EUMEPS has been selected as a finalist in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) category of the European Association Awards 2026. The nomination recognises the association’s Women of EUMEPS initiative, a campaign designed to highlight the role of women across the expanded polystyrene (EPS) value chain and to promote a more inclusive industrial sector.
The European Association Awards, organised as part of the European Association Summit, recognise projects that demonstrate strong impact, innovation and commitment to the values of the association community. The winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony in Brussels on 26 March 2026.
Recognising initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion
The DEI category rewards projects that actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion either within an association or through initiatives addressing members, stakeholders or the wider public. The jury also considers the tangible impact of the projects submitted.
EUMEPS has been shortlisted alongside the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and EIT Manufacturing. The nomination reflects the growing importance of diversity in European industrial sectors and highlights the efforts made by associations to promote inclusive practices within their communities.
Women of EUMEPS: increasing visibility across the EPS value chain
The Women of EUMEPS initiative was launched to increase the visibility of women working across the EPS industry and to recognise their contribution to innovation, sustainability and leadership within the sector.
The campaign combined several communication tools: a dedicated campaign website presenting profiles and testimonials from women in the industry, a publication highlighting the role of women in technical and leadership positions, and the official launch of the initiative during CIRPLEX 2025 through a dedicated networking event. These formats allowed EUMEPS to engage both industry stakeholders and the Brussels policy community.
Building dialogue between industry and European stakeholders
Beyond raising awareness within the sector, the initiative aimed to contribute to broader discussions on representation and skills in European industry. By showcasing concrete career paths and experiences, the campaign provided examples of how technical industries are evolving and how diversity can strengthen innovation and collaboration.
The project also encouraged dialogue with European stakeholders, including associations working on gender equality, like the European Women’s Lobby and policymakers engaged on social and employment issues. Through these exchanges, EUMEPS sought to position the EPS industry as a constructive participant in discussions on diversity and inclusion within Europe’s industrial landscape.
"I am very proud of this nomination, which recognises the efforts that we – and our industry – have made to promote better representation of women in a sector that has traditionally been more male-dominated," said Ingrid Morin, Communications Manager at EUMEPS. "I am particularly pleased that the campaign received support not only from many women across the EPS industry throughout Europe, but also from key stakeholders in the Brussels policy community, including the European Women’s Lobby, Women in Plastics Italy and MEP Gasiuk-Pihowicz, to name only a few."
Being shortlisted for the European Association Awards 2026 represents an important recognition of the work carried out by the EUMEPS community and its members. The nomination highlights the association’s commitment to promoting inclusive practices while continuing to represent the EPS value chain in European policy discussions.
The winners will be announced during the European Association Awards Ceremony in Brussels on 26 March 2026, during the European Association Summit. Whatever the outcome, the nomination confirms the relevance of initiatives such as Women of EUMEPS in supporting dialogue, visibility and collaboration across the sector.