FEIBP Congress 2019 – Lucerne, Switzerland – Brush Expert Report

Registration took place on Wednesday with the now-customary golf tournament being played nearby. In the evening, all delegates present were invited to a welcome aperitif in the Penthouse bar with exceptional views that looked out toward the mountain range; Pilatus being the highest.

He introduced Scott Enchelmaier, President of ABMA, (American Brush Manufacturers Association) to give his address. On behalf of the ABMA and his wife, Scott thanked Peter and the FEIBP members for his invitation and warm welcome. He expressed his eagerness in participating in the extensive programme of meetings, Working Groups and seminars, especially the talk due to take place “Generation Y to Z: Our Future”.
He affirmed that whether it was the challenges of recruiting, training and retaining employees or the product liability issues relating to California Proposition 65, there was much common ground between the ABMA and the FEIBP. He stated that the more we force the cooperation between both Associations, the better off we will all be. There is a need to do things together in the global brush industry in all areas. “We are stronger together than we are apart”.
He encouraged all international members to attend the 103rd ABMA convention in Florida, between March 4th– 7th at St Petersburg, Florida. The theme of which is ‘2020 Vision for the Future’. For those non international FEIBP members, he encouraged all to consider joining the American Association. He explained that the dates have been brought forward to allow as many as possible to participate in both the ABMA and Interbrush events. He reassured the delegates that, what with the format and the value of learning from networking with fellow brush manufacturers and suppliers being similar to that of the FEIBP’s own Congress, the visit to its US counterpart would be well worth the trip. He closed by wishing all a very good Congress.

This year’s FEIBP Innovation Award nominees were then given time to explain their inventions with the help of videos or visuals. First to present was Max Zeintl of Smartfilaments AG with his Ski Wax Brush using Intelligent Filaments together with ski wax produced by Toko, to improve the performance of ski professionals.
Then followed Piet van Erp of Van Dam’s Kwastenfabriek BV. He introduced his new double brush. This brush system showed the round brush for normal surfaces and, within its centre, was a thin fitch brush that would slide up for using on window frames and cutting-in jobs.
Peter Langenegger of Ebnat AG then showed his own company’s baby bottle cleaning brush. This brush uses very soft bristles and is flexible enough that it will reach every part of the bottle, as well as the teat, with its own stand for storage.
Last up was Arndt Stollberg of Wistoba Pinselfabrik GmbH & Co AG, explaining their V12 Concept for both synthetic and bristle paintbrushes using a drilling and filling system; no epoxy resin.
The Professional Hygiene Brush, Personal Care Brush, Paintbrush and Technical Brush Working Groups ran for the rest of the morning. Some very important issues were discussed in each of them and, in some, presentations were given by suppliers of components and machinery.
After a delicious lunch, the delegates assembled for the interesting talk given by Prof. Dr. Sita Mazumder entitled “Generation Y – Z – Our Future”. She outlined the vast differences showing themselves to companies that, for the first time in history, now have five generations in the workforce and also in the marketplace. This creates opportunities, yet companies are highly challenged with generations management. She covered the different strategies that maybe work for all and then, again some work for one, yet not another. Her talk held the audience and was very well received.

Following lunch, the delegates reassembled and took part in action groups, working on a set of questions that provoked the mind into seeing the world through the eyes of Generation Y and Z. All who participated learned a lot from the experience and found it very useful.

The meal started with a typical fondu followed by veal. The entertainment was truly mountain Swiss, with accordion playing, flag waving, small, medium and large horn blowing, yodelling, cow bell ringing and of course, broom playing! Audience participation was encouraged, which included some from our own group. A lively, loud exciting night was enjoyed by everyone! Visit the Image Gallery for pictures.

After a coffee break, there followed the General Assembly where Peter Langenegger opened the meeting and explained the ‘fox hunt’ event organised for delegates in the afternoon.
Fons Ceelaert, General Manager of the FEIBP, outlined the agenda for the General Assembly and firstly introduced the Working Group reports.

In the absence of Piet van Erp, od Van Dam’s Kwastenfabriek BV, who chaired the Paintbrush Working Group, Fons Ceelaert gave his report. Fons stated that this group was well-attended and had discussed the education programme for decorating apprentices. They discussed the differences in finding the right workforce in this generation where rural areas are a major concern.
The question of the continuing situation in the change-over from bristle to synthetics was also touched upon. Sustainability was discussed; looking at the overall composition of products to determine whether they could be deemed sustainable. It was shown If companies want to promote their European brushes, they will have to add specific arguments to buy a paintbrush ‘made by an FEIBP member’.
Finally, it was noted that the professional markets and professional retailers seemed to be well supported by European manufacturers and that this area has a secure future.

