The Brush Expert FEIBP Congress 2024 Review: Positive Changes Sweeping Through the European Brushware Federation

09 to 12 October 2024 | Hotel Torre del Mar, Ibiza, Spain

The 2024 FEIBP Congress took place this year in the famed “White Island” of Ibiza, the jewel in the crown of Spain’s Balearic Islands. As the popular party destination began to close it doors for the season, it felt like the dawning of a new era for the European Brushware Federation.

Hosted in the superior Hotel Torre del Mar in Playa d’en Bossa, ideally located near the island's top nightlife areas, this beachfront property welcomed delegates with its panoramic views and elegant luxury and provided the ideal setting for a refreshed, contemporary style of Association meeting.

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Golf Outing

Organized by Andrew McIlroy of Perlon, the FEIBP unofficial golf event was held on the opening day of the Congress, attended by 10 participants at Golf de Ibiza, a short 20-minute bus ride away from the Torre del Mar.

Andrew said, “The course was surprisingly hilly, and conditions were far from easy with a 20-30 kph wind blowing. Our two female players came out on top - the winner with 45 stableford points was Caroline Schroth from Rothländer, second was Regine Stollberg from Wistoba with 34 points and third place went to Arndt Stollberg, also from Wistoba with 30 points. An enjoyable time was had by all.”

Welcome Reception

Following registration, delegates and their families gathered for a Welcome Reception on the hotel’s terrace set in the hotel’s pool area which exuded a serene ambience, with soft lighting casting a gentle glow on the water’s surface, showcasing its famous eponymous tower.

With mouth-watering canapes and cocktails, as well as live music provided by popular island duo “Accoustic Grooves” whose cool covers of hits old and new really got the party started, this was the perfect way to launch the 2024 Congress.

Thursday 10 October 2024

Official Opening 64th Congress

President’s Welcome Address

Alessandro Acquaderni (SIT), FEIBP President opened the Congress by exploring the idea of togetherness and how companies can come together to better understand market trends, pertinent information and issues. He said, “it’s simply fantastic being here and opening this 64th Congress”, and welcomed the 111 participants, of which 82 were delegates and 29 were partners.

Following on from the 2023 Congress which looked at theme of “No Man is an Island” analysed through the perspective of company leaders, discovering how communication can impact upon people no longer acting alone, the theme for the 2024 Congress examined the notion that “No Company is an Island”, inspiring an approach of openness and, as Alessandro stated, “sharing common fears and facing them together to make all the difference in the experience of brushmaking”.

First Timer & Young Leader Introductions

The 17 first time attendees were introduced and invited to share company information, along with the 7 young leader attendees.

ABMA Greeting

In this special year of partnership between the FEIBP and its American counterpart, Chris Monahan of Brush Fibers was invited to the stage and said that it was “a great honour and privilege to be here today addressing the FEIBP Congress as the President of the American Brush Manufacturers Association, particularly following the inaugural World Brush Expo. This event was only possible through the collaboration of the FEIBP and the ABMA, and I would like to take the opportunity to once again thank the entire FEIBP, all of the attendees and all of the exhibitors for making this a great success.”

Chris went on to say how proud he was of the close relationship with the FEIBP, especially as it shows what is possible by working together for the benefit of the brush industry which ties in well with the Congress’ theme.

Looking forward to continuing this unique partnership between the two associations, Chris extended the invite to all FEIBP members to attend the 2025 ABMA Convention to be held from 25 to 28 March 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Austin, Texas.

2025 FEIBP Congress Announcement

Revealing the 2025 Congress details, Alessandro invited delegates to Ischia, Italy, recently voted as the “world’s most beautiful island”, from 08 to 10 October 2025.

With its historical castles and cultural heritage, breathtaking coastal views and unforgettable culinary experiences, all FEIBP and ABMA members are invited to gather once again for what will no-doubt be a unique team-building adventure.

Centred around the theme “No Association is an Island”, this will conclude the current trilogy of Congress topics, and Alessandro invited delegates to take advantage of the early booking deal deadlines, with more information to be announced shortly.

Innovation Award 2024 Presentations

Echoing the spirit of advancement within the FEIBP itself, 3 companies proudly presented their innovations to the audience this year during the Opening Session of the 64th Congress. Each company was also allocated a display space within the Brush Forum, enabling delegates to find out more about each product or concept ahead of the ballot to find a winner.

The three nominees were:

Click each link to read more about each of these novel products and concepts.

