Brussels, 15 October 2025 – The European Federation of the Sanitary and Heating Wholesale Trade (FEST) successfully concluded its annual Congress, “Empowered to Impact: Sustainable Transformation of the Sanitary and HVAC Sector”, held in Warsaw from 25–27 September 2025. The event brought together over 125 industry leaders from across Europe to chart the sector’s path toward a more circular and competitive future.
Over a full day of keynotes, debates, and case studies, participants agreed that sustainability is no longer only a necessity or distant ambition—but also a major opportunity. Positioned at the heart of Europe’s value chains, the wholesale sector can accelerate the green transition by enabling transparent product data, efficient logistics, and new circular business models.
“FEST Congress 2025 showed that our industry is ready to lead Europe’s sustainable transformation. The ideas shared in Warsaw now need to turn into action through collaboration, data, and innovation across the value chain..” said FEST President Dobrochna Kaperek, Chief Operator Officer at Sanpol
The FEST Congress 2025 underscored the Federation’s strategic priorities: ambitious yet realistic targets, harmonised product and ESG data, and regulatory clarity and flexibility to foster innovation—particularly for SMEs.
Speakers highlighted how collaboration across the entire value chain is essential for achieving Europe’s climate goals. Real-world examples showcased wholesalers pioneering smarter supply chains, new service models, and digital tools that make sustainability a driver of competitiveness.
“Our members are ready to take responsibility, but they need clear and consistent rules, as well as comparable data across Europe. Only then can we unlock the full potential of circularity and innovation in our sector.”, said Karolina Hagberg Chinell, FEST Interim Director General
Closing the Congress, FEST reaffirmed its call for partnership with EU institutions, industry stakeholders, and national associations to ensure that sustainability, circularity, and competitiveness go hand in hand.
For more information, please contact the Secretariat at [email protected]
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