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EPS is an extremely lightweight material
tiny EPS beads expand like popcorn
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Objective for recycling activities by 2025
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Faces of EUMEPS: An Interview with Dariusz Łazęcki (Poland)
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- Written by: Ingrid
- Category: News
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- Links:
- Link title: Learn more about ETICS with EPS, Link URL: https://eumeps.eu/topics-sie/etics-with-eps
- Link title: Meet our Board of Directors, Link URL: https://eumeps.eu/about-eumeps/our-structure
In this edition of Faces of EUMEPS, we speak with Dariusz Łazęcki, R&D and QC at Termo Organika, Vice-President at Polish ETICS Association (SSO) and newly appointed Board Member of EUMEPS, representing EPS converters. With over 25 years of experience in the ETICS and insulation sector, Dariusz offers a grounded perspective on the role of EPS in sustainable construction, the importance of product quality, and the challenges facing European manufacturers under evolving regulations. His insights reflect both the strength of national leadership and the value of coordinated European advocacy.
Could you share your professional journey leading to your current role as Director of Development and Quality at Termo Organika? What aspects of the EPS industry have particularly captivated your interest?
I have been working in the ETICS business for over 25 years, and with Termo Organika for nearly 17. I joined the company during a period of expansion into construction chemistry products. Naturally, our focus was on those components integrated into insulation systems (ETICS), such as adhesives, plasters, and paints. Given that Termo Organika was—and still is—the market leader in EPS production in Poland, our systems were inevitably based on EPS. Today, Termo Organika is not only the leading EPS converter in Poland but also a significant ETICS supplier.
Termo Organika is recognised as a leading producer of EPS insulation in Poland. What are the key factors that have contributed to the company's success in delivering high-quality insulation solutions?
Our primary focus has always been on quality—ensuring that the declared product parameters match the actual performance. Customers quickly recognised that they were receiving a reliable product, one that would deliver the expected thermal insulation for their homes. They understood that "savings" made during this stage of construction could result in significantly higher heating bills later. Choosing a slightly cheaper EPS might lead to long-term costs that outweigh the initial price difference. Therefore, investing in high-quality EPS yields real, measurable benefits with a very short payback period.
As a new member of the EUMEPS Board representing converters, what are your primary objectives in this role? How do you envision enhancing the representation of converters within the association?
EUMEPS has long promoted EPS as the best choice for building insulation—especially in ETICS—thanks to its combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. EPS-based ETICS systems are durable, visually adaptable, efficient, and easy to install. I want EUMEPS to continue advocating for EPS, focusing not only on technical merits but also on broader marketing, public relations, and appropriate legislative support at the European level. If these efforts are effective, they will encourage more companies to join the association.
The EPS industry is undergoing significant changes, particularly concerning sustainability and circularity. What do you perceive as the main challenges and opportunities for EPS converters in this evolving landscape?
The greatest challenge is to raise awareness that EPS is 100% recyclable. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation—sometimes politically or commercially motivated—portraying EPS as equivalent to single-use plastics. This is not accurate. EPS is a long-lasting, low-carbon material with stable insulation and mechanical properties over time. When dismantled, EPS from ETICS can be fully recycled.
Converters need to adopt and promote best practices in production and installation to minimise environmental impact. Effective solutions exist—such as protective nets on scaffolding, industrial vacuum cleaners, or hot wire cutters instead of saws—to reduce waste during insulation work. The task ahead is not just technical, but communicational.
Termo Organika has been proactive in advocating for quality standards and product certification. How do you see the role of standardisation and compliance evolving in the EPS sector, especially with the introduction of new regulations like the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR)?
EPS is manufactured according to the harmonised EN 13163 standard, which has served us well for many years, clearly defining its thermal, mechanical, and fire-related properties. In principle, the new CPR should not drastically alter this. However, some EU Member States impose additional national requirements, especially for ETICS applications, which can distort the internal market.
Unfortunately, the revised CPR does not seem to address these discrepancies or offer robust mechanisms for enforcement. Meanwhile, European producers face increasing regulatory burdens that foreign producers often avoid. This puts us at a competitive disadvantage—an issue that deserves louder advocacy.
You have participated in discussions regarding the new CPR. From your perspective, what are the key implications of this regulation for EPS manufacturers and the broader construction industry?
