EUMEPS' Vision, Mission & EPS Industry Core Values
EUMEPS represents the full European Expanded Polystyrene value chain and provides a clear framework for how the industry operates and engages at EU level. Our Vision, Mission and Core Values define the sector’s long-term ambition, its role in supporting members, and the standards it upholds. They reflect our commitment to sustainability, circularity, transparency and responsible sourcing. They also set out how we work with policymakers and partners across Europe. Together, they guide the strategic direction of the EPS industry.
Vision
EPS is recognized as the irreplaceable, sustainable high-quality material for packaging and construction. As such the material is considered vital for achieving the EU’s climate targets. The entire EPS value chain is perceived as a driver of innovation securing regional, skilled jobs and attracting investments all over Europe.
Mission statement
EUMEPS supports its members, who uphold the values of honesty, integrity, transparency, and collaboration, by guiding the EPS industry in regulatory affairs, standardisation, public relations, and sustainability on a journey towards full circularity.
We pursue our mission respecting the Core Values enshrined in this document.
Industry Core Values
1. Quality, Innovation, and Responsible Sourcing Policy
EUMEPS members are committed to delivering quality and innovation. All members are encouraged to use raw materials that align with the standards outlined in the Plastics Europe voluntary commitment for EPS raw bead quality. For flame-retarded products, members are invited to choose the most sustainable and high-performing polymeric flame retardant available and avoid the use of aromatic brominated flame retardants which are expected to be restricted by ECHA for the future. Additionally, members are encouraged to design final products with recyclability in mind, supporting the EPS industry’s broader commitment to the circular economy.
Our industry applies a responsible sourcing policy. While being fully supportive of free trade with products that comply with the European Health, Safety and Environment requirements, the EPS value chain refrains from purchasing components which do not fulfil European Standards or originate from states subject to sanctions from the EU or the United Nations.
2. Transparency
The EPS industry strives for increasing trust in the ecological performance and sustainability of the sector and offers LCA/EPD data for its main applications. Through pertinent, high-quality studies a set of reliable and robust data shall be created to underpin the industry’s environmental arguments. The EPS industry participates in and supports data collection systems, in particular on recycling and recyclability, to foster transparency.
3. Circularity & Recycling in Practice
EUMEPS and its members want to maximise the volume of EPS being recycled in Europe. Striving towards this common goal, the EPS industry embraces the entire range of available technologies for recycling and for less polluted waste mechanical recycling is already established. . Adopting a technology-neutral approach across various recycling projects and initiatives which we support, we work towards fully closing the loop for EPS on the European market, while recognising that EPS used in the construction sector has a long lifespan, saving CO2 emissions for decades before ultimately being recycled.
4. Zero (micro)Plastics loss
Poor waste management and incorrect handling of EPS can cause litter. Our industry is committed to preventing leakage of beads and pellets all along the value chain, using the most advanced technologies and participating in audited environmental schemes such as Operation Clean Sweep and similar environmental management programs.
5. Collaboration
Under full and complete respect for competition law, our industry collaborates in an honest and open manner to achieve our common strategic and environmental goals. Every member dedicates as many human resources as possible to the work of EUMEPS and strenuously supports the work of the association.
The members treat each other and the EUMEPS staff with dignity and respect, valuing the work and achievements for the industry. Everyone refrains from using the association for power games or as platform to pursue individual company interests.
The EPS value chain is an honest partner for policy makers, regulators, EPR organisations, waste handlers, recyclers and all other organisations in Europe who share our vision of a sustainable future.
6. Diversity, Inclusion & Equality
The EPS industry is an inclusive industry. We embrace diversity and the creativity it brings to our sector as a key driver of innovation and success.
EUMEPS and its members offer equal chances for men and women. Particularly, we want to empower everyone, women and men alike, to enable them to harness their full potential by providing a professional and family-life balance.
Likewise, intergenerational collaboration is of utmost importance to our sector. The EPS industry encourages mentoring of younger staff by more senior employees. Experience is precious; we want all generations to contribute to the industry according to their strengths.