As the Technical and Environmental Officer at IVH, Sabine brings over 15 years of experience in insulation materials to the EPS industry, joining at a time when environmental sustainability and energy efficiency are crucial priorities. With a background in mineral wool and XPS rigid foam, she recognised the unique advantages of EPS in terms of resource efficiency and its potential to contribute to climate goals through enhanced energy-saving practices. Over the past year, she has actively engaged in promoting the role of EPS in sustainable construction, focusing on innovation, recycling, and regulatory advancements to elevate the material’s reputation and usefulness in addressing Europe’s environmental challenges.
You have been with IVH for a year now. Could you tell us what inspired you to join the EPS industry and how your previous experience prepared you for the role of Technical & Environment Officer?
My move into the EPS sector was a deliberate decision. With over 15 years of experience in the insulation industry, where I was the key contact for all technical queries relating to mineral wool and XPS rigid foam in property management and application technology, I felt I had reached a point where there was little more to learn in that field.
However, I wanted to stay involved in insulation materials because I believe that insulation and the associated energy savings can make a significant contribution to climate protection and a more sustainable future. My previous experience has prepared me well for the role of Technical & Environment Officer. I have a deep understanding of insulation materials and their technical aspects, and I recognise the importance of developing innovative solutions to meet current environmental challenges. I look forward to using my knowledge and working with industry players to develop sustainable solutions.
As someone relatively new to the EPS sector, what were your initial impressions of the industry, and how have these evolved over the past year?
The EPS industry faces more market pressure than other insulation materials. In addition to the reduced construction activity in both new builds and refurbishments, which affects all insulation materials, there is also growing pressure from the general trend towards reducing plastic use. Despite these challenges, I was impressed by the industry’s innovative strength and the commitment of its players to finding sustainable solutions.
Over the past year, I have come to appreciate the importance of collaboration within the industry. Sharing knowledge and best practices is vital to overcoming challenges and developing sustainable solutions. The EPS industry has the potential to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and is rising to the challenges, despite difficult market conditions.
In your view, what are the most pressing challenges and opportunities for the EPS industry today, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability and climate goals?
EPS does not always have the best reputation when it comes to sustainability, but this perception is unjustified. Sustainability is not defined solely by “renewable raw materials”. EPS has many advantages, particularly in terms of sustainability, which includes ecological, economic, and social aspects. In many areas, it is more advanced than other insulation materials. I am confident that EPS will play a key role in achieving climate goals.
IVH plays a critical role in promoting the safe and efficient use of EPS in Germany. What do you see as the key objectives for IVH in the coming years, and how do you envision contributing to them in your role?
One area that is particularly important to me is “Training and Education”. From my own experience, I know that even planners, architects, and construction professionals often have limited or incorrect information about EPS insulation materials. It is essential to develop programmes that enhance awareness of the benefits of EPS, especially in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency.
I have already seen positive results from initial discussions with a professor at HTWK, who teaches architecture and civil engineering. EPS material samples and presentations are now part of their lectures and seminars, and we are supporting the first bachelor’s thesis on “Sustainable Insulation Materials”.
It is also crucial for IVH to play an active role in shaping regulations and standards relating to EPS use, to ensure the industry’s interests are heard in political decision-making processes. I am already involved in several working groups in this area. Additionally, IVH should continue promoting effective recycling strategies to maximise EPS recycling. In my role, I aim to actively contribute to these goals and strengthen EPS’s position.
Being part of the wider EPS community through IVH and EUMEPS, how do you perceive the importance of collaboration between national and European bodies in addressing key issues like recycling, innovation, and regulation?
Cooperation between national and European bodies is essential for addressing key issues such as recycling, innovation, and regulation in the EPS sector. This collaboration enables the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and resources, which leads to more coherent and efficient implementation of guidelines and policies.
By working closely together, national and European bodies can create synergies that allow for the development of innovative solutions that meet both local and European needs. Ultimately, this cooperation strengthens the ability of the EPS industry to face its challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.
EUMEPS advocates for the circular economy and enhanced sustainability in the EPS sector. In your experience so far, how effective do you think these efforts have been, and what more needs to be done to fully integrate circular practices into the industry?
EUMEPS has made significant progress in promoting the circular economy and sustainability in the EPS sector. The initiatives to promote recycling, develop guidelines, and share best practices have had a positive impact, but there is still more to be done.
