Success

With a range of promotional activities for wood and wood products, the Slovenian wood chain ranks among the European elite in the wood processing industry. The criterion to measure companies’ success is most often linked with the financial situation and size of the company; however, in the wood industry it is not always that simple. A company’s performance is measured by the quality of services provided, the value added per unit of production, and the satisfaction of employees, stakeholders, associates, and suppliers. Achieving performance targets requires integration throughout the entire wood chain, which is promoted through various events and seminars, training courses and collective participation in trade fairs.

Despite the fact that Slovenia has a large stock of wood on a European scale, it is important to achieve the best possible utilisation of the material. Such production leads to a lower environmental impact and lower costs during the processing of the wood itself. The processing of residues into durable products gives the organisation an advantage in terms of value added per unit of input raw material.

The need for standards

Standardisation and certification are of great importance in the wood industry as they improve communication among organisations. Adherence to and application of standards, as well as certifications, are crucial for competitiveness in the global market and for long-term cooperation with domestic and foreign organisations. Compliance with the standards is also required under the General Product Safety Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council.

The role of the State

Support for the acquisition of certificates and product and service standards is provided in the form of vouchers tendered by the competent offices. This is a system of granting small value incentives. Vouchers with various content (e.g. intellectual property protection, quality certificates, circular or green economy) are available for companies throughout the year and can be obtained with a simplified and fast approval procedure. More about vouchers

Projects that require the submission of certificates and compliance with standards include green public procurement and grant applications. In cooperation with the Laboratory for furniture testing (Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana), the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute for Construction, and the Slovenian Institute for Standardisation, we design, award and adopt standards and certificates that are important for success in the business environment.

Areas of standardisation

Important areas for standardisation include:

• standard for round and sawn timber,
• standard for wood, wood-based products and wood protection,
• standard for structures,
• standard for furniture,
• standard for joinery, 
• standard for outdoor playground equipment, and
• standard for fitness and gymnastic equipment.