Mapping Policy Needs for Effective 2024 EPBD Implementation: Implications for the EPS Industry

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Written by: Ingrid

Category: News - Smart Insulation

Published: 17 February 2025

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• Initiatives in Construction
• Advocating for EPS Buildings

• Links:
  • Link title: Read the report on the BPIE, Link URL: https://www.bpie.eu/publication/mapping-policy-needs-for-effective-2024-epbd-implementation/#:~:text=The%20report%20highlights%20key%20policy,support%20and%20public%20buy%2Din.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a step in the European Union’s strategy to decarbonise its building stock. As part of the broader Fit for 55 package, this directive introduces stricter energy efficiency requirements, new renovation targets, and a framework for achieving zero-emission buildings (ZEBs). Its implementation will significantly shape the construction and insulation industries, impacting stakeholders across the value chain.

In December 2024, the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) published a report, “Mapping Policy Needs for Effective 2024 EPBD Implementation”, which highlights key policy challenges faced by EU Member States in integrating the directive into national frameworks. This report provides crucial insights into the barriers and needs associated with implementing the EPBD’s new provisions.

Jakub Stefaniak, EU Technical Affairs Manager at EUMEPS, shares his analysis of the report’s key findings and their implications for the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry, exploring both opportunities and challenges in light of the EPBD’s ambitious energy efficiency goals.

 

Key Findings from the BPIE Policy Mapping

The BPIE report outlines the main policy needs and implementation challenges associated with the EPBD 2024, focusing on critical areas such as national renovation strategies, zero-emission buildings, minimum energy performance standards, renovation passports, and energy performance certificates.

One of the primary takeaways is the importance of National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs), which replace previous long-term renovation strategies. These plans are meant to serve as comprehensive roadmaps aligning national targets, financial mechanisms, and legislative measures. However, challenges persist in data collection, institutional capacity, and financing, making it difficult for Member States to establish effective NBRPs.

The directive also introduces Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEBs) as a mandatory standard for all new constructions, with public buildings expected to comply from 2028 and all other buildings from 2030. While this is a significant step towards decarbonisation, Member States must first define clear ZEB methodologies and financing mechanisms to facilitate widespread adoption.

For existing buildings, the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and national renovation trajectories are central to the directive. By 2030, the worst-performing 16% of non-residential buildings must be renovated, with a further 26% requiring upgrades by 2033. Meanwhile, Member States must establish progressive residential renovation trajectories to gradually improve the energy performance of housing stock. However, ensuring compliance remains a challenge, requiring robust enforcement mechanisms and financial incentives.

In addition to these structural changes, the directive introduces renovation passports, which provide building owners with a step-by-step renovation roadmap. This initiative aims to facilitate deep renovations, yet its success depends on well-defined national frameworks and sufficient financial support.

Despite these advancements, the BPIE report highlights key cross-cutting challenges that must be addressed to ensure successful EPBD implementation. Regulatory inconsistencies, institutional capacity constraints, and insufficient financial mechanisms remain major barriers. Additionally, a shortage of skilled workers in the construction sector threatens the timely adoption of energy-efficient building practices. Public awareness and stakeholder engagement are also critical, as the success of these measures depends on their acceptance and implementation at all levels.

 

Challenges and Opportunities for the EPS Industry

For the EPS industry, the EPBD 2024 presents a shifting regulatory landscape that brings both market expansion opportunities and significant adaptation challenges. The emphasis on insulation and energy efficiency reinforces the importance of EPS as a high-performance and cost-effective material. However, evolving sustainability expectations mean that the industry must also address environmental concerns and demonstrate its compatibility with circular economy principles.

One of the most immediate benefits for EPS manufacturers is the growing demand for insulation materials driven by MEPS and national renovation trajectories. As millions of buildings require energy upgrades in the coming years, EPS is well-positioned to play a key role in achieving efficiency targets. Its affordability, lightweight properties, and high thermal resistance make it an attractive choice for large-scale renovations and new zero-emission buildings.

While EPS already contributes to significant energy savings throughout a building’s lifetime, it is also 100% recyclable, and numerous initiatives within the construction sector demonstrate its effective recyclability. For example, EPSolutely in Austria showcases how EPS waste from construction and demolition can be efficiently collected, processed, and reintegrated into new insulation materials. Such projects reinforce the industry’s commitment to circular economy principles and highlight the feasibility of large-scale EPS recycling. As the EPBD 2024 encourages the use of sustainable materials, promoting these successful recycling initiatives will be crucial in ensuring that EPS continues to be recognised as a key solution for energy-efficient renovations and zero-emission buildings.