Europe is experiencing a regulatory overload. While regulation is essential, many of the new rules appear excessive or misaligned with real market needs. Companies must now dedicate entire legal departments just to remain compliant. Yet, some foreign producers are entering the market with unmatchable prices, ignoring the obligations European manufacturers face.
Let me be clear: I am a supporter of a united Europe. It is one of the best outcomes of the post-war period. But something is going wrong. We must strike a balance between oversight and competitiveness.
How does Termo Organika approach innovation in product development, particularly in response to the increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building materials?
We aim to be a leader in EPS insulation by delivering products that meet or exceed declared parameters. We closely monitor market expectations and trends and adapt accordingly. Our state-of-the-art machinery, well-equipped laboratories, and skilled workforce enable us to innovate effectively. We also maintain strong partnerships across the value chain, drawing inspiration from both suppliers and customers.
Collaboration across the EPS value chain is crucial for advancing recycling and circular economy initiatives. What strategies do you believe are effective in fostering cooperation between raw material suppliers, converters, and recyclers?
It’s a feedback loop: each actor in the chain must understand the needs of the others. Raw material producers must ensure their products are suitable for efficient conversion and future recycling. Additives that hinder recyclability should be avoided. Fortunately, I believe there is already growing mutual understanding and cooperation among suppliers, converters, and recyclers.
In your view, what role does EUMEPS play in supporting national associations and companies like Termo Organika in navigating regulatory challenges and promoting EPS as a sustainable material choice?
EUMEPS plays a crucial role at the European level, creating a space where national associations and companies like ours can act more effectively. While we are responsible for our activities in Poland, these depend on the strategic direction and support that EUMEPS provides. We contribute to EUMEPS’s initiatives and also benefit greatly from them—especially in changing perceptions of EPS as a modern, sustainable insulation material.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the EPS industry in Europe, and how do you see Termo Organika contributing to achieving these goals?
I dream that EPS will become the go-to choice for thermal insulation across Europe, just as it is in Poland, where EPS-based ETICS systems account for 70–85% of installations. Achieving this will require honest communication about the advantages—and yes, limitations—of EPS. The truth is, EPS offers numerous benefits. I would need a long time to come up with any serious downsides—but I don’t want to waste that time!
Dariusz Łazęcki’s reflections underline a clear ambition: to consolidate EPS as the preferred choice for insulation across Europe through quality, innovation, and transparency. His technical expertise, combined with a pragmatic view of regulatory and market realities, adds weight to EUMEPS’s efforts in promoting EPS as a reliable, circular, and climate-relevant material. As the industry faces increasing scrutiny and shifting demands, voices like his play a critical role in shaping an informed, united response across the EPS value chain.
Orcasitas Community Renovation with EPS in Madrid, Spain
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- Written by: Ingrid
- Category: News - Smart Insulation
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- Link title: Our approach to the ideal renovation, Link URL: https://www.priorityinsulation.eu/index.html
In the Poblado Dirigidode Orcasitas, a community of 1,800 homes in Madrid underwent a consequent renovation project driven by grassroots efforts to combat inefficient building structures.
This project led to an improvement of the neighbourhood’s aesthetics and to significant savings in terms of energy consumption, with residents experiencing up to 80% lower heating costs. Furthermore, the renovated buildings with EPS (expanded polystyene) are set to lower their CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030.
Through community leadership and collaboration with municipal authorities, the Orcasitas renovation demonstrates exactly how impactful insulation with EPS can be on the road to achieving European climate goals.
Challenges
The renovation project in Orcasitas tackled a range of difficulties that paralleled local and European challenges both. Buildings were originally constructed with poor insulation, leading to uncomfortable living conditions, high energy bills, and a significant environmental impact. The façades, roofs, and windows lacked proper thermal protection, leading to heat loss in the winter and over heating in the summer.
This scenario illustrates the broader European challenge of upgrading an aging building stock, as 70% of it is out of date and contributes to the continent’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions. As the European Union pushes forward with initiatives like the Green Deal and Renovation Wave, projects like Orcasitas area good example of the scale of work required to decarbonise the building stock by 2050.
Solutions
The solutions explored in Orcasitas centred around the extensive use of insulation to retrofit and modernise the buildings. One of the primary strategies was the installation of an External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) with EPS to envelop the buildings in a continuous thermal barrier. This method was crucial in closing thermal bridges, which are common in older buildings and contribute significantly to energy inefficiency.