There were discussions regarding how to promote the Charter further with the usage of the registered trademark and possibly company logos joined in some way. A link to Philip's PHB Working Group report appears at the bottom of this article.
Following the Working Groups, the Market Reports on the various raw materials used in brush manufacturing were covered by leading suppliers to the industry.

Reinhold Hoerz, of DKSH, spoke for bristles, telling of the extreme changes in the bristle making process and the fact that the Chinese changes in the use of water and the release of water in rivers and canals has made a huge difference in availability. Overall, bristle is in low demand and low supply.
Mark Samuel of Mark Samuel Trading gave his report for fine hair stating that, like bristle, many custom-made brush retailers have made the change from natural hair to synthetics which has affected price changes. However, in recent months, the number of craftsmen and professional users that still insist on natural hairbrushes, is increasing. Natural hair is still available, and prices remain high.
Andrew McIlroy of Perlon GmbH opened his review on synthetic filaments explaining that none of his filaments are used in either paintbrushes or makeup brushes. As opposed to last year when there were increased prices and good availability, particularly in the nylon family 6.10, 6.6, 6.12, this year’s story was totally different he said. Already there are fears about a recession with negative growth, with consumer spending down, especially in the car industry, and times were becoming hard. Less raw material, the trade war between China and the States continues and, of course, Brexit leads to uncertainty among manufacturers and end-users that ultimately drives what happens in global demand.
Links to the various Market Report presentations will be posted at the bottom of this article as they become available.
Fons then took the stand and gave his address to the delegates. He went over elements of the previous two days and enthusiastically expounded on the health and success of brushware industry. Following his opening address, he gave his Annual Report of the 60th Congress 2018, summarizing the sights, sounds and delicious tastes of the beautiful city of Bordeaux. He especially thanked Daniele Quimper and Pierre Simler for their expert organisation of that superb event. He also thanked Suzanna Acquaderni for arranging the Celebration picture book that marked the event. He covered the increase in membership and the rise in interest in the Working Groups and thanked the Chairs for their organisation. “Next year, Prague,” he said, “with the same dates”. This beautiful central European city will be the setting for the last Congress for President, Peter Langenegger who will complete his two years term of office before handing it over to Andrew McIlroy, of Perlon GmbH who has already started to make plans for the 62nd congress.
He mentioned also the major 4-yearly event in Freiburg; Interbrush. He repeated that the FEIBP will join with the ABMA and the German Association on the stand in the centre of the entrance area for all members to come and gain information, which will be freely available. The Reception will be held on the first night after close of the exhibition hosted by the FEIBP and the ABMA and Messe Freiburg; open to all members and exhibitors.
Finally, Fons thanked Peter Langenegger and Peter Brunner, his right hand, for their expertise in organising such a wonderful Congress and helping us all in feeling at home in the exciting city of Lucerne.
Andrea Acquaderni then, FEIBP Treasurer, read through the accounts explaining the ups and downs that are usual and the forecast for next year.
Andrew followed with a presentation video of the city of Prague and the Grandior Hotel where the Congress will be held and explained the agenda that sounded very exciting and whetted everyone’s appetite to join in next year. All details will be shown on the FEIBP Congress website as they become apparent.

Fons asked for any other business and questions of which there was just one about the website. Peter pledged to make the corrections and Alessandro stated the stats. There had been a 25 to 35% increase in visitor flow since last year that shows interest in the site. Also, 8,500 page views made by 1,500 unique visitors.
President, Peter Langenegger, then formally closed the meetings of the Congress, showed the route to The Lion and explained that the most exciting or funny picture of The Lion would win a prize that was to be announced at the Gala dinner along with the winner of the Innovation Awards.