NEW FEIBP Secretariat

After 17+ years of dedicated assistance and guidance to the FEIBP, the Board and members expressed their gratitude to Fons Ceelaert, previous association Secretariat. Although he was unable to be there in person, a metal plate in commemoration of his service will be sent to Fons, thanking him on behalf of the FEIBP.

Embarking on a new era of leadership, the new Secretariat in the form of company SEC Newgate EU, represented by Zeynep Yildizeli and Feriel Saouli, was introduced to the audience. Selected as the best candidate for the future of the association, already since their engagement at the start of 2024, Zeynep and Feriel have worked tirelessly to grow the association and played a pivotal role in the organization of World Brush Expo 2024.

Zeynep said, “At the beginning of the year, we took over the Secretariat, and already it has been a very busy but great year. It is a pleasure meeting you all and I am looking forward to working together.”

Feriel went on to say that as well as providing association management services, “SEC Newgate EU is an integrated policy communication agency based in Brussels. So, what we provide is lobbying, advocacy, government relation services, PR & communications, but also EU funding services and expertise.”

With 34 staff based in Brussels and a total of 1400 worldwide and counting, Feriel said that SEC Newgate EU is an extremely entrepreneurial organization that likes to change things, transform and challenge. “What we apply to our own group, we apply to our clients”, she remarked, finishing that they are both delighted to be on this journey with the FEIBP and looking forward to many more Congresses and a bright future ahead.

World Brush Expo 2024 Overview – Facts & Figures

FEIBP Vice President, Simon Lorillière of Brosserie Brenet, next addressed the delegation, firstly sharing the facts, figures and feedback from the recent inaugural World Brush Expo which marked a landmark year for the partnership between the federation and the ABMA.

Over 3000 visitors coming from 76 countries, and with over 200 exhibitors drawn from 26 countries worldwide, WBE24 that took place in May in Bologna, Italy was declared a resounding success.

According to the views of the 163 visitors and 69 suppliers representing 34 countries that responded to the post-WBE24 survey, overall satisfaction scored an average of 4.23 and 4.33 out of 5 for visitors and exhibitors respectively.

Feedback indicated that positives to be taken from the event were its positive atmosphere, valuable networking and the impressive technology on display.

Recommendations and future preferences included to increase the number and variety of exhibitors, improve communication and promotion, enhance transportation, provide clear cost structures and make more vegetarian/vegan food options available.

This feedback will be taken into consideration when planning the next edition of the exhibition that will take place in 4 years’ time in 2028 in Belgium, with the city to be announced during the ABMA Convention in March 2025.

Overview of Social Media Data & Future Projects

A key project has been and will continue to be the monitoring of data, facts and figures of the online activities of the Federation and its members. This looks at how visible the Federation is, as well as how its members are promoting themselves online on social media and the measurement of the reactions and responses of the wider world to these communications.

Alessandro shared the early outcomes of this sophisticated research that indicates that not everyone is communicating effectively online, with only 58 out of the 208 FEIBP member companies active on social media.

The most popular platform continues to be Facebook, followed by LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. LinkedIn remains the platform with the highest number of followers overall (1.83 million), growing by 4% since September 2024. Facebook follows with 334k, and Instagram with 120k showing slower growth. Twitter, Xing and Pinterest are not widely used, with minimal follower growth, perhaps reflecting the nature of this specific industry.

If you have not done so already, please head to the FEIBP’s LinkedIn page and follow to keep abreast of the latest Federation developments and Congress news.

Keynote Speaker – Araceli Segarra “Everest: Scaling Heights Together – No Company is an Island”

Undoubtedly, one of the main highlights of this year’s Congress was the keynote speech presented by mountaineer and author Araceli Segarra.

In 1996, Araceli became the first Spanish woman to summit Mount Everest, with her ascent chronicled in the IMAX documentary “Everest”. In the same expedition, she was a member of the rescue team during the worst disaster in the history of Mount Everest, when 13 people died. In her impassioned presentation, Araceli offered her observations on tackling the challenges she and her team faced, promoting collaboration and how the lessons learned compare to the similarly demanding and complex nature of the business world.

Using mountaineering as a life metaphor, Araceli’s presentation described her insights gained into various aspects of human nature, particularly when humans are pushed to the limits, and illustrated how to adapt these principles into everyday business life, resonating perfectly with the theme “No Company is an Island”.

