Successful DRWO Event Organized by the Western Pilot Environment
The event “Lean and Innovative Practices / Materials”, organized by the Western Pilot Environment within the DRWO4.0 project, was successfully and satisfactorily concluded today, June 19, 2025, via an online platform. Participants had the opportunity to learn about Lean methodology and innovative approaches to materials, technologies, and sustainable design practices for wooden products.
The event began with a short introduction and presentation of the DRWO4.0 project, coordinated by the Wood Industry Cluster Slovenia. This was followed by a training session on “Advanced Lean Methodology” delivered by the Croatian partner, Culmena. The lecture built upon the fundamentals of lean thinking, focusing on practical approaches to improving efficiency and reducing waste in production processes.
In the main part of the event, good practices, as well as innovative materials and approaches in design, were presented. Asst.Prof. Inge Kalan Lipar from the Faculty of Design showcased examples of student projects in the Interior Design programme, developed in collaboration with industrial partner Stilles and public institutions. The student project presentations were very well received by the participants, which is a great encouragement for us as a faculty. Such collaborations enable us to guide students and encourage them to connect with real-world practice, thus preparing them effectively for entering the job market.
Dr. Jure Žigon from the University of Ljubljana presented an innovative solution for furniture surface protection using plasma technology, which enhances the durability of materials and represents an important step towards sustainable development. Boštjan Strnad from the company Stilles d.o.o. demonstrated a concrete example of good practice in innovative surface treatment of furniture, involving the use of advanced technologies and approaches to the aesthetics and functionality of wooden products.
The event concluded with a group discussion, where participants exchanged views and shared experiences via the Slido platform. The overall course of the event confirmed the importance of linking educational and research institutions with industry, as well as the role of innovation and lean thinking in the development of sustainable and competitive wooden products.
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