For the first time ever, the FEIBP’s Innovation award was shared by two companies, having received the same number of votes. The joint winners were asked to come forward to collect their trophies. The awards went to Wistoba Pinselfabrik of Germany and to Van Dam’s Kwastenfabriek BV of Holland; both very innovative paint brushes. Full details of all nominated products can be found via the links below:
Please take the time to look through the images in the Image Gallery and remind yourselves of the wonderful 61st congress which will be hard to follow.
Josie Wadd, Brush Expert Ltd
Related Articles
63rd FEIBP Congress | 20 – 22 September 2023 | Belfast – Northern Ireland
16/08/2023
Industry News -
Brush Expert Launches NEW! World Brush Expo Online Resource
07/07/2023
World Brush Expo News -
FEIBP European Brushware Federation Update
30/06/2023
Industry News -
FEIBP Update May 2023: 63rd FEIBP Congress Details, World Brush Expo 2024 Information and Invitation to Bürstenmacherfest
20/05/2023
Industry News -
Save the Date! World Brush Expo: 22 to 24 May 2024 | Bologna, Italy
10/03/2023
World Brush Expo News -
World Brush Expo Details Coming Soon: Opt-In to Receive Email Notifications
08/02/2023
World Brush Expo News -
SAVE THE DATE for World Brush Expo: May 22-24, 2024
06/12/2022
World Brush Expo News -
FEIBP 62nd Congress - July Update
14/07/2022
Industry News -
Invitation to the 62nd Annual Congress of the European Brushware Federation (FEIBP)
24/06/2022
Industry News -
62nd FEIBP Congress Confirmed: Hotel Grandior, Prague (Czech Republic) | 21 to 23 September 2022
13/05/2022
Industry News -
ABMA Annual Convention 2022: Report from FEIBP President, Andrew McIlroy
01/04/2022
ABMA News -
FEIBP General Assembly 2021 – Keynote Speakers
01/11/2021
Industry News -
FEIBP General Assembly 2021 – Raw Material Market Reports
01/11/2021
Industry News -
FEIBP General Assembly 2021 – Working Group Reports
01/11/2021
Industry News -
FEIBP Online General Assembly 2021 Report
01/11/2021
Industry News -
Reasons Why Paint Rollers Are Often Preferred over Paint Brushes
20/04/2021
Industry News -
FEIBP April Newsletter: FEIBP Congress Postponed to 2022 / FFB at Festival International des Jardins
15/04/2021
Industry News -
FEIBP Newsletter January 2021
15/01/2021
Industry News -
FEIBP Virtual Congress 2020 Review
28/10/2020
Industry News -
FEIBP Newsletter: Impact of COVID-19 on the European Brushware Industry
02/07/2020
Industry News -
62nd FEIBP Congress - 10 Reasons to Attend
12/06/2020
Industry News -
FEIBP Announces the Postponement of the 62nd FEIBP Congress to 2021
10/04/2020
Industry News -
American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) Annual Convention 2020: Brush Expert Report
08/04/2020
ABMA News -
FEIBP Launches 62nd FEIBP Congress Website
19/02/2020
Industry News -
Brush Expert Visits the New Hillbrush Site
06/01/2020
Company News -
National Painting and Decorating Show 2019 – Brush Expert Report
02/12/2019
Industry News -
Brush Expert Visit to Roth Composite Machinery Gmbh for their 100th Anniversary Celebrations
24/09/2019
Company News -
61st FEIBP Congress: Last Call for Registration
12/09/2019
Industry News -
61st FEIBP congress 26-28 September Lucerne (Switzerland), Newsletter July 2019
18/07/2019
Industry News -
61st FEIBP Congress - 26-28 September 2019 – Lucerne, Switzerland - June Update
13/06/2019
Industry News -
61st FEIBP Congress 26-28 September Lucerne (Switzerland) Update May 2019
10/05/2019
Industry News -
ABMA 2019 Annual Convention Brush Expert Report
11/04/2019
ABMA News -
Registration for the 2019 FEIBP European Brushware Federation Congress in Lucerne is Open
09/04/2019
Industry News -
Brush Expert visits National Painting and Decorating Show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry UK
11/12/2018
Industry News -
FEIBP Congress 2018 Report– Bordeaux, France
16/10/2018
Industry News -
FEIBP Congress 2018 – Final Programme Details
24/09/2018
Industry News -
Happy Birthday Dr. Heinz Zahoransky!
10/09/2018
Company News -
