On Monday, 12 July 2021, InnoRenew CoE and the University of Primorska (UP) officially opened Charm of Wood — the exhibition of wooden products — in UP’s Armerija. This is the fifth consecutive year they are hosting the event, which promotes and fosters the use of wood and wood products and raises awareness about this natural material’s sustainability.

“We are very happy to host again the Charm of Wood here in Koper as we are aware of the importance of this material for Slovenia and also the diverse possibilities for the use of wood, which we can also see today with the exhibited products,” Dr Klavdija Kutnar, University of Primorska’s rector, said. “At the University of Primorska, we were recently developing the Mid Term Development Strategy for the period 2021-2027, and we paid special attention to the connection of science, art and technology, and the Charm of Wood is a fine example of such activities.”

Dr Klavdija Kutnar. Image: Alen Ježovnik

“We are paying more and more attention to wood as an important raw material, which is why the Wood Industry Directorate was established,” Gregor Perič, leader of the SMC parliamentary group and member of the Committee on the Economy, said as he highlighted wood as a strategic material for Slovenia. “However, this is not enough. It is necessary to work in the field because this area needs added value. InnoRenew CoE, with its scientific approach and use of high-tech equipment in research, has given the Slovenian wood sector international recognition and proved how great its potential is for the economy and development.”

Gregor Perič. Image: Alen Ježovnik

“Wood is our future and wood is much more than a material for building houses and making objects,” Dr Franc Pohleven, Charm of Wood founder, said. “The use of wood as a basic raw material contributes to clean air, water and unpolluted soil; it brings green jobs and it is a key element in the transition to a low-carbon society.”

Dr Pohleven further pointed out that wood is also a natural storage of carbon dioxide.

“With the help of state-of-the-art technology, we will be able to switch from fossil raw materials to natural ones,” he concluded.

Dr Franc Pohleven. Image: Alen Ježovnik

Until 29 July 2021, visitors to the Charm of Wood exhibition at the University of Primorska can admire a wide range of products, from wooden chairs, bags, tables and decorative dishes to kitchen utensils, pens and torches. The exhibitors are companies and individuals who process wood with good quality into innovative wooden products.

This event and exhibition, now in its 13th consecutive year, is organized by the Association for the Protection of Wood of Slovenia; Ministry of Economic Development and Technology – Wood Industry; SPIRIT Slovenia – Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia; the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food; Forest Fund; Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia; University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty – Wood Science and Technology and the Wood Council, in collaboration with Cankarjev dom and Arboretumom Volčji potok.

Charm of Wood in Koper. Image: Alen Ježovnik