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A decisive year for advocacy, digital transformation, and industry leadership

In 2024, EUMEPS significantly advanced its mission to position expanded polystyrene (EPS) as a key material in Europe’s transition to a circular, climate-neutral economy. This report captures the association’s progress across communication, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships.


 Communication and Branding: A New Chapter

  • Strategic repositioning: A robust communication programme shaped through member consultations laid the groundwork for stronger advocacy and public outreach.

  • Revamped digital presence: EUMEPS launched a new website and dedicated platforms—Smart Packaging Europe and Smart Insulation Europe—highlighting EPS’s environmental and technical advantages.

  • Manifesto launch: The EUMEPS Manifesto set a clear and accessible vision for the future of EPS in Europe, supported by a multilingual brochure, website content, and a creative EPS Memory Game.

  • 30th Anniversary milestone: A major event in Brussels gathered over 100 key figures to celebrate three decades of EUMEPS leadership and present its strategic vision for the years ahead.


Advocacy: Influence and Impact

  • Policy leadership: EUMEPS engaged with EU policymakers on key regulatory files such as the PPWR, the EPBD, the Waste Framework Directive, and the Global Plastic Treaty.

  • Technical advancement: The recruitment of a new EU Technical Affairs Manager, Emanuela Gallo, boosted the organisation’s expertise—particularly on fire safety and integration of EPS with renewable technologies.

  • EPS recyclability recognised: Following EUMEPS’s contributions, EPS was officially acknowledged by UNEP as one of the few packaging materials recycled at scale.


 Strategic Partnerships

  • European Insulation Platform: Together with PU Europe, EXIBA and EURIMA, EUMEPS helped establish a new alliance to promote energy renovation across Europe, culminating in a joint communication campaign for 2025: "Priority? Insulation!".

  • Collaboration with industry leaders: Reinforced ties with CEFIC, Plastics Europe, and EAE advanced shared goals in circularity and policy coherence, with EUMEPS among the first signatories of the Antwerp Declaration.

  • Regional and international outreach: EUMEPS contributed to educational and technical forums across Europe, including universities and national EPS associations.


2025 Outlook

The year ahead will be shaped by:

  • A new digital programme, expanding multimedia content and stakeholder engagement;

  • The rollout of the European Insulation Platform campaign, calling for a material-neutral approach to building renovation;

  • Active monitoring of key files including the Green Claims Directive, Microplastics Regulation, and EPBD implementation;

  • Continued leadership in global fora, especially the Global Plastic Treaty negotiations;

  • A strengthened focus on diversity, scientific rigour, and member visibility, particularly through the Women of EUMEPS initiative.

 

EUMEPS closes 2024 with renewed purpose, strong momentum, and the commitment to remain a trusted, unified voice for EPS in Europe.

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