer in certain areas, considerable uncertainty remains regarding testing methodologies and their practical implementation.
Participants furthermore discussed the future direction of horizontal chemicals legislation. The exchange reflected indications that the European Commission may move away from a comprehensive overhaul of REACH and instead focus on more targeted adaptations, simplification and implementation within the existing framework. FEC will continue to monitor these developments and assess their relevance for the sector.
Sustainability: preparing for compliance and shaping future policy
In parallel, the Sustainable Development Expert Team held a focused exchange on the growing number of sustainability requirements affecting cookware, cutlery and housewares manufacturers.
The agenda covered:
- the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition rules, commonly referred to as EmpCo;
- progress on the sector-specific Product Carbon Footprint standard developed by IVSH;
- the EU Deforestation Regulation;
- the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation;
- the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and Digital Product Passports;
- the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive; and
- developments relating to Extended Producer Responsibility in the United States.
A central conclusion was that companies must not only prepare for compliance but should also contribute actively to shaping the emerging regulatory framework. FEC will therefore continue to participate in public consultations and engage with European policymakers to promote requirements that are effective, proportionate and workable for the industry.
Joint focus on the Digital Product Passport
During the joint session of the Food Contact and Sustainable Development Expert Teams, the Digital Product Passport was identified as an important cross-cutting issue.
Although the detailed requirements for many consumer product sectors are still being developed, the DPP could become a central instrument for making product, material, compliance and sustainability information available throughout the value chain.
The teams agreed to closely follow developments in other consumer product industries. Learning from the approaches adopted in neighbouring sectors will help FEC members prepare for potential future requirements and contribute to solutions that reflect the specific characteristics of cookware, cutlery and housewares.
Turning technical expertise into advocacy
Following the Expert Team sessions, the FEC Advocacy Task Force considered how technical findings and industry experience can be translated into clear and timely positions at European level.
FEC’s advocacy priorities include the extension of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to relevant downstream products, the ongoing PFAS restriction process, EU trade measures and the need to ensure fair competition for European manufacturers.
The Liverpool discussions once again demonstrated the importance of close cooperation between the Expert Teams, the Advocacy Task Force, national associations and FEC members. Technical expertise provides the foundation for credible advocacy and enables FEC to communicate the practical implications of European legislation to policymakers.
Strategic priorities discussed by the Directors’ Committee
The Spring Meeting concluded with the hybrid Directors’ Committee meeting on the morning of 13 May.
The Directors reviewed the results of the Food Contact, Sustainable Development and Advocacy sessions and discussed FEC’s wider strategic priorities. These included ongoing advocacy activities, preparations for the FEC Business Days 2026 in Bilbao, the selection of programme topics and speakers, and further initiatives to strengthen FEC’s visibility and engagement with European institutions.
The Committee also reviewed the modernisation of the FEC website, improved communication tools and measures to increase member engagement. Further organisational development and closer cooperation with national associations remain important elements of FEC’s work.
A united voice for the industry
The FEC Spring Meeting 2026 highlighted both the pace of regulatory change and the value of coordinated industry action. By bringing together technical knowledge, sustainability expertise, advocacy and strategic leadership, FEC is helping its members anticipate new requirements and contribute constructively to European policymaking.
FEC thanks all participants who joined the meetings in Liverpool and online for their expertise, valuable contributions and continued commitment.
Supporting our members through regulatory change and ensuring a strong, united voice for the European cookware, cutlery and housewares industries remain central FEC priorities.