Speaking after the Congress, Araceli said, “It was a truly wonderful experience to see such a diverse group come together to share ideas and collaborate. It was an honour to be part of it.

“I was also really impressed to learn that some of the companies present have been around for over a century - an incredible testament to survival and adaptation.

Click here to find out more about Araceli and her inspirational journey and presentation, as well as her full thoughts on the FEIBP Association and her time at the Congress!

Working Group Meetings

The late morning and early afternoon sessions were set aside for the meetings of the four Working Groups of the FEIBP, covering Technical Brushes, Paintbrushes, Personal Care Brushes and Professional Hygiene Brushware (PHB). These provide the forum for the main discussions of the year concerning the latest industry sector developments, charters, standards, concerns and general sharing of information between competitor companies in the spirit of togetherness. Reports from these meetings were delivered during Friday’s General Assembly.

Team Building Activities

For the 64th Annual Congress, delegates and partners were treated to a choice of not-one-but- two team building activities, each with their own unique appeal, with one group participating in beach team sports that took place on the beach in front of the hotel and the other making cocktails on the hotel’s exterior beachfront terrace.

These fun team exercises focused on building deeper connections and fostering teamwork and, similar to its cocktail-making counterpart, was a big hit!

Click here to read more and view the photos from the day!

BBQ Dinner & DJ / Open Bar Session

Thursday evening concluded with a relaxed BBQ dinner for all Congress attendees on the hotel’s picturesque terrace. With cooking stations set up around the venue, offering a delectable array of dishes, delegates and their families came together to enjoy an evening filled with delightful company and shared laughter.

The night continued in the “Funky Room,” where a lively DJ and an open bar created the perfect atmosphere for music and dancing, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone!

Friday 11th October 2024

Brush Forum

Friday’s business commenced with the opening of this year’s Brush Forum, where suppliers and machinery manufacturers showcased their products in the main meeting room. In total, 8 companies took part in Brush Forum: Pogliani, Borghi, Mapei, Zahoransky, ROTH Composite Machinery, Perlon, GB Boucherie and Wöhler Brush Tech GmbH (including Wöhler Bohemia s.r.o.).

In addition, the 3 nominees for the 2024 Innovation Award (Ebnat, Borna and Borghi) were also given the opportunity to display their nominated products ahead of voting.

This Brush Forum is an outstanding opportunity for business contacts and networking with its tabletop displays attracting a significant number of visitors, and it is said that a great deal of successful business took place.

General Assembly

FEIBP President Alessandro Acquaderni opened the concluding business session of the Congress, introducing the chairs of the four Working Groups. They provided insights into their meetings held the previous day with the delegates.

Working Group Reports

The Chairs of the four Working Groups of the Federation shared the nature of their discussions with the delegation, which covered general economic outlooks for the different sectors. These are:

Working Group for Technical Brushes
Working Group Personal Care
Working Group Paintbrushes
Working Group Professional Hygiene Brushware (PHB)

Click here for further details.

Thanks to Philip Coward

Following 25 years as Chair of the PHB Working Group, Philip Coward (Hillbrush) has stepped down from this role, and he was invited to the stage to receive a gift of a silver plate in commemoration of his time at the helm of the group. He also received a specially boxed gift of champagne upon which the group’s members had written personal messages of thanks for his contribution over the years.

Philip remarked how wonderful it is to have so many friends in the FEIBP and ABMA and encouraged members to attend their meetings for years to come, as these are where strong bonds and fantastic relationships are formed. To Simon, Philip said, “It has been fun, but I am glad I have handed over now, and I think you should do 25 years as well!”

Raw Materials Reports

The annual reports on the state of the markets with reference to the following raw materials were shared with the delegation. Each report examined the availability and pricing of the various commodities used widely in brush manufacturing. These were:

Chinese Bristle: Reinhold Hoerz, DKSH
Fine Hair: Mark Samuel, Mark Samuel Trading
Synthetics: Andrew McIlroy, Perlon/Hahl
Vegetable Fibres: Dr. Urte Rietdorf, Friedrich Platt

Click here to read the full reports and view slideshows.

FEIBP Annual Report

Zeynep Yildizeli provided an overview of the Federation’s activities over the last 12 months, commencing with the handover of Secretariat which happened smoothly, with plans well under way for moving the association forward. This was made possible, Zeynep said, “with the active involvement and continuous support of the FEIBP Board.”

