Helena Backson has dedicated more than two decades to environmental management, quality systems, and product development within the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) sector. With a background as an environmental engineer and experience ranging from consultancy to leadership roles in industry, she has worked extensively on environmental standards, product testing, and regulatory compliance.
Recently appointed as Head of EPS Sverige, Helena brings deep technical knowledge and long-standing experience of the Swedish EPS industry. In this Faces of EUMEPS interview, she reflects on her professional journey, the role of environmental management systems in improving industry practices, and the contribution of EPS to energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.
Helena, you have spent more than two decades working on environmental and quality issues within the EPS industry. Looking back, what first sparked your interest in this field, and what has kept you motivated throughout your career?
My interest in this field is connected to the many possibilities with EPS, both as a material suited for technical applications, and for the good insulation properties, making low-energy buildings a reality.
Your professional journey has taken you from environmental consultancy to leadership roles within EPS companies and now to EPS Sverige. Which experiences or moments have been particularly influential in shaping your perspective on the industry?
EPS as a construction material, with all its strengths. Durable and showing good performance in compression and lambda values. I was fortunate to be able to build up a new laboratory from the demands of the EN standard. I am very proud of that.
A large part of your work has focused on environmental management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. From your personal experience, how have these frameworks helped companies in the EPS sector improve their environmental performance and internal culture?
By taking responsibility for continuous improvements, these systems push companies in the direction towards internal goals. Measurements are used, and risk assessments are being made. This, together with work environment issues, makes the industry safer.
You have also been involved in product development and testing for building applications. Is there a project or development that you worked on which you found especially meaningful or rewarding?
Both fire tests at RISE and ITT testing of the material have been interesting, and you learn a lot from working with the testing institutes. Especially when there are no standards, which was the case when I was a project leader of developing a new board with EPS and adhesives.
EPS plays an important role in improving the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing energy demand. In your view, how can the EPS industry continue contributing to a more sustainable and climate-neutral building stock in Europe?
I am very happy about the Copenhagen Commitment, where the European countries came to an important agreement to adapt homes and buildings to a sustainable future by reducing energy use for keeping our houses warm. Maybe we shall push for more passive houses with almost zero use of energy. That sector probably needs some more attention.
As you step into your new role leading EPS Sverige, what are the priorities that matter most to you personally, and what would you like to achieve for the Swedish EPS community in the coming years?
Today, the challenge is to meet objections from the competition. We are showing our strengths, and sometimes that includes a combination of materials. For example, to get a fire-safe construction, the ongoing work is to match EPS and fibre cement boards in roof applications where solar panels are involved. Personally, I am interested in the energy efficiency of buildings and how we can improve them for the future. Recyclability and the circular economy are also on the agenda right now, and this is an important part of my work.
Helena Backson’s career reflects a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility, quality management, and technical development within the EPS industry. From building laboratory capabilities to contributing to product testing and compliance with international standards, her work highlights the importance of structured processes and continuous improvement.
Looking ahead, Helena emphasises the importance of improving the energy efficiency of buildings, strengthening recycling and circular economy practices, and addressing technical challenges in modern construction applications. Through her role at EPS Sverige, she aims to support collaboration across the Swedish EPS community while contributing to the broader European discussion on sustainable and efficient building solutions.