The fragmentation of regulatory approaches across the EU is another key challenge. While the EPBD sets overall objectives, each country is responsible for defining its own MEPS and renovation trajectory frameworks. As a result, the EPS industry must navigate varying national requirements, financial incentives, and compliance standards, creating potential market uncertainties. In some cases, insulation subsidies and renovation grants may favour alternative materials which could impact EPS adoption rates.

Another factor to consider is the growing competition for alternative insulation materials. Bio-based solutions and other innovative materials are gaining traction, partly due to favourable sustainability policies and public subsidies. To maintain its market position, the EPS industry must reinforce its low-carbon credentials, highlight its energy efficiency advantages, and continue improving its recycling capabilities.

Adapting to the evolving policy landscape will require a proactive approach from the EPS industry. Investing in low-carbon production methods, improving recycling infrastructure, and engaging with policymakers to secure eligibility for renovation incentives will be crucial. Manufacturers should also focus on providing technical guidance to architects, contractors, civil engineers and decision-makers to ensure EPS remains a recognised solution for meeting energy efficiency targets.

 

Conclusion

The EPBD 2024 represents a transformative shift for the European building sector, with far-reaching implications for the EPS industry. The directive’s emphasis on energy performance and insulation creates significant opportunities for market expansion, particularly in the context of large-scale renovations and the transition to zero-emission buildings. However, evolving sustainability expectations and regulatory complexities introduce new challenges that require strategic adaptation.

For the EPS industry to thrive in this changing environment, manufacturers must demonstrate their commitment to circular economy principles, enhance their sustainability credentials, and actively engage in policy discussions to secure favourable market conditions. Strengthening recycling capabilities, improving product transparency, and aligning with regulatory trends will be key to ensuring long-term success.

By proactively addressing these challenges, the EPS sector can position itself as an indispensable player in Europe’s energy transition, supporting the decarbonisation of the built environment while ensuring compliance with the EPBD 2024’s ambitious goals.

France Lifts Styrenics Ban to Align with EU Packaging Regulation

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Written by: Ingrid

Category: News - Smart Packaging

Published: 08 April 2025

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• Advocacy
• Sustainability
• Advocating for EPS Packaging
• Applications in Packaging

• Links:
  • Link title: Read the press release, Link URL: https://eumeps.eu/eumeps-newsroom-packaging/press-releases/article-23-of-the-french-climate-and-resilience-act-on-styrenic-packaging-is-deleted
  • Link title: Learn about the Créa-Styr project (in French), Link URL: https://www.elipso.org/projet-crea-styr/
  • Link title: Leatn about the CréaStyr project (in English), Link URL: https://www.eumeps.eu/eumeps-newsroom/press-releases/crea-styr-a-conclusive-response-by-industry-players-to-polystyrene-recycling

In a long-awaited move that delivers legal clarity to the packaging sector, the French Parliament has officially withdrawn a national ban on non-recyclable styrenic packaging. The decision not only confirms alignment with European law under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) but also ensures that styrenic materials can continue to be used while industry-led recycling solutions are scaled up. This adjustment brings welcome stability for manufacturers and recyclers alike, as they work towards full recyclability by 2030 and beyond.

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France Harmonises Packaging Law with European Regulation
The deletion of Article 23 from the 2021 Climate and Resilience Act removes a national-level restriction that had foreseen a ban on non-recyclable styrenic packaging from 1 January 2025. Its removal aligns France with EU Regulation 2025/40, which sets out recyclability requirements for all packaging, including styrenics, from 2030.

Recognising the risk of over-transposition, the French Government previously signalled its intent to revise the law in mid-2024, responding to parliamentary questions and publishing guidance to avoid overlaps with evolving EU rules. The “DDADUE” Act now formalises this alignment, offering the policy clarity needed to support industrial planning and long-term investments.

 

Implications for the Industry
The repeal brings significant regulatory relief for stakeholders across the packaging value chain. Styrenic packaging can now continue to be marketed under the same conditions as other plastics, giving producers time to innovate within the EU’s legally defined timelines.

More broadly, this decision reinforces the need for coherent legislation that supports the development of a high-performance recycling infrastructure across Member States — one that is climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and built for long-term environmental objectives.

 

ELIPSO’s Role and the CréaStyr Roadmap
Much credit goes to ELIPSO and its members, with the support of EUMEPS, whose continuous engagement at national level helped ensure that the French position reflected broader European legislative trends. Their work exemplifies the importance of coordinated advocacy that spans both national associations and EU representation.

