Monthly Roundup: Rubber and Plastics Industries Standards from October 2025 (Part 2 of 2)

Looking back at October 2025, the Rubber and Plastics Industries sector saw the publication of several influential standards, particularly in the area of adhesives for load bearing timber structures. This part of our monthly roundup highlights three foundational European Standards that set new benchmarks for testing and classifying structural adhesives not based on phenolic or aminoplastic chemistries. These publications, enriched by significant technical updates, reflect the continuing evolution of quality criteria and test methodologies.

October 2025 yielded three key standards, each targeting a critical aspect of adhesive performance—long-term load resistance, creep deformation, and minimum pressing time. For professionals overseeing product quality, compliance, R&D, and procurement, understanding these developments is crucial to maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring regulatory alignment.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October's output in the Rubber and Plastics Industries, specifically under adhesives for timber applications, strengthened the industry's focus on performance-based testing, reliability, and harmonization with wider European construction norms. Compared to typical publication patterns, October 2025 was especially notable for its concentration on advanced test methods addressing both short-term production concerns and long-term structural reliability. This group of standards marks a forward step towards robust material selection and building safety across Europe.

The overarching trend was clear: stakeholders in engineered timber and composite structures increasingly demand adhesives that are resilient in a wide spectrum of climatic conditions and mechanical loads. The new and revised standards not only introduce refined testing techniques but also regularize terminology and procedures, facilitating clearer communication in procurement and compliance processes.

Standards Published This Month

EN 15416-1:2025 – Long-Term Tension Load Test (Glass House Test)

Adhesives for load bearing timber structures other than phenolic and aminoplastic – Test methods – Part 1: Long-term tension load test perpendicular to the bond line at varying climate conditions with specimens perpendicular to the glue line (Glass house test)

EN 15416-1:2025 formalizes a robust method to evaluate the ability of adhesive bonds in timber structures to withstand long-term, sustained tension loads applied perpendicular to the glue line—specifically under a range of cyclic climate conditions. Known as the Glass House Test, this method is intended as a performance indicator for classifying adhesives according to their fitness in defined environmental settings, rather than as a direct predictor of field performance.

This standard applies primarily to adhesives used in load-bearing timber elements, and is integral for those seeking compliance with EN 15425 (PUR adhesives) and EN 16254 (EPI adhesives). It addresses:

• Selection of timber and preparation of test specimens
• Exposure procedures for simulated weathering
• Detailed measurement of tensile load resistance and reporting requirements

Key updates in the 2025 revision include clarification of glue line thickness ranges, expanded terms and definitions, and improved alignment with companion structural standards such as EN 14080 and Eurocode 5.

Who needs to comply:

• Manufacturers and specifiers of structural timber adhesives (except phenolic and aminoplastic types)
• Testing laboratories
• Quality managers responsible for large engineered wood projects

This method is not intended for direct structural design calculations, but it is critical for product certification and regulatory compliance, offering vital data for product selection and marketing claims.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive approach to long-term load resistance under climate cycling
• Aligned with latest requirements in EN 15425, EN 16254, and Eurocode 5
• Enhanced specimen and procedure definitions for reproducibility

Access the full standard:View EN 15416-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 15416-3:2025 – Creep Deformation Test at Cyclic Climate Conditions

Adhesives for load bearing timber structures other than phenolic and aminoplastic – Test methods – Part 3: Creep deformation test at cyclic climate conditions with specimens loaded in bending shear

EN 15416-3:2025 sets forth a specialized methodology to assess the creep deformation—long-term movement or strain—of adhesive bonds subjected to shear in bending under cyclic environmental conditions. This test enables adhesive manufacturers and users to obtain critical data on how structural joints may deform over time when faced with variable temperature and humidity, simulating real-world exposure scenarios typical in timber buildings.

Applicable to both one-component polyurethane (PUR) and emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI) adhesives, this standard plays a pivotal role in material classification and compliance assessments. It standardizes:

• Test specimen preparation and glue line thickness options
• Bending shear load application protocols
• Performance metrics for classifying adhesives in accordance with EN 15425 and EN 16254

The 2025 edition introduces revised definitions for glue line configurations, improved test jig specifications, and further clarifies specimen handling.