The Board has already met 5 times in what has been a busy year, what with the transition and preparations for both World Brush Expo and the Congress. Zeynep remarked, “I think this expo did not only bring the industry together, but it strengthened the cooperation with ABMA that we look forward to developing in the future”.

Looking forward, the focus turns to World Brush Expo 2028 in Belgium, with the goal being to maintain and build upon this year’s success, whilst making sure that the expo sets even higher standards for the industry.

This year saw the launch of the FEIBP’s LinkedIn account with the aim being to promote visibility and share updates.

In addition, a new association platform was introduced to make it easier to stay connected and informed. If you are not already registered to this platform, please contact Zeynep who will be happy to send you a link. info@feibp.eu

The FEIBP added 2 new companies to its membership this year: Sajas Group from Finland and Dosco from Ireland. Sadly, neither company was able to attend this year’s Congress, but they hope to attend in 2025.

The Congress sponsors (Boucherie, Borghi, Perlon, Zahoransky, Celanese, PMM, Wöhler, DKSH, Pogliani and SIT) and the supporting media partners were thanked for their support.

Zeynep concluded her report by thanking Alessandro, Simon and the entire FEIBP Board for their corroboration and guidance throughout the year and finished by saying that she is excited to continue working to move the FEIBP forward and is already looking to next year’s Congress.

Guided Tour: Dalt Vila

Following a delightful lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, participants embarked on an optional guided tour to the historic fortified upper town of Ibiza. Commanding a strategic position atop a small mountain overlooking the sparkling sea and Ibiza town, Dalt Vila—translated as "Upper Town"—is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore its narrow, winding streets, which are lined with an array of art galleries, boutique shops showcasing local crafts, and a selection of exquisite restaurants and bars. The tour, well-attended and thoughtfully curated, provided attendees with a unique opportunity to appreciate the panoramic views and the vibrant history of this remarkable destination.

Flower Power Party

Ibiza's hippy heritage is renowned, as the island emerged as a sanctuary for free spirits, artists, and musicians seeking refuge from conventional society since the 1960s. With its open-air markets, eclectic festivals and a thriving arts scene, the echoes of this rich legacy are still evident today, and the enduring spirit of artistic expression continues to attract visitors from around the globe, including the brush industry!

Friday night’s closing Flower Power Brush Night was a spectacular celebration, showcasing the European brush industry in true Ibiza style. The event, held at the vibrant Tanit Beach Club, saw attendees enthusiastically embrace the optional hippy dress code, immersing themselves in the spirit of the era. The venue was transformed with hippy-themed decorations, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the colourful, free-spirited 1960s.

The final business of the Congress took place during the evening with the announcement of the winner of the 2024 Innovation Award. Ebnat’s “Loop” Dish Brush proved to be a popular winner and Peter Langenegger collected the coveted trophy to loud applause.

Guests were treated to an array of entertainment, including captivating music through the ages, face painting, and dynamic performances from dancers and impersonators.

Complemented by a selection of delicious food, the night offered an unforgettable experience that transported everyone back in time to an era of creativity and camaraderie, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Ibiza's renowned party culture and our own brush industry. All agreed that this was the best FEIBP Congress closing party to date!

Saturday 12th October 2024

Trip to Las Dalias

The optional Saturday morning tour to the Las Dalias Hippy Market saw many delegates staying the extra day to take advantage of this group visit to this vibrant open-air market. With over 300 colourful stalls, the market offers something for everyone, selling everything from handmade jewellery, unique crafts, fashion and accessories, with live music and street food contributing to the lively atmosphere.

It was the perfect spot to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir while enjoying the spirit of Ibiza’s hippy heritage!

Dinner at Hacienda Na Xamena

The Hacienda Na Xamena resort is a whitewashed property boasting famed panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea, nestled in the heart of a preserved natural park.

Well away from clubland in the north of the island, this elegant and serene property is one of the most luxurious properties on the island.

Its Edén Restaurant takes inspiration from its remarkable surroundings and the ingredients grown in its own garden, selected based on their seasonality and sustainability.

Participating guests enjoyed its world-class cuisine and were wowed by stunning natural scenery; the perfect way to end a wonderful few days on this magical island.

Click here to read views of attendees of the FEIBP Congress 2024. Find out what all the fuss is about!

Click here for more information about the FEIBP and details of the 2025 Congress – Ischia, Italy! Not to be missed!

Click here for photos from FEIBP Congress 2024

Thanks to Carlos Petzold of Borghi USA for additional images.

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