EUMEPS has released a new publication, "Securing Europe’s Industrial Future through Circular and Affordable Solutions", examining the implications of the Clean Industrial Deal for the European Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) value chain and for related industrial sectors. The document brings together contributions from policymakers, European associations, and companies to provide an overview of current challenges, strategic priorities, and practical considerations linked to Europe’s industrial transition.
This report is the second in the EUMEPS Tripartite series, following the publication Women in the EPS Industry released earlier this year. It aims to support informed discussion by presenting a range of perspectives from organisations active in construction, packaging, chemicals, and recycling, as well as from members of the European Parliament.
Purpose and Structure of the Publication
The report outlines how the Clean Industrial Deal fits within broader EU objectives on climate neutrality, competitiveness, energy efficiency, and circularity. It explains why the initiative is relevant for the EPS industry, which contributes to:
- energy-efficient building renovation
- resource-efficient and protective packaging
- local production across Europe
- ongoing developments in recycling technologies and circular design
Key Themes Highlighted by Contributors
Across the contributions, several recurring themes emerge:
- Competitiveness and energy costs
Many associations and companies underline the impact of high energy prices on manufacturing in Europe and the need for predictable, affordable energy to support industrial activity. - Regulatory coherence
Several stakeholders note the importance of a consistent regulatory environment across Member States to support long-term planning, investment, and compliance. - Circular resource management
Multiple contributions reflect ongoing efforts to improve recycling and resource efficiency. Examples include EPS collection and reprocessing initiatives led by recyclers and the creation of recycled-content raw materials. - Role of construction in the transition
Associations active in the construction sector emphasise the contribution of insulation and renovation to Europe’s climate and housing objectives, highlighting the relevance of the building envelope in reducing energy demand.
Perspectives from Policymakers and Industry
The publication includes a contribution by MEP Marion Walsmann, who outlines the importance of combining competitiveness and climate ambition, with a focus on predictable legislation, legal certainty, and an enabling environment for innovation.
Contributions from European associations — including CEFIC, Plastics Europe, Construction Products Europe, EuPC, and the European Association for ETICS (EAE) — provide additional insight into the industrial landscape covering chemicals, plastics, construction products, and converters.
EUMEPS members — such as BASF, BEWI, HIRSCH, STS Polistiroli, Termolan, De Vries Recycling, Isomo, and Schlaadt — share practical observations from across the EPS value chain, reflecting experiences from raw material production to recycling.
Recommendations Featured in the Report
The final section compiles a set of observations and considerations that emerged from the contributions. These relate to:
- energy affordability and stability
- regulatory clarity and coherence
- the role of collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure
- the need for consistent market signals
- the importance of a predictable framework for investment in innovation and renovation
These recommendations do not represent a single position but reflect common points raised across sectors.
Download to read the publication.