Who needs to comply:

• Producers and users of non-phenolic/non-aminoplastic structural adhesives
• Timber engineering companies
• Construction materials laboratories

This standard does not directly replace field design, but it is crucial for classifying adhesives as fit for purpose under fluctuating environmental stresses.

Key highlights:

• Focuses on real-world creep performance during cyclic climate exposure
• Integrates with EN 15425/EN 16254 for product type-approval
• Updated for better alignment with the latest material practices

Access the full standard:View EN 15416-3:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 15416-5:2025 – Determination of Minimum Pressing Time

Adhesives for load bearing timber structures other than phenolic and aminoplastic – Test methods – Part 5: Determination of minimum pressing time under referenced conditions

Pressed glue joints are a linchpin of structural timber manufacturing. EN 15416-5:2025 provides a laboratory-standard method for determining the minimum pressing time required for adhesives under standardized conditions—covering close contact, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.5 mm glue line thicknesses, at three reference temperatures and wood moisture contents. The results are designed as a baseline for comparative product evaluation rather than for direct process control.

Key topics include:

• Definition of pressing and curing times
• Structured preparation of test assemblies and panels
• Calculation methods for minimum pressing time
• Adjusted requirements for adhesive specification and test reporting

The latest revision adds 0.5 mm glue line thickening, clarifies the difference between pressing and curing time, and introduces a new calculation method under clause 8.

Who needs to comply:

• Adhesive vendors providing solutions for engineered timber applications
• Production managers in laminated timber manufacturing
• QA/QC laboratory technicians

While this test should not be used in isolation for industrial process planning, it provides a crucial reference point and helps harmonize manufacturing expectations across Europe.

Key highlights:

• Standardized comparative baseline for pressing time across adhesives
• Adaptable across multiple materials and manufacturing conditions
• Enhanced definitions and calculation for clearer application

Access the full standard:View EN 15416-5:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

Examining these three standards together shows a decisive shift towards detailed, scenario-specific testing for adhesives used in engineered timber products—a sub-sector experiencing rapid growth amid trends for sustainable construction. All the standards reinforce harmonization with leading European building codes (notably Eurocode 5) and focus on:

• Durability under variable and cyclic environmental stresses
• Reliable, comparative product assessment to facilitate regulatory compliance
• Standardized terminology and methodologies

The adhesives subdomain continues to receive considerable attention within the Rubber and Plastics Industries, reflecting robust market demand for safe, high-performance timber construction components. Sustainability considerations are present through references to environmental and waste management best practices.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations affected by these October 2025 standards, several pragmatic steps should be considered:

1. Regulatory Alignment: Cross-reference all relevant adhesives currently in use with the new and revised requirements to ensure ongoing compliance, especially when seeking CE marking or market access in the EU.
2. Testing and Laboratory Updates: Update internal test protocols and laboratory equipment as needed, particularly for climate cycling and specimen preparation in alignment with the new standards.
3. Supply Chain Communications: Ensure suppliers and clients are aware of changing expectations around test reporting, classification, and material specifications.
4. Timeline: Since the formal adoption phase may conclude as late as April 2026, plan for rollout and staff training within this window.
5. Documentation: Maintain thorough records of compliance demonstrations, test results, and related correspondence to streamline audits or market surveillance encounters.

Organizations are also encouraged to consult with certification bodies and leverage resources provided by standardization platforms such as iTeh Standards for ongoing updates.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

In summary, October 2025's standards for adhesives in the Rubber and Plastics Industries sector mark a qualitative leap in the granularity and practical utility of test methods for load bearing timber structures. By formalizing approaches to long-term tension load (EN 15416-1:2025), creep deformation under cyclic climate (EN 15416-3:2025), and standardized minimum pressing times (EN 15416-5:2025), the industry gains valuable tools for both compliance and continuous improvement.

Professionals are urged to become familiar with these updates not only for compliance but also for safer, more durable structures and streamlined product development.

Stay ahead by reviewing the full standards on iTeh Standards, and ensure your organization is prepared for the next phase of regulatory and technical excellence in rubber and plastics-based adhesive technologies.