As part of their CréaStyr roadmap, ELIPSO continues to drive practical innovation to achieve recyclability for styrenic packaging at scale by 2035. Tangible progress has already been made, including:

• Eco-designed XPS trays and EPS packaging that enable better sorting and separation;
• Expanded collection points at waste centres to improve recycling access;
• Pilot standards to support the separate collection of professional EPS packaging.

Strategic Coordination Delivers Results
Reflecting on the outcome, Lea Salihovic, EU Policy Manager at EUMEPS, commented:

“This result highlights what’s possible when national advocacy and EU-level policy engagement are aligned. It’s a strong example of how the styrenics sector, through clear evidence and joint efforts, can contribute to a more consistent, efficient regulatory framework — while continuing to innovate in line with circular economy goals.”

The alignment of French and EU law not only simplifies the regulatory landscape but also strengthens the industry’s ability to invest and innovate with confidence. With a shared goal of achieving circularity and reducing environmental impact, the styrenics sector now has a clearer pathway to contributing meaningfully to Europe’s Green Deal objectives.

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The official removal of France’s proposed ban on styrenic packaging sends a strong signal of support for EU-wide coherence and climate-aligned innovation. With a stable regulatory base and clear targets in place, the industry is well-positioned to scale energy-saving, circular solutions that meet both environmental and economic goals.

EUMEPS Elects New Board of Directors and Appoints First Female President

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Written by: Ingrid

Category: Press releases

Published: 09 April 2025

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• Documents:
  • Document Name: Download our press release, Document File: 2025_PR_EUMEPS_new_Board_of_Directors.pdf
• Links:
  • Link title: Meet our Board members, Link URL: https://eumeps.eu/about-eumeps/our-structure

A diverse and committed team to guide the European EPS industry towards greater sustainability and circularity.

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The General Assembly of EUMEPS, the association representing the entire value chain of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in Europe, has elected a new Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term.

The newly appointed President is Agata Gładysz-Stańczyk (Synthos) – the first woman to hold this position since the creation of the association. She will work alongside three Vice-Presidents: Alan Moss (BEWI), Gregor Haverkemper (BASF) and Chresten Heide-Anderson (EPSbranchen, Denmark).

This year’s Board brings together experienced professionals from across Europe and reflects the diverse composition of the EPS value chain – from raw material suppliers and converters to recyclers and national associations.

It also sees three women elected, including two new members – Agata Gładysz-Stanczyk and Graziana Carianni (Versalis) – and the re-election of Serena Klein (IVH, Germany).

Agata Gładysz-Stańczyk, newly elected President of EUMEPS, commented: “It is an honour to take on the role of President of EUMEPS at a time when our industry is playing a pivotal role in Europe’s transition towards a circular economy. At Synthos, we have demonstrated that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand — developing advanced insulation materials that both improve building performance and reduce environmental impact. I am confident that, by working together through EUMEPS, we can drive the widespread adoption of sustainable EPS solutions, enhancing energy efficiency in renovations and setting a solid foundation for long-term environmental benefits across Europe”

Jürgen Lang, Director General of EUMEPS, added: “The election of the new Board of Directors, under the leadership of Agata Gładysz-Stańczyk, marks a key milestone for EUMEPS. Over the next two years, our focus will be to elevate the profile of EPS in the European sustainability dialogue, highlighting its advantages in energy efficiency, affordability, and recyclability. We remain committed to working closely with EU policymakers, industry stakeholders and civil society to promote high-performance, circular solutions that support climate neutrality and drive the energy transition.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr Klaus Ries and the outgoing Board of Directors for their dedication, trust and strategic guidance over the past years. Their leadership has enabled EUMEPS to grow stronger, more visible, and better equipped to represent the EPS value chain at the European level. We now build on this solid foundation with renewed energy and ambition.”

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Composition of the EUMEPS Board of Directors (2025–2027) 

President

• Agata Gładysz-Stańczyk (Synthos)

Vice-Presidents

• Alan Moss (BEWI)
• Gregor Haverkemper (BASF)
• Chresten Heide-Anderson (EPSbranchen, Denmark)

Directors (alphabetical order)

• Graziana Carianni (Versalis) – Recycler category
• Roman Eberstaller (Sunpor)
• Roland Hebbel (Steinbacher Dämmstoff)
• Markus Kraft (Hirsch Porozell)
• Dariusz Łazęcki (Termo Organika)
• Heimo Pascher (Austrotherm)
• Patrick Sutter (Knauf Industries)
• Serena Klein (IVH, Germany)