Pioneering Sustainable Surface Treatment: FerroČrtalič and Jožef Stefan Institute Partnership

FerroČrtalič d.o.o., a Slovenian family-owned company with a long tradition in surface treatment, has demonstrated with its latest technological development how innovations from a local workshop can significantly contribute to safety in the global aviation industry. Aluminum processing is crucial in aviation — it determines the strength, durability, and reliability of key aircraft components.

Traditional processing methods often involve harmful chemicals, posing risks to human health and the environment. At FerroČrtalič, these challenges were tackled with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with researchers from the Jožef Stefan Institute — specifically, the Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry.

Together, they developed an innovative, environmentally friendly technology that avoids hazardous chemicals, produces no harmful by-products, and has minimal impact on human health and the environment. At the same time, it significantly improves the durability of aluminum components, thereby enhancing the safety of aviation systems.

This new technology is already attracting attention in other industrial sectors, confirming its broader potential. It is an excellent example of how cooperation between companies and research institutions can deliver solutions that transcend sectoral — and national — boundaries.