60th FEIBP Congress Update August 2018
23/08/2018
Industry News -
Registration for the FEIBP’s Jubilee Congress 2018 in Bordeaux Now Open
30/04/2018
Industry News -
The ABMA 2018 Annual Convention: Brush Expert Report
06/04/2018
ABMA News -
60th FEIBP Congress, 26 – 28 September 2017, Bordeaux (France)
16/03/2018
Industry News -
Boucherie Borghi Group to Attend 2017 Myanmar PLAS PRINT PACK
05/12/2017
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group to Exhibit at Plast Eurasia 2017
29/11/2017
Archived -
Boucherie India: 20 Years of Customer Service
17/11/2017
Company News -
Discover the Sharp BLD by Boucherie Borghi Group
15/11/2017
Product News -
2,000 Attend Open-House Event to Mark Wistoba Pinselfabrik’s 100th Anniversary
10/11/2017
Company News -
Borghi Boucherie Group to Attend Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2017
07/11/2017
Company News -
2017 Boucherie Borghi Group Sales Meeting
25/10/2017
Company News -
Report: Official Opening / General Assembly 59th FEIBP Congress, Leipzig
06/10/2017
Industry News -
SIT Iron Men!
05/10/2017
Company News -
STAR V2 from Boucherie Borghi Group
26/09/2017
Archived -
FEIBP Market Report 2017: Vegetable Fibres
25/09/2017
Archived -
59th FEIBP Annual Congress – Leipzig, Germany
22/09/2017
Archived -
SIT and the New eurobrush.com Website
21/09/2017
Archived -
FEIBP Market Report 2017: Bristle
20/09/2017
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group introduces ARCHIMEDE
19/09/2017
Archived -
FEIBP Market Report 2017: Thermoplastic Polymers
18/09/2017
Archived -
FEIBP Market Report 2017: Fine Hair
15/09/2017
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group to Attend IranPlast 2017
13/09/2017
Archived -
Introducing the INFINITY from Boucherie Borghi Group
06/09/2017
Archived -
ZAHORANSKY Achieves Highest Order Intake in Company's History
05/09/2017
Archived -
Wöhler Brush Tech to Attend 59th FEIBP Congress
31/08/2017
Archived -
Perlon® to Attend 2017 FEIBP Congress in Leipzig
31/08/2017
Archived -
Cake Decoration Brushes from Zahn Pinsel GmbH
29/08/2017
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group Looks Forward to 59th FEIBP Congress in Leipzig, Germany
29/08/2017
Archived -
Borghi USA Investing $100K in New Offices, Laboratory & Machine Shop Equipment
24/08/2017
Archived -
GIOTTO - Machinery for High Volume Production of Disc and Cylinder Brushes from Boucherie Borghi Group
24/08/2017
Archived -
TB33 FLEXI from Boucherie Borghi Group
23/08/2017
Archived -
FEIBP 59th Annual Congress Update
22/08/2017
Archived -
FEIBP President Looks Forward to Welcoming Delegates to 59th Annual Congress
21/08/2017
Archived -
Next Generation of Brush Production: Zahoransky's Z.LION
19/07/2017
Archived -
ZAHORANSKY: Ideas Make the Difference
19/07/2017
Archived -
21st UK Brushmakers and Suppliers Golf Day
29/06/2017
Archived -
FEIBP Congress Update June 2017
21/06/2017
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group to Attend Kenya Plast 2017
05/06/2017
Archived -
Borghi SpA Introduces New President
30/05/2017
Archived -
FEIBP News May 2017
23/05/2017
Archived -
Visit Zahoransky At Chinaplas 2017!
04/05/2017
Archived -
ZAHORANSKY given the 2016 MSG Award
18/04/2017
Archived -
59th FEIBP Congress, 6 – 8 September 2017, Leipzig, Germany
11/04/2017
Archived -
Wöhler-Platz – The New Address for Innovative Automation Solutions in the Brush Industry
10/04/2017
Archived -
FEIBP Awards ABMA Special 100th Anniversary Commemorative Platter
10/04/2017
Archived -
The Boucherie Borghi Group at FEIPLASTIC 2017
28/03/2017
Archived -
Zahoransky Looks Forward to Celebrating 100 Years at the ABMA Convention
15/03/2017
Archived -
PERLON® - The Filament Company Invests in its Global Locations
15/03/2017
Archived -
ZAHORANSKY Automation & Molds and Packaging
17/02/2017
Archived -
ZAHORANSKY joins Forces of Sales & Service in Shanghai
03/02/2017
Archived -
ZAHORANSKY Continues Upswing Thanks to Strong Demand
03/02/2017
Archived -
Boucherie USA Team to Exhibit at MDM West 2017
03/02/2017
