FEIBP Congress 2025 - The Island Effect: When Connection Sparks Innovation

Situated in the tranquil waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, just a short distance from the vibrant southern Italian city of Naples, the island of Ischia represents one of Italy’s most cherished destinations. Renowned for its therapeutic thermal springs, dramatic landscapes, and striking coastal panoramas, Ischia combines natural beauty with a rich history and culture.

The vista that greeted attendees of the 65th Annual Congress of the European Brushware Federation (FEIBP), held from 8 – 11 October 2025, was nothing short of breath-taking.

Described as “an island within an island,” the elegant Hotel Continental welcomed guests to its fine establishment, nestled within lush Mediterranean gardens. With spacious rooms, excellent conference facilities, a spa and wellness centre, and no fewer than five thermal pools, it provided the perfect setting for a Congress whose theme — No Federation is an Island — could not have been more fitting.

After registration, the first night’s reception was held on the terrace of the hotel’s Olympic-sized pool. Under glittering warm lights, guests were served canapés, traditional Italian dishes, regional wines and aperitifs — the perfect start to the Congress, offering the chance to reconnect with colleagues and welcome new members of the association.

Thursday 9 October 2025

FEIBP President Alessandro Acquaderni formally opened the Congress, expressing his immense pleasure in welcoming delegates and their families to Ischia and thanking them for their attendance.

The 2025 meeting — the third and final chapter in the “island trilogy” and following on from 2023’s No Man is an Island (Belfast) and 2024’s No Company is an Island (Ibiza) — marked a pivotal moment for the Federation. It was a time to transform the insights gained over the past two years into a foundation for the future, shaping the direction of both the Federation and the wider sector. Every participant was encouraged to contribute actively to this shared vision for progress.

Introduction of First-Time Attendees

This year’s Congress attracted a record 120 participants from 14 countries. Among them were many first-time attendees who introduced themselves and their companies, receiving a warm welcome from all. These included:

• René Madsen - Stoddard Manufacturing Co Ltd
• Jerome Polene – LTA Medical - Getinge Infection Control SAS
• Herman Meyer – da Vinci Kunstlerpinselfabrik DEFET GmbH
• Sören Homberg – Wöhler Brush Tech GmbH
• Tamara Kenny – HATHO GmbH
• Bas Wardeneaar – Sprenger en Brommer B.V. (Will also be President of the Dutch Brush Association from November 2025 and an FEIBP Board member.)
• Matthew Piper – The Hill Brush Co Ltd
• James Samuel – Mark Samuel Trading Ltd
• Philippa Peat – Trades Tools Ltd
• Luke Handley – Trades Tools Ltd
• Bastien Fauvernier - Cardotech
• Silena Fattori – Marcegalia Oskar Srl
• Robin Haas – Gerhard Haas GmbH & Co. KG

Strengthening Transatlantic Ties

As a testament to the strong alliance between the FEIBP and the American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA), ABMA President RJ Lindstrom attended the Congress and shared his greetings. He expressed his pleasure at seeing many new attendees, describing it as a sign of FEIBP’s growth.

Reflecting on the ABMA’s 2025 Convention in Austin, Texas, he noted that 150 members and partners gathered for three days of meetings, education, and networking — highlighting the association’s international reach.

Looking ahead, he announced that the 109th ABMA Annual Convention will take place in Puerto Rico (24 – 27 March 2026) and extended an open invitation to FEIBP members. He also commented on the impact of recent U.S. import tariffs and outlined the ABMA’s Monthly Economic Indicators Report, which tracks key market data to help members monitor trends.

In a gesture of friendship, RJ presented Alessandro with two symbolic gifts: a hand-crafted compass representing guidance in global business, and a Kansas City BBQ apron — a nod to both the city’s heritage and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Alessandro reaffirmed the value of the partnership, noting that the exchange of insights between the two associations remains truly invaluable.

Federation Highlights

Representing the FEIBP Secretariat, Feriel Saouli of SEC Newgate Group reflected on key achievements over the past 12 months:

• Incorporation of the FEIBP – Now formally established under Belgian law, aligning its statutes with non-profit legislation to strengthen governance and clarify responsibilities.
• Expanding Geographical Scope – Now encompassing the wider EMEA region, broadening reach and amplifying the Federation’s voice.
• Transition of the Secretariat – The move to SEC Newgate Group marks a step toward a more professional and strategically focused organization.
• World Brush Expo 2024 – Delivered in partnership with the ABMA, achieving record participation, strong financial results, and progress on sustainability initiatives.

