Msc. Peter Čas awarded for Outstanding Economic and Entrepreneurial Achievements

It is with great pride that we share the news that Msc. Peter Čas, Managing Director of HRASTNIK1860, a member of the Vaider Group, has been awarded the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) Award for Outstanding Economic and Entrepreneurial Achievements. With his exceptional vision and commitment to progress, he is one of the key businessmen contributing to the development of Slovenian industry and society.

Msc. Peter Čas has led HRASTNIK1860 to become one of the world’s leading producers of premium glass packaging. The company possess several awards and recognitions, reflecting the Vaider Group’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable development. They have received the EcoVadis Platinum Award for their achievements in sustainability, placing HRASTNIK1860 among the top one percent of companies in the glass industry.

Under Čas’ leadership, HRASTNIK1860 also became the first company in the world to introduce hydrogen as the main energy source in industrial bottle production. This breakthrough innovation has contributed to a more than 30% reduction in the carbon footprint compared to standard processes. From the heart of Slovenia, with 165 years of tradition, advanced investments, sustainable operations, and ambitious goals, Slovenian glass travels to 60 global markets.

200 million prestigious bottles a year can only be created with visionary leadership, a dedicated team, unwavering respect for nature, and a love for glass.

In addition to Msc. Peter Čas, four more winners received the Economic Achievement Award

Two women and three men—Msc. Peter Čas, Managing Director of Steklarna Hrastnik d.o.o.; Estera Brajak, Director of Medius d.o.o.; Milan Kuster, Director of i-Vent d.o.o.; Medeja Lončar, Director of Siemens Slovenia; and Enver Šišić, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Perutnina Ptuj Group—were today awarded the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Award for outstanding economic and entrepreneurial achievements. For the 57th time, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) has presented this award in recognition of successful business management over many years.

As the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tibor Šimonka, stated at the ceremony, the achievements of the GZS award winners »are proof that the Slovenian economy is strong, ambitious, and resilient, even in times of uncertainty when the world around us is changing at a pace that is difficult to keep up with. It is not easy to persevere in a world where we face geopolitical tensions, constant regulatory demands, and challenges related to energy and raw materials. But this is where true strength comes into its own—the power of visionary leadership, strong values, and solid alliances.«

Aristotle’s idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts served as the theme of tonight’s event, which Šimonka found particularly meaningful. »Success is never the result of one individual alone. Success is a team effort, a shared passion, and a belief that together we can achieve more,« he said. He further emphasized that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports businesspeople who, through diligence, enthusiasm, courage, and heart, create something greater. »We know that entrepreneurship needs an environment that encourages rather than hinders. It needs space to grow, not only in Slovenia but also beyond. Because without strong businesses, there is no strong economy, and without a strong economy, there is no strong country,« he concluded.

»Once you enter the world of glass, it takes you over completely. As a freshly graduated mechanical engineer, I never imagined that glass would become such a big part of my life. My career started at Gorenje, continued at SIJ Group, and then life brought me to Hrastnik Glassworks a good eight years ago—to an exceptional team with whom we have together created one of the most modern glassworks in this part of Europe. In the eight years that we have been creating and innovating prestige in glass together, we have restructured the company, more than doubled the added value per employee, and completed the green transition. Being part of this story is, I admit, challenging—but also inspiring, because Zasavje is home to people with heart, perseverance, and pride. After all these years, the projects that have been realized, and the progress that I look back on with great joy, I reflect on how the unchanging, pure, and full-of-opportunity glass has taken me over. Once you’re in the glass business …

I feel a great sense of honor and pride in receiving the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Special Achievement Award. This award is not just mine—it is ours, as I share it with my team.

Thank you to all of you who are part of this journey!«

MSc Peter Čas, CEO of Hrastnik1860, member of Vaider Group

More information about the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Award can be found here: https://nagrada.gzs.si/.