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group at Interplastica 2017, Moscow
20/01/2017
Archived -
Wöhler Brush Tech goes Social Media
18/01/2017
Archived -
Wöhler Honoured with Promotional Award of the State of NRW
17/01/2017
Archived -
The Boucherie Borghi Group will be present at Plastivision 2017
09/01/2017
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group OVALE
01/12/2016
Archived -
KREX® Filaments for Paintbrushes from Pogliani
25/11/2016
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group at Plast Eurasia 2016
24/11/2016
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group invites you to the Plastics&Rubber show in Indonesia
08/11/2016
Archived -
Inauguration of ZAHORANSKY’S New Plant in Spain
25/10/2016
Archived -
Boucherie's Mold Team at the World’s No.1 Trade Show for Plastics and Rubber
10/10/2016
Archived -
Boucherie’s PTt: A Revolution in Anchorless Brushmaking
30/09/2016
Archived -
Pogliani at FEIBP Congress 2016
30/09/2016
Archived -
FEIBP Congress 2016: Brush Expert Report
30/09/2016
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group at K 2016
29/09/2016
Archived -
Inspire: The New Way of Cleaning from Ebnat AG
29/09/2016
Archived -
The New Boucherie Website is Out!
29/09/2016
Archived -
PTt Technology from Boucherie Borghi Group
29/09/2016
Archived -
FEIBP Open Golf Championship 2016
22/09/2016
Archived -
Z.PARD from ZAHORANSKY
01/09/2016
Archived -
Perlon® to attend 2016 FEIBP Congress in Edinburgh
31/08/2016
Archived -
SIT Tecnospazzole to Attend the 58th FEIBP Congress in Edinburgh
31/08/2016
Archived -
Fili & Forme Looks Forward to the 58th FEIBP Congress in Edinburgh
31/08/2016
Archived -
Gover, Horowitz & Blunt: Suppliers of Raw Brush Materials
31/08/2016
Archived -
Wistoba at FEIBP Congress 2016
31/08/2016
Archived -
Pogliani to Attend the only Annual Meeting for the European Brush Industry
31/08/2016
Archived -
Mill-Rose Expands Selection of Mini/Micro Brushes for Industrial and Medical Use
31/08/2016
Archived -
Edinburgh is Prepared for EU Brushware Industry!
31/08/2016
Archived -
45 Years of Service at Wöhler
08/08/2016
Archived -
GIOTTO from Boucherie Borghi Group
01/08/2016
Archived -
Perlon® brings Multifil production in-house
28/07/2016
Archived -
58th FEIBP Congress, 7 – 9 September 2016, Edinburgh / Scotland
29/06/2016
Archived -
Brush Expert at Interbrush 2016: A Resounding Success
27/05/2016
Archived -
Market Leading Wistoba Brush Introduces New App
26/05/2016
Archived -
Wöhler looks back on successful Interbrush 2016
26/05/2016
Archived -
Zahoransky Brings a Black Forest Feeling to Interbrush
26/05/2016
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group Interbrush 2016 Review
25/05/2016
Archived -
Interbrush 2016 a success for Pogliani Srl!
25/05/2016
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi at Interbrush 2016: Some of our Numbers
10/05/2016
Archived -
Plasticfibre Interbrush 2016 Review
10/05/2016
Archived -
Fili & Forme Srl at Interbrush 2016
11/04/2016
Archived -
Brush Expert Launches New Website
19/02/2016
Archived -
German Brushware Industry Announcement
11/01/2016
Archived -
ZAHORANSKY Receives (Re)certification
30/10/2015
Archived -
57th FEIBP Congress: Brush Expert Report
16/10/2015
Archived -
58th FEIBP Congress Golf Event at St Andrews, Fife
15/10/2015
Archived -
Hahl Pedex and BBC Celebrate Joint Venture
30/09/2015
Archived -
Hahl Pedex to attend 2015 FEIBP Congress in Italy
30/09/2015
Archived -
Loewert Industries Opens New Production Unit in Sri Lanka.
21/09/2015
Archived -
SIT to attend FEIBP Congress in Marina di Ugento
21/09/2015
Archived -
Raw Materials for the Brush Industry from Pogliani of Italy
16/09/2015
Archived -
Boucherie Borghi Group: Longstanding Supporter of FEIBP Congress
15/09/2015
Archived -
Professional Cleaning & Household Brushes from Brosserie Thomas
14/09/2015
Archived -
Interior Brush with Carbon Fibre Filament by Lessmann
14/09/2015
Archived -
Ebnat adds a New Twist: ÜX - The Superbroom!
13/09/2015
Archived -
Report from FEIBP Working Group Personal Care 2017
Archived -