The FESI 2026 General Assembly brought together members, partners and guests from across Europe in Stavanger, Norway, for two days of valuable exchange, strategic discussions and insights into the future of technical insulation.

The General Assembly addressed a wide range of topics shaping the industry, including certification and qualification developments, the future of the European Technical Insulation Championship, marketing initiatives, industry innovations, standardisation activities and emerging technologies.

Another important topic was the future development of the European Technical Insulation Championship. Kasia Klosok presented a new FESI Championship Standard and strategy aimed at creating a more transparent, fair and professional competition system. The updated approach addresses lessons learned from previous editions, including communication, rules and working conditions. It introduces clearer communication structures, objective scoring criteria and stricter judging rules to ensure equal preparation conditions and impartial assessments for all participants.

As part of the certification and qualification update, Luis Lopez Brunner and Birger Susort provided an update on the progress of preparations for the FESI Insulation Worker Certificate. The voluntary scheme aims to recognise the skills and experience of insulation workers without formal qualifications and establish a common minimum competence level across Europe. It is intended to support worker mobility and help contractors identify qualified personnel.

The certificate is designed as an industry benchmark rather than a formal qualification system, helping to strengthen quality and consistency in insulation workmanship. A test programme will be implemented in Denmark, Ireland and Poland.

A diverse programme of guest presentations then provided participants with insights from across the technical insulation sector. Luis Lopez Brunner from the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF) shared updates on EiiF activities and Class C, highlighting the importance of collaboration on energy efficiency and technical insulation.

André Winter from Tacke + Lindemann GmbH presented a new product and shared insights into practical industry innovation. Alejandro Torres from Vabelmat Technologies introduced the first Thermal Efficiency Platform, offering new technological perspectives to the FESI network.

The programme also included an online presentation by Ana Alfredo from CEN and CENELEC, providing an overview of European standardisation activities and their relevance to the insulation industry. Further technical insights came from Arve Martinsen of Kaefer Blu, who presented a sensor designed to measure different risk contents in insulation, and Christian Heggelund from KAEFER Norway, who introduced innovative fire boxes for pipes as a form of passive fire protection.

Beyond the presentations and strategic discussions, the General Assembly once again demonstrated the strength of the FESI network: bringing together professionals from different countries, sharing knowledge and experiences, and strengthening collaboration across Europe.

The shared goal remains clear: to promote technical insulation as a key contributor to energy efficiency, sustainability and safe, high-quality applications across Europe.

Stavanger also provided a memorable setting for networking and informal exchange. A joint dinner and a hike to the iconic Preikestolen offered participants the opportunity to connect beyond the meeting room while experiencing one of Norway’s most spectacular landscapes.

FESI would like to thank all members, partners, speakers and guests who contributed to the 2026 General Assembly and made the event a valuable and inspiring gathering.