The engagement of top managers underlines the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) industry’s commitment to sustainability and a circular economy.
On 26 April, the Association of the European Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (EUMEPS) held its General Assembly, and the members elected a new Board of Directors. n the Board of Directors elections, EUMEPS members have reconfirmed Klaus Ries from BASF as President. His colleagues Alan Moss from BEWI, Amaury Omnès from Hirsch Porozell and Chresten Heide-Anderson from the Danish EPS association, EPBbranchen, were appointed as Vice-Presidents.
Five of the former Board of Directors members were re-elected. Paolo Bottarelli (Versalis) and Said Blihi newly joined the Board of Directors, the latter one replacing his colleague from Synthos Agata Gladysz-Stanczyk. Former Board of Directors member Jean Michel Guihaumé (Afipeb) did not run for re-election.
Under the leadership of the outgoing Board of Directors, significant changes were brought to EUMEPS, the most visible one being the new staff entirely based in Brussels. The association launched its successful initiative “Smart Packaging Europe” and it saw an impressive increase in members. Furthermore, the recycling rate of EPS across Europe rose to an average of 30 % growing by 4 % on average per year.
Re-elected President, Klaus Ries, commented: “Restructuring EUMEPS is a great success. Everyone has put a lot of work and even more heart and soul into this process. I would like to sincerely thank the EUMEPS staff and my colleagues from the previous board for their contributions. All our achievements were possible only thanks to their commitment. Furthermore, I want to express my gratitude to the entire EUMEPS membership who has valued our work. The continuous trust honours me.”
Also reconfirmed Vice-President Alan Moss was happy about the result: “EUMEPS has changed completely during the last two years. We turned it upside down for the better paving the way for a more sustainable EPS industry.” He concluded quoting football legend Pelé: “Success is no accident. It is hard work… In an association, it is not a one-man show but teamwork. Together we will also tackle the remaining challenges on our way to achieving circularity.”
Concluding EUMEPS President Klaus Ries added: “The successes of the last two years show that we are on the right track. The association is perceived as a competent and reliable advisor and has built a strong network. Now it is time to speak with one voice. EPS has clear advantages over competitive products and makes the energy transition affordable in the building sector. I am convinced that we have all the arguments on our side and that EPS will make an important contribution to achieving climate protection goals.”
Composition of the newly elected EUMEPS Board of Directors:
- President: Dr Klaus Ries (BASF)
- Vice presidents: Alan Moss (BEWI), Amaury Omnès (Hirsch Porozell), Chresten Heide-Anderson (EPSbranchen)
Other Board of Directors members (alphabetical order):
- Alessandro Augello (Gruppo Poron), Said Blihi (Synthos), Paolo Bottarelli (Versalis), Roman Eberstaller (Sunpor), Klaus Haberfellner (Austrotherm), Roland Hebbel (Steinbacher Dämmstoff), Gilles Istin (Knauf Industries), Serena Klein (IVH)