Where to Next?

Simon Lorillière, current Vice President and incoming President for 2026, announced that the 66th FEIBP Congress will be held in Lyon, France (23 – 24 September 2026).

Focusing on environmental transition and policy protection, the two-day mid-week format aims to encourage wider participation.

Activities will include “Climate Fresk: All the Cards are in Your Hands” — a collaborative workshop designed to foster awareness and dialogue on climate issues.

The Gala Dinner will take place at the Musée des Confluences, a museum exploring the relationship between humanity and the natural world — a setting that perfectly echoes the Congress theme.

FEIBP Innovation Award 2025

In keeping with the Federation’s commitment to progress, four companies were nominated for the 15th Innovation Award, each presenting innovations developed over the previous year. These were:

“Paddle Brush” artist brush – Presented by Hermann Meyer of da Vinci Künstlerpinselfabrik DEFET, Germany.

“Nail Design Brush Configurator” – Presented by Daniel Zahn of Zahn Pinsel, Germany.

“Dishwash Brush Gap” – Presented by Peter Langenegger of Ebnat, Switzerland.

“Knotted Conical Brushes for Battery-Powered Brush Cutters” – Presented by Jürgen and Johannes Lessman of Lessmann, Germany

Click on the links above to find out more about each nominated product.

Each company also exhibited within the Brush Forum, enabling delegates to learn more before casting their votes.

World Brush Expo 2028

After the success of the inaugural event in 2024, preparations are underway for World Brush Expo 2028 in Ghent, Belgium (16 – 18 May).

Klaus Van Cauwenberghe of i-One outlined ambitions for a sold-out exhibition exceeding 10,000 m², enhanced visitor engagement, and a unified layout bringing all exhibitors together under one roof.

A direct shuttle service from Brussels Airport (approx. 40 minutes) will provide convenient access for delegates.

Social Media & Digital Marketing

Simon Lorillière presented findings from a survey of member companies, showing increased use of LinkedIn (+8%) and Instagram (+18%), while Facebook declined slightly (–4.6%). YouTube and Xing saw modest growth; Twitter and Pinterest continued to decrease.

General Assembly

The General Assembly followed the Opening Session, beginning with confirmation of the Board of Directors (2026 – 27). New members Bas Wardenaar and Caroline Schroth (Rothlaender) were welcomed, and outgoing members thanked for their service.

Caroline Schroth will chair the Paint Brushes Working Group, and Karsten Skov (FBK) the PHB Working Group.

With the Federation seeking candidates for Vice President, Alessandro Acquaderni stressed the importance of renewal and encouraged younger delegates to step into leadership roles.

Raw Materials Market Reports

Delegates received updates on key raw material markets affecting the brush industry. Each report covered availability, pricing dynamics, and supply developments across principal materials, offering insight into trends shaping procurement and manufacturing. The full report containing details of market developments over the last 12 months can be found via this link:

Brush Expert - FEIBP Congress 2025 - Raw Materials Market Report Summary

These reports were:

• Steel Market Report 2025 – Holger Kruse, Künne Gruppe
• Bristle Market Report 2025 – Reinhold Hörz, DKSH
• Synthetic Filaments Market Report 2025 – Andrew McIlroy, Perlon
• Vegetable Fibres Market Report 2025 – Dr. Urte Rietdorf, Friedrich Platt
• Fine Hair Market Report 2025 – Mark Samuel, Mark Samuel Trading

Click the links at the bottom of this article to view the slides.

Annual Report

Feriel Saouli summarized the past year’s activities, highlighting the success of World Brush Expo 2024, the smooth transition of the Secretariat, and the incorporation process.

Feriel also noted that the Federation remains on a sound financial footing.

The session closed with Alessandro Acquaderni thanking delegates for their collaboration before Working Groups convened for sector-specific discussions.

Teambuilding Activities

Delegates joined one of two teambuilding experiences inspired by Ischia’s character — Pizza Making or Sailing Regatta — each designed to foster connection and teamwork in a relaxed, memorable setting.

