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EPS Packaging in Numbers
EPS embraces the future of the circular economy
through mechanical and chemical recycling
EPS is an extremely lightweight material
tiny EPS beads expand like popcorn
EPS packaging is recycled at high rates
in many European countries: Norway, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands
EPS packaging waste is collected
to prevent landfilling
Objective for recycling activities by 2025
on EPS packaging waste
EPS contributes to achieve the European circular and sustainable targets
EUMEPS, with the Smart Packaging Europe initiative, advocates for the irreplaceable contribution of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) to critical areas of environmental regulation.
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The British Plastics Federation launches the EPS Innovation Timeline
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- Written by: Ingrid
- Category: News
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- Links:
- Link title: Visit the EPS Innovation Timeline, Link URL: www.eps.co.uk/timeline
The British Plastics Federation (BPF), the UK national association and member of EUMEPS, has launched the EPS Innovation Timeline, an online resource that traces the development of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) from its invention in 1949 to its most recent technical advances.
The timeline presents the key stages in how EPS has been used and improved over the decades. Known for being lightweight, durable and thermally efficient, EPS has become a reliable material for packaging, construction and other applications. Each entry in the timeline highlights a step forward in manufacturing or product design that has helped the material adapt to new requirements and standards.
Among the milestones are the use of EPS to transport the Mona Lisa in 1962, the creation of graphite-enhanced “grey EPS” in 1997 to improve insulation performance, and its role in the safe transport of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This timeline tells the story of continuous progress,” said Angela Fredericks, Special Advisor – EPS and Innovation at the BPF. “EPS has developed from a simple protective material into a technically advanced product that supports sustainable construction and packaging. It reflects our industry’s long-term commitment to improvement.”
The timeline also outlines recent progress in recycling and resource efficiency, including advances in chemical recycling and closed-loop systems. These developments show how EPS continues to contribute to the circular economy and modern sustainability goals.
Designed as an educational tool, the resource provides information for students, policymakers and industry professionals interested in how EPS manufacturing and applications have evolved. The BPF will continue to update the platform with new data, research, and case studies as the industry develops further.
EUMEPS Elects New Board of Directors and Appoints First Female President
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- Written by: Ingrid
- Category: Press releases
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- 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)