A meeting of the Slovenian Community of Practice (CoP) within the R-evolve project was held in Ljubljana on 16 September 2025, to discuss the state and future of the Slovenian furniture industry. Participants highlighted key challenges facing companies – from the high costs of implementing sustainable solutions and the lack of systemic support to difficulties in obtaining certificates and the failure to recognize the added value of sustainable products on the market.

Companies such as Mizarstvo Florjančič, CRI Celje and Alples presented their needs and visions. Among the proposals stood out the development of digital marketing platforms, investments in human resources and digitalization, strengthening brands and the establishment of design and innovation centers. They also pointed out the necessity of financial support for the introduction of ecological solutions and the importance of uniform standards of sustainable practices that would ensure equal conditions for all companies.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Biotechnical Faculty and the Directorate for Wood Industry, who stressed the need for joint strategic projects, better integration of the research sphere with industry and simplification of public procurement procedures. The Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport announced the organization of workshops for public contracting authorities, with the aim of improving competencies and increasing market accessibility for Slovenian woodworking companies. The participants agreed that networking, digital transformation and a clear sustainable orientation are key to the long-term competitiveness of the industry.