A key achievement of 2024 was EUMEPS’s leadership in the creation of the European Insulation Platform—a collaborative initiative uniting organisations previously considered competitors, including PU Europe, Exiba, and EURIMA. Recognising thecommon goal of addressing energy efficiency, these associations came together to promote the importance of renovating building envelopes in a material-neutral approach.

The platform advocates for insulation as a central solution to achieve the EU’s climate targets and address the energy crisis. This collaboration will culminate in a joint communication campaign in the first quarter of 2025, showcasing the critical role of insulation—regardless of the material—in reducing energy consumption and supporting Europe’s sustainable renovation goals. 

By uniting forces, EUMEPS and its partners have sent a clear message to policymakers: renovation is essential for achieving a climate-neutral Europe, and EPS will play a vital role in thattransformation. 

EUMEPS deepened its collaboration with leading industry associations, including Plastics Europe, EUPC, CEFIC, and the European Association for ETICS (EAE). These alliances have been instrumental in advancing shared objectives around circularity, sustainability, and balanced policy-making at the European level, while also promoting technical excellence and safety standards.

A highlight of this year was EUMEPS’s sponsorship of the EAE Awards Ceremony 2024, held in May. The event celebrated outstanding projects in External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) that enhance energy efficiency and architectural excellence across Europe.  

Speaking at the event, EUMEPS’s Jakub Stefaniak emphasised the synergy between ETICS with EPS and Europe’s climate goals, stating: “ETICS with EPS is at the forefront of building innovation. It offers a cost-effective solution to reduce energy consumption, lowercarbon emissions, and improve the overall energy performance of buildings.”

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Additionally, EUMEPS’s partnership with CEFIC has been pivotal in initiatives like the Antwerp Declaration, which promotes unity and shared goals across the value chain. During EUMEPS’s 30th Anniversary Event, Miguel Angel Prieto Arranz, Director of Specialty Chemicals at CEFIC, reflected on this collaboration:

Watch the interview here.

These collaborations reflect the growing alignment between EUMEPS and its partners, ensuring that EPS solutions are recognised as critical to Europe’s sustainability, energy efficiency, and safety ambitions. Whether through advocacy, technical initiatives, or shared events, these partnerships continue to strengthen the impactof EPS in shaping a more sustainable and circular Europe.

EUMEPS further cemented its commitment to circularity and climate action by being one of the first signatories of the Antwerp Declaration, alongside industry partners like CEFIC. This significant initiative represents a collective commitment by the European plastics industry to transitiontowards a circular economy and meet the ambitious sustainability goals outlined by the European Green Deal.

The Antwerp Declaration highlights the essential role of plastics, including EPS, in achieving these objectives. By participatingin this initiative, EUMEPS reinforces its position as a leader in supporting responsible innovation and advocating for balanced, science-based measures on plastic sustainability. 

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In addition to advocacy and partnerships, EUMEPS supported several collaborative projects that show the industry’s innovation and commitment to sustainability.The Malta Project stands out as a successful example of industry collaboration. Supported by key partners, including members like Hirsch and Steinbacher Dämmstoffe, the project demonstrated the industry’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to regional needs. This initiative showcased EPS’s versatility and the strength of EUMEPS’s member network.

In 2024, EUMEPS hosted a series of events that brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts. These platforms facilitated dynamic discussions on the futureof EPS, highlighting its role in a circular economy and its contribution to reducing carbon footprints.

At these events, keynote speeches from high-profile stakeholders underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation. EUMEPS’s ability to convene diverse voices reinforced its role as a unifying force within the industry, driving progresstowards shared environmental and economic goals.

EUMEPS’s success in building and strengthening partnerships in 2024 reflects its strategic vision and commitment to collaboration. By engaging with European associations, global initiatives,and key industry players, EUMEPS has amplified its advocacy efforts and showcased EPS as an essential solution for Europe’s sustainable future.