On 19 November 2024, EUMEPS marked a monumental milestone: 30 years of championing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the European EPS industry. Hosted at the elegant TheMerode in Brussels, this anniversary celebration brought together industry leaders, policymakers, media representatives, and EUMEPS members. The event reflected on the achievements of the past three decades while unveiling bold commitments for the future.
A Night to Remember
The evening began with a warm and poetic welcome from Jürgen Lang, Director General of EUMEPS. His opening speech set the tone for the night, blending humour, inspiration, and a clear vision for the industry:
"The future is not black or white, but the future is WITH EPS. Over the years, we have transformed not only our association but also our industry. Together, we have built a resilient foundation, ready to face tomorrow's challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable growth."
Jürgen’s words were a powerful reminder of the progress achieved over the past 30 years and the shared responsibility to continue building on that success. He praised the contributions of EUMEPS members, whose passion and dedication have driven the association forward year after year.
Introducing the EUMEPS Manifesto and the 6 Engagements
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the EUMEPS Manifesto and the 6 Key Engagements of EPS—a strategic framework outlining the association’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. These engagements reflect the core benefits of EPS and its role in achieving a circular economy:
- Sustainability: Maximising EPS’s potential to contribute to climate-neutral goals.
- Energy Efficiency: Delivering high-performance insulation for reduced energy consumption.
- Resource Efficiency: Promoting circular solutions and reducing waste.
- Innovation: Driving advancements in EPS technology and applications.
- Collaboration: Building strong partnerships across the value chain.
- Community: Supporting society through smarter, more sustainable solutions.
In his welcoming speech, Alan Moss, Vice President of EUMEPS, emphasised these commitments:
"Thirty years of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to promoting sustainable solutions with EPS is no small achievement. It reflects the commitment of our members and partners across Europe to grow our industry and address the pressing environmental challenges of our time."
The launch of these initiatives was a testament to EUMEPS’s leadership in shaping the industry’s response to global challenges.
Inspiring Discussions at the Round Table
A key feature of the evening was the compelling round table discussion moderated by Jürgen Lang. The panel included Gregor Haverkemper (BASF), Virginia Janssens (PlasticsEurope), and Miguel Angel Prieto Arranz (Cefic). Together, they explored critical topics such as circularity, innovation, and the importance of collaboration in tackling regulatory and sustainability challenges.
The round table provided attendees with valuable insights and practical perspectives on the future of EPS, sparking meaningful discussions about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
A Celebration of Progress and Commitment
The event embraced a celebratory atmosphere, with actors bringing to life the theme “The World with and without EPS”, based on the newly launched EUMEPS Manifesto. This creative performance highlighted the material’s indispensable contributions to modern life.
The theme of the evening was further reflected in the dedicated decorations that transformed the venue into two distinct worlds: one with EPS and one without. The room was divided to visually demonstrate these contrasting realities, featuring banner-ups, rollups, and playful cubes designed to engage attendees. These immersive elements added a dynamic and thought-provoking dimension to the celebration, making it both informative and memorable.
The event perfectly blended reflection, inspiration, and celebration.
Looking Ahead
EUMEPS’s 30th Anniversary was more than a celebration of the past—it was a bold step into the future. With the Manifesto and the 6 Engagements as guiding principles, EUMEPS reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and building a more sustainable future for the EPS industry.
As Jürgen said in his closing remarks:
"We are here to stay. The future is bright because the future is WITH EPS."
The evening left attendees inspired, united, and ready to embark on the next chapter of EUMEPS’s journey—together.