A full report of the Pizza Making and Sailing Regatta Teambuilding events can be found via this link.

Evening Reception

Dinner was hosted in the hotel’s elegant marquee-style Garden Restaurant, where guests enjoyed live music, appetizers, and aperitifs outdoors before moving inside for a buffet of traditional Italian dishes.

As the evening progressed, the “through the ages” disco playlist filled the dance floor — a lively finale to a wonderful day.

Friday 10 October 2025

Brush Forum

This year’s Brush Forum provided suppliers, machine manufacturers, and Innovation Award nominees the opportunity to showcase their products in an engaging tabletop display format.

Thirteen companies — Fass, Borghi, HT Filaments/Woehler Bohemia/Woehler Brush Tech, Zahoransky, Künne Group, Rothlaender, Roth, Marcegaglia Oskar, Loewert, Pogliani, Perlon, Boucherie, and the World Brush Expo Organiser — joined the four Innovation Award nominees (Ebnat, da Vinci, Lessmann, and Zahn Pinsel) and presented their innovations to delegates in what proved to be one of the most popular Forums to date — encouraging lively discussion and inspiration.

LEGO® Serious Play®

Replacing the traditional speaker slot, this interactive workshop used LEGO® Serious Play® to explore members’ ideas about the FEIBP’s role, the “ideal FEIBP island,” and the future of its Congresses.

The session was imaginative, collaborative, and widely praised by participants. For a full report, click here.

Cultural Visit – Aragonese Castle

On Friday afternoon, delegates explored the Aragonese Castle, one of Ischia’s most iconic landmarks. Built on a rocky islet and linked to the main island by a causeway, the fortress has stood for centuries as a symbol of resilience and unity.

Walking through its ancient corridors and panoramic terraces offered delegates both historical insight and a moment to reflect on the enduring spirit of collaboration that defines the Federation.

Gala Dinner – Lisola Restaurant

To close the Congress, delegates gathered at the celebrated Lisola restaurant, perched above the shimmering bay of Forio, for the finale Gala Dinner. The brainchild of 3 food industry talents, united by their passion for cooking, Lisola is the restaurant where “tradition and innovation blend harmoniously to offer a unique gastronomic experience” that showcases the cuisine of Ischia and Southern Italy in general.

Timed perfectly with the sunset, guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés against a spectacular backdrop before moving indoors to savour the restaurant’s renowned Mediterranean-style cuisine.

During the evening, the FEIBP Innovation Award winner was announced — Lessmann’s Knotted Conical Brushes for Battery-Powered Brush Cutters — presented to Jürgen and Johannes Lessmann by Alessandro Acquaderni and Simon Lorillière.

As Alessandro’s term as President concluded, he expressed gratitude to the Board and partners, including the ABMA, for their unwavering support, and extended best wishes to incoming President Simon Lorillière (Brosserie Brenet).

In a warm gesture, Simon, joined by Andrew McIlroy (Perlon GmbH), presented Alessandro with gifts in recognition of his exemplary service and leadership.

With its relaxed atmosphere, warm hospitality, and awe-inspiring views, the evening provided a fitting conclusion to an inspiring few days on Ischia.

Saturday 11 October 2025 – Optional Experience

“20 people attended the Negombo thermal park experience, enjoying a yet very relaxing and healthy break, as well as the very nice lunch at the Al Fugà Restaurant inside the park. We particularly enjoyed the carrot cake, shaped as a lemon, with lemon sorbet and crumble with sesame seeds – unforgettable!

Many people toured almost all of the 20 different thermal pools, while others enjoyed the beach or simply relaxed after the enriching Congress we had, eventually indulging themselves with a face mask based on the unique park's thermal waters.”

Alessandro Acquaderni, SIT

Closing Remarks

As the 65th Annual FEIBP Congress drew to a close, delegates departed Ischia with renewed energy, strengthened connections, and shared optimism for the year ahead.

The Federation’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and growth remains steadfast — proving once again that no federation is an island.

See you in Lyon in 2026!

Images from the FEIBP Congress 2025 can be found on the FEIBP Congress Image Gallery page.

With special thanks to Alessandro Acquaderni (SIT), Kris Geldof (Boucherie) and Matthew Piper (Hill Brush) for their kind additional photographic contributions.