NEPSA Statutes

The Constitutional Framework of NEPSA

The Nordic Expanded Polystyrene Alliance (NEPSA) operates under a formally adopted constitutional framework that defines its purpose, structure, membership rules, and governance procedures.

NEPSA was founded as an informal alliance in 2024 by the Nordic EPS Associations from Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The member associations agreed to collaborate more closely and share resources in terms of staff and working groups. The launch date of NEPSA was agreed as January 1, 2025.

This legal document was approved by the founding members in May 2025 and reflects NEPSA’s commitment to transparency, responsible coordination, and sustainable development within the EPS value chain.

Constitution of the Nordic Expanded Polystyrene Alliance (NEPSA)

Adopted on: May 15, 2025

Article 1: Name

The name of the organization shall be the Nordic Expanded Polystyrene Alliance (NEPSA).

Article 2: Objectives and Purpose

NEPSA is an independent non-governmental network organization (alliance) that aims to:

  1. Promote sustainable practices in the production, use, and recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in the Nordic region and beyond.
  2. Promote the proper use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in the Nordic region and beyond.
  3. Strengthen collaboration among National EPS Associations in the Nordic Region and their collaboration with other international EPS associations.
  4. Contribute to the development and implementation of policies supporting circular economy solutions for EPS.
  5. Represent the interests of EPS industry stakeholders in discussions with governmental, intergovernmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
  6. Provide scientific, technical, and economic expertise related to EPS and its environmental impact.
  7. Act as a platform for collaboration among EPS industry participants, policymakers, environmental organizations, and researchers.

Article 3: Membership

  1. Eligibility: Membership is open to organizations, companies, and institutions involved in the EPS industry, research, and circular economy initiatives within the Nordic region or that otherwise have an interest in the Nordic region.
  2. Membership Categories:
    • EPS Association Members: EPS Associations or sector groups within other Trade Associations in the Nordic Region.
    • Corporate Members: Companies directly involved in EPS production, recycling, and related industries, which are not eligible for membership of a national EPS Association, which is a member of NEPSA.
    • Associate Members: Research institutions, NGOs, and industry partners contributing to EPS sustainability efforts. Members of National Associations are automatically Associate Members of NEPSA.
    • Observers: Individuals or organizations interested in supporting NEPSA’s objectives without full membership status.
  3. Rights and Responsibilities:
    • EPS Association Members: are represented on the NEPSA board via the representation of the board of directors of the respective national association. Each country has the right to assign its entire board to join NEPSA board meetings. Each association has two votes assigned to nominated board members of the respective association. In the case of packaging and construction associations representing different trade associations or sector groups, each national association has one vote.
    • Corporate Members can be appointed as observers to the NEPSA Board.
    • Associate Members may participate in meetings and working groups but do not have voting rights.
    • All Members must adhere to NEPSA’s code of ethics and sustainability commitments.

Article 4: Governance

  1. General Assembly:
    • The highest decision-making body, comprising all EPS Association members.
    • Meets annually to review activities, approve financial statements, and elect board members.
  2. Board:
    • Composed of at least two representatives of each of the National EPS Associations as well as designated observers on the board among the Corporate Members.
    • NEPSA’s board appoints observers ensuring that at least one observer or board member represents each of the countries in the Nordic Region in which NEPSA has members.
    • Responsible for overall implementing policies, managing NEPSA in collaboration with the designated Director.
    • NEPSA does not have a Chairperson or Vice-Chair. In the case of an even vote, the proposal is not approved.
  3. Director:
    • The board meetings are led by the Director, who is a designated staff member of one of the National EPS Associations.
    • Serves as the official representative of NEPSA towards the relevant stakeholders.
    • NEPSA and NEPSA’s Director do not speak on behalf of the National Association members on national issues unless so agreed with the National Association.
  4. Working Groups:
    • Established to focus on key areas such as policy advocacy, research, and stakeholder engagement.
    • Composed of representatives from member organizations.

Article 5: Funding and Finances

  1. NEPSA’s funding sources include membership fees, grants, and sponsorships.
  2. The alliance is organized through one of its national EPS associations, and the costs and accounts are paid through this organization. This organization is always the employing organization of NEPSA’s Director.
  3. Each EPS Association Member is responsible for its own budget approval and financial oversight and contributes the funding to NEPSA as agreed within the NEPSA board.
  4. Membership fees for Corporate Members, Associate Members, and Observers are agreed within the NEPSA board but must always be at least that of the membership fee of the National Association with respect to any membership fee paid to the European EPS Industry Association (EUMEPS).
  5. NEPSA can enter into an agreement with EUMEPS regarding joint membership of Corporate and/or Associate Members, in which case the membership fee is divided in accordance with said agreement.

Article 6: Amendments

  1. Amendments to this constitution require approval by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Board as well as support from at least one member from each country.
  2. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Board at least 30 days before the relevant board meeting.

Article 7: Dissolution

  1. NEPSA may be dissolved by a board agreement in accordance with voting requirements set forth in Article 6.
  2. Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be allocated to sustainability-focused initiatives within the respective National EPS Association, which holds these assets.

Article 8: Founding Members and Nordic Representation

NEPSA is founded by the EPS Associations in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
It has Corporate Members in Finland.

Article 9: Adoption and Entry into Force

This constitution shall enter into force upon its adoption by a majority vote of the founding members.

Signatories:

EPS-branchen, EPS-Sverige, EPS-foreningen