After many years of existence, ZEAD (Zeolites Adsorbents Sector Group) and ZEODET (Association of Detergent Zeolite Producers) Sector Groups have decided to join their forces, officially as from January 2006.

The new EUZEPA sector group (European Zeolites Producers Association) is represented by 11 companies which have already got the experience to work together on common issues like e.g. BREF and ICCA HPV. The Working Structure, Operating Rules and running budget have been adopted during its first General Assembly.

By this fusion, EUZEPA will get a bigger representation and a better organisation, bringing the focus not only on one specific application or another but on the broad family of zeolites.

EUZEPA’s key objectives and main tasks are:

• To maintain a positive image for ZEOLITES by promoting their safe and proper use. • To collect pertinent literature and prepare industry position papers on major issues. • To maintain a high level of technical understanding of the products, identifying the needs for toxicological and environmental research, sponsoring the work when needed and working with scientists and regulators for the interpretation of results.

• To follow-up actions of the regulators, opinion leaders, NGO's and trade associations.

• To maintain a technical dialogue between the companies and with the Cefic special parties as support to its responsibility on environment and safetying similar interests, at national and international level.

• Legislation implementation through the European zeolites producers; Monitor and respond to regulatory initiatives in the European Commission and other international bodies that involve or may affect zeolite, such as legislation on waste, classification and labelling, food and feed, …

• Review scientifical and technical literature and collect statistical information on production of zeolites (in compliance with Cefic rules) • Promote contact with counterpart and zeolite producers/associations outside the European Union.