Ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability and collaboration throughout the supply chain-that was the theme at the heart of the 2025 Annual Conference of Europur, the European Association of Flexible PU Foam Block Manufacturers, and Euro-Moulders, the association of polyurethane component manufacturers for the automotive industry, which took place this year June 3-5 in Alicante, Spain.

A leading event for the European flexible polyurethane industry, it was attended by about 550 participants representing more than 160 companies from all over Europe, polyurethane foam manufacturers, raw material suppliers, machinery manufacturers and representatives from other sectors such as bedding, furniture and automotive.

Aipef, Aziende Italiane Poliuretani Espansi Flessibili, a member of Europur, attended the conference representing Italian companies.

Focus on strategic issues in the industry

As usual, the first day of the conference focused on strategic issues such as EU policies related to the flexible polyurethane sector and market analysis. The second day was, as per tradition, focused on technical presentations by companies addressing issues related to sustainability, strategies for managing material disposal and recycling, and technological innovations.

The European flexible polyurethane foam market.

In his opening remarks, Europur President Bart ten Brink summarized the proactive measures Europur is taking to prepare the industry for the next major challenges.

Through a thoughtful analysis of macropolitics and its potential impact on European industries, Georg Riekeles, associate director of the European Policy Center, then provided an update on the state of European competitiveness amid economic uncertainty, trade tensions and global geopolitical changes.

Next, Europur's market research consultant, Clint Raine of Belvedere & Partner, provided a comprehensive overview of the flexible SPF market in 2024 and the outlook for 2025. The data revealed a slight decline in overall sheet polyurethane foam production across Europe (-0.10 percent), with marked regional disparities and an apparent “eastward shift.” While 2024 showed slightly better results than expected, 2025 is characterized by stagnant demand, rising costs, and a lack of clear vision. Global trade dynamics, particularly the impact of rising trade tensions, are reshaping trade flows, affecting European polyurethane foam producers. The automotive sector continues to struggle, with market confidence declining due to increased economic pressures such as limited access to credit and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Clint Raine concluded by emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptation, and diversified sourcing strategies.

The program then focused on policy and innovation. Europur's sustainability policy manager, Theodoros Mardas, reviewed the implications of the two most important EU Regulations affecting the flexible polyurethane foam sector: the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR) and the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive.

Europur's New Board of Directors.

During the General Assembly, members elected a new Board of Directors for a three-year term and approved the admission of nine new companies to Europur, which thus now includes 135 companies from the entire flexible polyurethane foam supply chain.

The new Board of Directors consists of 16 members: 10 representatives of flexible PU block foam manufacturers, 5 representatives of associate members (raw material suppliers, machinery manufacturers, service providers), and 1 independent member.

Bart J. ten Brink was elected president of the association. Alongside him, the Board of Directors consists of, representing the Ordinary Members, the following: Kurt Derieuw (Carpentier), Charles Schulpen (Multy Foam), Jürgen Kleinrath (Neveon), Guido Klein (Kabelwerk Eupen), Omar Hoek (The Vita Group), Sebastian Luczynski (Ikano Industry), Alejandro Palao Serrano (Interplasp), Marco Pelucchi (AIPEF - Italian Foam Manufacturers Association), Carlos Pereira (Flex 2000) and Mehmet Ali Yörük (Form Sünger).

Representing associate members are Jan Nouwen (BASF), Roland Hubel (Evonik), Patrizia Wegner (Covestro), Marcel Möller (Dow) and Per Henning Vaagen (Laader Berg).

The next Europur Annual Conference will be held in Antwerp, Belgium, on June 10 and 11, 2026.