Celebrating 15 Years of Advocacy and Leadership in the Precious Metals Industry

Since 2009, the European Precious Metals Federation (EPMF) has been the dedicated voice of the precious metals industry, fostering strong relationships with policymakers and advocating for the sector within the European Union. Over the years, we have successfully registered 100 substances under REACH, supported by extensive testing programs that generate cutting-edge scientific knowledge. These efforts are designed to ensure the highest standards of protection for human health and the environment.

As we celebrate our 15th anniversary in 2024, we proudly reflect on a decade and a half of trusted partnerships, collaboration, and evidence-based advocacy. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue shaping the future of the industry for many more years to come!

Our members comprise leading experts in precious metals and chemicals management, forming a robust network for knowledge sharing and innovation. The EPMF leverages this collective expertise to represent the entire industry with a unified voice, actively contributing to regulatory and scientific discussions.

We are proud to be guided by an exceptional Board of Directors, whose dedication enhances the credibility and leadership of the European precious metals sector.

The President of our Board, Stephen James, has over 30 years of experience in the chemicals industry and is currently the EHS Director for platinum group metals at Johnson Matthey.

“I have been a Board member of EPMF for nearly two years now and was privileged to take up the President role in June. EPMF supports its 35 member companies in their core EHS regulatory requirements in Europe for precious metals including all the platinum group metals. This naturally extends to sustainability and the requirements for the European Green Deal. EPMF is a driving force for collaboration and advocacy with policy makers, regulatory authorities and other industry bodies making sure that the safety of our products, and their criticality to the transition to net zero, it clear to all.”

Stephen James
EHS Director, Platinum Group Metals Johnson Matthey


The Vice-President of our Board, Marcus Hannakam, head of external capabilities at Heraeus Precious Metals, has extensive experience in the European precious metals sector. Check out what he has to say about the EPMF.

“Since its launch 15 years ago, the EPMF has been proving to be the leading example of excellent co-operation for mutual benefits in the European precious metals industries thanks to its unique knowledge and expertise in chemical safety in particular. With its expert members in close touch with the EU authorities, the EPMF is also a building block for a green future under the EU Green Deal, for which the availability and usage of precious metals play an extraordinary role. New environmentally friendly technologies making use of precious metals are supported by EPMF thoroughly. Go ahead, EPMF team, to help make the future viably green.”

Marcus Hannakam
Head of External Capabilities, Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co.


York A. Tetzlaff is the Managing Director of FVEM, the German Precious Metals Federation and one of the founding members of the EPMF. In his view, being a member of the EPMF is essential as it is important for the German precious metals industry to exchange views and work together with other international experts on environmental and raw materials regulation at the EU level.

Gold, silver and PGMs are key products for innovation and medical progress, for environmental protection and energy saving. Their contribution ranges from efficient energy transmission to the reduction of harmful emissions and the promotion of hydrogen-based technologies. The future of precious metals is not only bright, but also green and promises to play an increasingly central role in our journey towards a sustainable and clean energy-driven world. To this end, we support the EPMF in its important work towards a green and sustainable future powered by precious metals”

York A. Tetzlaff
Managing Director of FVEM (Fachvereinigung Edelmetalle)


Francisco Boo, Regulatory Affairs Counsel at Metalor, has been an active member of the Board for the last 10 years. He highlights below the essential role that precious metals can play in Europe’s green transition.

“As a Board Member of EPMF since 2014, I have had the chance to actively work with the Federation which contributes to making European countries, inhabitants and nature safer with our high value products. Due to their stable technical features, precious metals are essential for the EU to achieve the EU Green Deal’s main objective of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.”

Francisco Boo
Regulatory Affairs Counsel, Metalor


Philipp Reisert, CEO of C.Hafner, has been a member of the Board for many years. He highlights below the benefits of being a member of the EPMF.

Precious metals are found in almost every aspects of life. Hence it is of utmost importance that Europa should play a leading role in the world of the supply and the applications of precious metals. To maintain and strengthen this position in Europe and the world, the EPMF has build a strong knowledge base and a viable network within the European Institutions and its Member States over the past 15 years. This is a perfect basis for the challenges of the next 15 years and beyond. The team of the EPMF and its members have done a great job – Thank you very much !”

Philipp Reisert
CEO of C. Hafner


Clémence Siret, Ecodesign Manager at SAFT SAS, is our Treasurer. She explains below the invaluable support the EPMF provides to the members, helping them comply with chemicals legislation in the EU.

“As a board member of EPMF since 2018, I am pleased to have experienced a broadening expertise of the EPMF secretariat. By developing robust environmental and human health scientific programs, EPMF has worked to facilitate compliance with chemicals legislation and promote proportional chemicals management measures. As the regulatory framework evolves, EPMF is also providing support on sustainability and responsible sourcing, key topics for all members.”

Clémence Siret
Ecodesign Manager, SAFT SAS