The 65^th UFEMAT Congress brings together key players from the construction sector to address the challenges of sustainability, regulatory evolution and digital transformation

On 12 September, Palazzo Castiglioni in the heart of Milan hosted the 65th Congress of UFEMAT (European Association of National Builders’ Merchant Associations and Manufacturers), a key event for the European construction sector. The congress brought together representatives of national associations of building materials merchants from across Europe, alongside manufacturers such as Mapei, for an open and constructive dialogue on the major transformations reshaping the industry: from the green transition to the digital revolution, and the evolving regulatory landscape that introduces new responsibilities and opens up new opportunities.

Founded in 1958, Ufemat was established by national associations of building materials distributors with the aim of creating a European organisation capable of defending the interests of a strategic sector through dialogue with European institutions. Today, Ufemat brings together 19 national associations. Italy is represented by Federcomated (Italian Federation of Traders in Cement, Bricks and Building Materials), whose president Giuseppe Freri is a long-standing figure within the European association.

The congress was opened by Ufemat President Palle Thomsen and Secretary General Marnix Van Hoe, joined by Giuseppe Freri. In his keynote speech, Freri proposed the creation of a joint working group between manufacturers and distributors to strengthen shared representation before the European Commission and enhance the competitiveness of European companies in the global market. “Manufacturers and distributors must move forward together to build a stronger and more sustainable Europe,” he stated.

Palle Thomsen reaffirmed Ufemat’s role as the voice of distributors in Brussels, highlighting how bureaucracy risks penalising small and medium-sized enterprises—the backbone of the sector across Europe. “The solution lies in digitalisation, with its ability to ensure traceability, simplification and speed,” declared the president.

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the speech by Marco Squinzi, CEO and R&D Director of Mapei Group, who offered a concrete and forward-looking perspective on the role of distribution and the impact of new EU regulations. “Distributors are the central link between manufacturers and customers. Cooperation is essential to avoid market confusion, ensure accurate information and adapt effectively to European regulations.” Squinzi highlighted the upcoming entry into force of the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR 2024/3110), applicable from January 2026. The regulation introduces the DoPC (Declaration of Performance and Conformity), replacing the current DoP (Declaration of Performance). While aiming to ensure transparency and free movement of construction products within the EU market, the new CPR may also generate confusion across the supply chain.

Squinzi also presented several Mapei initiatives focused on packaging, aimed at improving sustainability and ensuring compliance with national regulations across different European countries. He illustrated how digitalisation—through geolocated QR codes, shared tools and traceability—can concretely support companies in achieving regulatory compliance in this area.

Following an economic overview of the construction market presented by Antonella Stemperini of Cresme (Centre for Economic and Social Market Research in Construction), the congress featured contributions from European associations. Lisa Marie Brehmer of EuroCommerce highlighted the strategic role of wholesale trade in the European context and the association’s efforts to defend the interests of the sector before EU political and legislative bodies. Rien van de Bosch of GS1 provided concrete examples of how digitalisation is impacting manufacturers and distributors, presenting tools such as the Digital Product Passport, a strategic instrument for identifying and communicating the environmental impact of products, and the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), used to track and identify products, their composition and life cycle.

Francesco Freri, President of REC – Circular Construction Recovery Consortium, shared the experience of the consortium established to promote the reuse of construction materials, with Mapei as a technology partner. “REC represents a concrete model of transition to sustainability, capable of collecting, tracking and processing waste efficiently, reducing emissions and transport costs,” Freri stated.

The congress also addressed the challenge of generational transition in the construction sector. Jan van Herk of Euromat and Giovanni Delei of Assimpredil Ance highlighted the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in passing the baton to younger generations. They stressed the need to make the sector more attractive to new talent by investing in innovation, digital tools and inclusive business models.

Finally, Manuel Ritz of HGC (Handel Gesellschaft für Baustoffe), one of Switzerland’s leading building materials distributors, demonstrated how artificial intelligence can revolutionise distribution by improving customer interaction and automating complex processes. He presented digital tools (a platform and a process management system) launched in the Swiss market that have delivered competitive advantages for both distributors and end users.

The congress concluded with a visit to the Mapei production plant and the 4Bild retail outlet, both tangible examples of applied innovation and sustainability. Milan, with its international outlook and dynamic business environment, proved to be the ideal venue for this exchange. And once again, Mapei confirmed its role as an active driver of change.