On Thursday, 17 September 2020, the Good Business Practices and Entering the Market of Slovenian Wood Products Companies event took place in Celje (Slovenia). With various presentations and discussions, participants highlighted the environmental impact of wood usage and importance of sustainable development. Moreover, examples of good business practices in Slovenian companies producing wooden products were presented.

Participants were welcomed and addressed by Simon Zajc, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, and Danilo Anton Ranc, Director-General of the Wood Industry Directorate.

Dr Andreja Kutnar, InnoRenew CoE director, and Dr Črtomir Tavzes, InnoRenew CoE researcher, also joined the event.

Dr Kutnar had an introductory speech about the environmental impact of wood and its role in sustainable development. She mentioned the environmental impacts of wood manufacturing and processing, storage of carbon dioxide in wood, cascading use of wood and wood in the circular bioeconomy. Moreover, she pointed out the European Parliament’s recent call to put Europe in first place globally within the field of construction and circular economy, where wood plays an important role.

Later, presenters discussed the financial incentives of the Ministry and other institutions for promoting company competitiveness and continuous development in the wood processing industry.

The event was organized by SPIRIT Slovenia, Wood Industry Directorate at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology and SAŠA incubator.