The renovation also removed harmful asbestos roofing materials and replaced them with modern, insulated, and reflective alternatives, further improving both energy efficiency and the health conditions of residents. Roofs, façades, and other building envelopes were reinforced with adequate insulation, ensuring a comprehensive solution to thermal loss.
In terms of policy alignment, the approach utilised here prioritises energy efficiency as the first step in the energy transition. By reducing energy consumption, insulation solutions like those implemented in Orcasitas align with the regulations and targets set forth by the EPBD, while improving residents’ living conditions.
Implementation
The Orcasitas renovation project was a collaborative effort between residents, led by a local woman named Manuela Navaro, and the Madrid City Council. The residents pushed for the refurbishment after experiencing years of discomfort due to poor insulation and high energy bills.
Following the application of external insulation to the building façades, residents noted a significant improvement in temperature control as well as aesthetics. Insulation allowed for a complete transformation of the buildings, preserving the neighbourhood’s identity while modernising its appearance.
The total cost of the project was €20 million, 80% of which was funded by the municipal government. Homeowners were responsible for covering the remaining cost, which averaged around €20,000 per household. To address affordability issues, particularly for vulnerable families, the city facilitated low-interest loans through agreements with local banks.
Payment terms were flexible, ranging from 1 to 10 years, making the renovation accessible for all residents.
A further step included the installation of sensors to monitor indoor air quality and energy consumption, with ongoing studies to measure the long-term effects of the renovation on both the environment and the residents' well-being.
Results and Benefits
The renovation has delivered notable results, particularly in terms of energy savings. Heating bills in the neighbourhood have dropped by an average of 80%, and many residents reported that they no longer needed to rely on their heating systems as frequently. One resident noted that their winter heating bill dropped from €300 to just €93.
In terms of emissions, the project is on track to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030. This achievement is vital in contributing to Madrid’s broader emissions reduction goals, in line with the EU’s target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.
Additionally, property values in Orcasitas have increased as a result of the improvements. Residents now boast about the transformation of their homes, noting that the external insulation has rejuvenated the neighbourhood’s appearance. A more subtle effect of this renovation is better health, as this leads to reduced stress and improved overall quality of life through air quality and thermal comfort.
The project has also stimulated the local economy, with job creation in the construction and green building sectors. As the EU moves towards a greener economy, projects like Orcasitas show how renovation can contribute to job growth and economic stimulus.
Policy Relevance
The Orcasitas renovation is a model project that directly aligns with several keyEuropean Union policies, including the Green Deal, the Renovation Wave, and theEPBD.
It demonstrates the potential for community-driven action to align withEuropean objectives and illustrates how energy efficiency through insulation can serve as a primary strategy to reduce energy bills and improve resilience against energy crises.
The Renovation Wave, launched in 2020, aims to at least double the rate of building renovation inEurope by 2030, with a focus on energy efficiency. The Orcasitas project is an example of how energy efficiency should be prioritised over heating system upgrades alone, as the insulation-led approach not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers bills—a critical consideration as Europe faces rising energy prices. This contrasts with approaches that focus primarily on heating solutions, which can sometimes lead to higher energy costs.
By prioritising energy efficiency in line with the EPBD’s minimum energy performance standards, projects like Orcasitas are a good approach to ensure that Europe can meet its decarbonisation targets without burdening citizens with increased energy costs.
Conclusion
The Orcasitas project provides a scalable solution for similar neighbourhoods across Europe. As the continent faces the dual challenge of addressing aging building stock and reducing energy consumption, the focus on insulation as the first line of renovation offers a cost-effective and impactful solution.
This project demonstrates that energy efficiency not only improves comfort and health but also delivers measurable financial savings, reduces emissions, and stimulates economic growth.
Replicating this model across Europe could help achieve the EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal, reduce dependence on external energy sources, and create jobs.Stakeholders across the public and private sectors should prioritise insulation-led renovation projects to ensure that future generations benefit from sustainable, energy-efficient housing.
France Lifts Styrenics Ban to Align with EU Packaging Regulation
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- Written by: Ingrid
- Category: News - Smart Packaging
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- 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.
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.
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
- Hits: 558
- Documents:
- Document Name: Download our press release, Document File: 2025_PR_EUMEPS_new_Board_of_Directors.pdf
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- 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.
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.”
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)