ESTAL Congress 2025: Exchange in the surface finishing industry

The ESTAL Congress, which takes place every two years, focused primarily on current developments that are influenced by the decisions of the EU Commission, such as the aluminum value chain in a changing Europe or the effects of the new EU building regulations on the surface treatment of aluminum and global market trends. In addition, speakers presented new products, finishing processes and test methods that will further increase the sustainability and quality of the industry. The surface treatment of recycled aluminum also played an important role. In addition, special attention was paid to innovations in the area of resource efficiency and industrial emissions as well as future-oriented technologies, for example the surface conversion treatments of 3D-printed additively manufactured aluminum. The Association for the Surface Finishing of Aluminium (VOA), the largest member of its European umbrella organization, was already intensively involved in the organization of the congress in the run-up to the event and intensified its contacts with the European players in the industry on site. Yannis Maniatis, Vice-President of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats (S&D) and MEP, gave a professional insight into the "Aluminum sector at a crossroads: challenges and opportunities in the context of ecological and strategic change". Maniatis' participation impressively underlines that the issues of surface finishing are politically perceived and addressed in the EU and illustrates the bridge-building between industry and politics.

Exchange with the surface finishing industry in Europe

The ESTAL Congress also provided an excellent opportunity to deepen contacts and strengthen networks across borders. The event attracted experts from a wide range of sub-sectors and facilitated an intensive exchange of views on current challenges and opportunities. The ESTAL Congress also scored highly with the large-scale exhibition of the numerous different sponsors from the industry. Participants were able to exchange ideas personally at the stands and discuss future challenges. The conclusion after three impressive and highly dynamic event days: The ESTAL Congress once again set important accents for the surface finishing industry. It brought together trends, EU-wide requirements and practical solutions in a compact program. The combination of face-to-face meetings, political involvement and technical excellence illustrates how Europe can grow together in surface finishing - to the benefit of the industry, supply chains and the environment in each individual country.