To fully integrate circular practices, we need to:
- Strengthen collection systems: We must establish comprehensive and efficient systems to ensure EPS is properly collected and recycled at the end of its lifecycle.
- Raise awareness: It is crucial to educate all stakeholders—from manufacturers and processors to end consumers—about the benefits of recycling and the value of EPS as a raw material.
- Innovate: Continued investment in research and development is necessary to create new materials and technologies that improve the recycling process.
- Gain regulatory support: EUMEPS should play a proactive role in shaping policy frameworks that promote the circular economy and encourage sustainable practices.
Overall, the progress made so far is encouraging, but a holistic approach that considers all these factors is needed to fully embrace the circular economy in the EPS sector.
From your perspective as a Technical and Environmental Expert, what innovations or advancements in EPS technology are you most excited about, and how might they shape the future of the construction and packaging sectors?
I am particularly excited about innovations that reduce the environmental impact of production and promote the circular economy. I believe that recycling—whether mechanical, physical, chemical or a combination of these processes—holds the key to solving these issues. However, establishing an effective collection system for EPS in the construction industry is essential.
All stakeholders must understand that EPS, no matter its application, is a valuable raw material, not waste.
EPS is a material with strong insulation properties, yet it often faces public scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. How do you think the industry can better communicate the benefits of EPS, particularly its recyclability and contribution to energy efficiency?
The industry can improve the perception of EPS as a sustainable and energy-efficient solution through various methods:
- Information campaigns that highlight EPS’s environmentally friendly properties and recycling potential can raise awareness among the public and professionals.
- Training courses and workshops for architects and planners can help these professionals better understand the benefits of EPS and integrate it into their projects.
- Case studies of successful projects that showcase the practical benefits of EPS can convince potential users.
I like to use relatable examples to put environmental impact into perspective. For instance, the CO2 footprint of a flight from Germany to Dubai and back is roughly equivalent to the carbon footprint of insulating a detached house with EPS. Alternatively, someone taking a one-week cruise with their partner could have insulated four houses with EPS for the same CO2 footprint and saved 50 to 100 times the CO2 emissions over decades of energy savings.
As you look ahead, what are your personal goals within IVH, and how do you hope to make a lasting impact on the EPS industry, particularly in terms of sustainability and regulatory advancements?
The EPS industry is currently facing significant challenges, including new regulatory requirements, increased competition, and growing customer demands for sustainability. At the same time, there are considerable opportunities. Insulation is a key factor in reducing energy demand in the building sector, and I believe that EPS will play a crucial role in this.
I want to be actively involved in initiatives that promote the exchange of best practices on sustainability and develop innovative solutions to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. I also believe it is important to keep up to date with regulatory developments, raise awareness of new regulations, and help our members implement them efficiently. Through dialogue with decision-makers, I aim to ensure the industry’s voice is heard on sustainability issues.
Ultimately, I want to help ensure the EPS industry is not only economically successful but also ecologically responsible, developing solutions that meet both current needs and those of future generations.
Finally, how do you see the role of EUMEPS evolving in the coming years, especially in relation to supporting its members, including IVH, in achieving both environmental and industry-wide goals?
I see EUMEPS playing a crucial role in supporting its members, including IVH, in achieving environmental and industry-wide goals. EUMEPS can provide a platform that fosters the exchange of knowledge and best practices, helping develop innovative solutions that minimise the industry’s environmental impact.
EUMEPS also actively participates in shaping and implementing policies that help members adapt to new regulations. Through training and workshops, EUMEPS can ensure all members are well-informed and have the resources they need to implement sustainable practices effectively.
Additionally, EUMEPS keeps strengthening the dialogue with policymakers to represent the industry’s interests and ensure its voice is heard on key sustainability issues. Overall, I believe EUMEPS can be instrumental in transforming the EPS industry by supporting its members in achieving both economic and environmental goals.
Throughout the interview, Sabine has highlighted the key role EPS plays in contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability. Her commitment to promoting training and education around EPS, combined with efforts to enhance recycling systems and support regulatory compliance, demonstrates a clear vision for the future of the industry. As a strong advocate for collaboration between national and European bodies, she sees immense potential in furthering circular economy practices and ensuring EPS’s place as a key material in both the construction and packaging sectors, helping Europe meet its climate-neutral targets.