Copenhagen, January 15, 2025 – The EPS associations in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have joined forces to form NEPSA – the Nordic EPS Alliance. This new alliance brings together the Nordic EPS industry with the goal of strengthening regional cooperation, advancing the sustainable use of EPS, and contributing to both European and global circular economy goals.
Strengthening Collaboration and Promoting Responsible Use of EPS in the Nordic Region
EPS-branchen (Denmark), EPS-foreningen (Norway), and EPS Sverige (Sweden) have jointly established NEPSA. The alliance is also open to participation from businesses in other Nordic countries. Notably, BEWi Packaging in Finland has already joined.
With this step, NEPSA unites the EPS industry across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, aiming to foster collaboration between the Nordic countries and to promote responsible and sustainable use of expanded polystyrene (EPS). The alliance is intended to help meet both European and global circular economy targets.
The Nordic EPS associations have in recent years been working together more closely, including through shared events. For instance, in 2021, a joint visit to Holbæk Municipality in Denmark was organized to study local EPS recycling practices, and in 2024, members visited Site Zero in Sweden to observe advanced recycling operations.
“With NEPSA, we are taking an important step toward stronger Nordic cooperation,” says Chresten Heide-Anderson, Project Manager of EPS-branchen, who has also been appointed Director of NEPSA. Since summer 2024, he has overseen the Norwegian EPS association as well.
“It’s clear that we face many of the same challenges and tasks. That’s why it makes great sense to collaborate more deeply across the region. Together, we can ensure that EPS continues to play a vital role in sustainable development — particularly in construction, food safety, and packaging,” Heide-Anderson continues.
A Significant Economic Footprint
The Nordic EPS industry directly employs more than 5,000 people, with an additional 100,000 jobs depending on EPS-related products — especially in construction and fisheries.
Focus on Circular Economy and Recycling
NEPSA has a clear ambition to advance circular economy goals by strengthening EPS collection and recycling systems. The Nordic countries already lead in this area, with EPS packaging recycling rates of 60% in Denmark and nearly 90% in Norway. The alliance aims to promote these best practices across Europe and globally.
A Unified Nordic Voice in Europe
As a coordinated Nordic voice, NEPSA will work closely with European and international organizations such as EUMEPS (European Manufacturers of EPS) and GESA (Global EPS Sustainability Alliance). The goal is to support a harmonized political dialogue and promote EPS as a sustainable and innovative material.
This new alliance marks a significant milestone for the EPS industry and represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen the sector’s role in sustainable development — both regionally and globally.
