Making regulations work in practice, from compliance to customer value

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Interview with Camilla Louise Bjerkli, Chief Sustainability Officer

Turning regulations into industrial capability, meeting customer expectations

New regulations are shaping markets and customer requirements, creating new business opportunities for BEWI. In this interview, our Chief Sustainability Officer, Camilla Louise Bjerkli, outlines how regulations are translated into industrial practice and what this means for customers and BEWI’s competitiveness.

Camilla, as we are at the start of 2026, what defines sustainability at BEWI going forward?

To begin with, sustainability at BEWI is defined by our annual double materiality assessment, providing us with insights on impacts, risks and opportunities to our business. It might sounds boring, but it has really become a strategic tool for us. That said, new regulations are high on this agenda. Our competitiveness is, among others, defined by our ability to operationalise regulations at industrial scale, while always having our customers’ preferences top of mind.

We follow regulatory developments closely and translate requirements into standards that work in day-to-day production. As an example, this means that our ambition to lead the EPS industry in becoming a circular economy is embedded in all parts of our value chain. From innovation, procurement, production processes and so on, to make sure its scalable, cost-efficient and commercially viable.

For our customers, it’s about continuity, predictability and reliability. They must be able to trust that we will provide them with stable supply and compliant products supporting their regulatory obligations.

What role does recycled EPS play for BEWI’s competitiveness?

Recycled EPS is no longer optional. It’s a prerequisite for market access and future growth. Customers increasingly expect recycled content and circular solutions as a given, not as a feature. Access to used EPS, reliable collection systems and consistent recycling quality are strategic capabilities. They determine our ability to comply with regulations, meet customer expectations and compete in constrained markets.

How do you assess the impact of regulation such as PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) going into 2026?

These regulations can reshape the industries we operate in. However, regulations alone do not create value. Value is created by those who follow the process closely and translate requirements into practical solutions. For BEWI, regulatory readiness means designing solutions that work on the factory floor and in the customer’s value chain – not just on paper. This is what enables scalable compliance and long-term profitability for both us and our customers.

What is required to scale the circular economy in the EPS industry?

Scaling a circular economy in the EPS industry requires an industry-wide approach and predictable regulatory frameworks. Key enablers include effective collection, harmonised quality standards, and sufficient recycling capacity.

Customers benefit when the system works end-to-end, across the entire value chain. No single actor can solve this alone, which is why collaboration between industry players, customers and regulators is essential to make circular solutions work at scale.

What are the key execution risks?

Fragmentation is the main risk. This includes pilot initiatives that never scale, inconsistent practices across markets, and reactive compliance driven approaches to regulations. If regulations are implemented without operational alignment, it can increase complexity and cost instead of enabling circularity.

What gives you confidence going into 2026?

Our people and our circular business model. We operate across collection, recycling and production. Adding to this, close collaboration with customers and industry partners, giving us a solid platform to convert regulatory requirements into scalable industrial solutions. Across the group, teams are showing that EPS in circular value chains can reduce emissions, ensure compliance and improve operational performance – while delivering reliable solutions to the customer. Our ability to turn regulations into disciplined execution support long-term competitiveness and value creation.
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Making regulations work in practice, from compliance to customer value