Following the successful modernization of its flint glass furnace in early 2025, Vetropack Straža,, located in Hum na Sutli, Croatia, has achieved a significant new milestone. The furnace has now been officially certified in accordance with the rigorous European Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). This achievement marks a notable first within the Vetropack Group , representing the certification of a furnace as a complete technological unit rather than solely its individual components.
Historically, CE certificates for glass furnaces have been issued for specific elements of the installation. While essential, this approach did not provide formal assurance that the complete installation, as an integrated unit, fully met the comprehensive safety and technical requirements outlined by the European Union.
The European Machinery Directive offers a far-reaching scope, encompassing not only fundamental aspects such as structural stability and energy efficiency but also governing the intrinsic technological processes within the furnace itself. This includes critical areas like combustion management, the melting of raw materials, and emissions control. The overarching objective is to guarantee safe operation throughout the entire lifecycle of the equipment. Furthermore, the Directive establishes clear and stringent requirements concerning accessibility, maintenance procedures, and emergency protocols. For the furnace at Vetropack Straža, this entailed a meticulous review of every detail, from precise heat control mechanisms to ensuring clear and effective evacuation routes, all aimed at achieving the highest possible level of safety and compliance. 
This comprehensive certification process involved close collaboration with key partners. The certification company TeLo played a crucial role from the project’s inception, working hand-in-hand with the furnace supplier SORG . This partnership ensured that every stage of the design and construction process meticulously adhered to the stringent requirements of the Directive.
The culmination of these efforts was the final certification inspection in April 2025. This audit definitively confirmed that the furnace fully met all applicable safety and technical standards, leading to the successful awarding of the coveted CE mark. By undertaking and completing this comprehensive certification process, Vetropack Straža has not only enhanced the safety and operational integrity of its own facility but has also set a new benchmark for future furnace projects across the entire Vetropack Group. This accomplishment underscores Vetropack’s unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Commenting on this significant achievement, Mario Berc, Technical Manager at Vetropack Straža, stated, “We are extremely proud of this achievement. Obtaining the CE marking represents the final confirmation of all the efforts invested in this project and symbolises the success of the entire team’s joint work.” This certification serves as a powerful testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of everyone involved in bringing this modernized furnace to full operational and certified status.
Source: Vetropack Straža with additional information added by GlassBalkan
