This year’s FEPE Annual Congress took place from 3rd to 5th October in Hamburg, with approximately 80 participants from across Europe and overseas gathering to discuss market trends, as well as global technological and economic developments impacting the industry.
The congress was co-organised by FEPE’s managing director Viktor Kovacic and Bastian Steinmetz from STEINMETZ BRIEFUMSCHLÄGE GMBH & CO.KG. Key topics included "sustainability" and "e-commerce", with a particular focus on the increasing significance of print mailings within cross-channel marketing. While traditional envelope volumes for documents and invoices have steadily declined in recent years, FEPE members have expanded into e-commerce packaging and related products. The "mailing envelopes" segment, offering higher value-added potential compared to classic envelopes, has become especially important.
During the congress, FEPE members also welcomed a new president, Maja Menard Cedilnik, who has succeeded Jean de Couëspel in leading the organisation. In addition to insightful lectures and technical discussions, participants enjoyed a varied programme that highlighted Hamburg’s vibrant charm and seasonal weather.
A ceremonial moment was dedicated to Russel Croisdale, former board member and long-time head of the FEPE Marketing Committee, who received the esteemed FEPE Award. In his tribute, FEPE’s outgoing president, Jean de Couëspel, honoured Croisdale’s invaluable contributions to the industry.
After a challenging 2023 marked by high raw material and energy costs and low demand, the industry is optimistic about the coming months. In 2024, the market for envelopes and lightweight e-commerce packaging has largely stabilised, showing signs of growth over last year’s levels, with price stability expected.
The next FEPE Annual Congress will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, in September 2025.
The congress was co-organised by FEPE’s managing director Viktor Kovacic and Bastian Steinmetz from STEINMETZ BRIEFUMSCHLÄGE GMBH & CO.KG. Key topics included "sustainability" and "e-commerce", with a particular focus on the increasing significance of print mailings within cross-channel marketing. While traditional envelope volumes for documents and invoices have steadily declined in recent years, FEPE members have expanded into e-commerce packaging and related products. The "mailing envelopes" segment, offering higher value-added potential compared to classic envelopes, has become especially important.
During the congress, FEPE members also welcomed a new president, Maja Menard Cedilnik, who has succeeded Jean de Couëspel in leading the organisation. In addition to insightful lectures and technical discussions, participants enjoyed a varied programme that highlighted Hamburg’s vibrant charm and seasonal weather.
A ceremonial moment was dedicated to Russel Croisdale, former board member and long-time head of the FEPE Marketing Committee, who received the esteemed FEPE Award. In his tribute, FEPE’s outgoing president, Jean de Couëspel, honoured Croisdale’s invaluable contributions to the industry.
After a challenging 2023 marked by high raw material and energy costs and low demand, the industry is optimistic about the coming months. In 2024, the market for envelopes and lightweight e-commerce packaging has largely stabilised, showing signs of growth over last year’s levels, with price stability expected.
The next FEPE Annual Congress will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, in September 2025.
