This article describes the benefits of implementing an environmental management system (EMS) conforming to the ISO 14001 standard in Polish companies. Experience shows that implementing an environmental management system in a company can bring a number of benefits, not only for the company itself but also to the whole surrounding environment. Prevention of pollution, which is the idea underlying the concept of an environmental management system, generates mechanisms aimed at minimizing material, resource and energy consumption. It is difficult to identify the benefits which directly arise from environmental management system implementation, as well as the benefits which indirectly spring from maintaining the system. The following article is an attempt to classify the benefits gained according to a number of factors. These factors are related to operational activities and management in an organization. Moreover, some notable benefits that improve the state of natural environment are described in this article. The following article can inform many organizations about the benefits of implementing environmental management system compliant with ISO 14001 standard and convince them to implement such a system. Moreover, thanks to this article some groups of benefits resulting from implementing, maintaining and continually improving an environmental management system will be pinpointed. The survey presented in this article was conducted out in 700 companies that have certified their environmental management systems at ISO 14001 standard.
Supporting entrepreneurs outside the country is one of the tasks of at least two ministries – the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some of the tasks are performed by various institutions, which in their properties are designed to promote Polish export. Proposed by them forms of cooperation with enterprises – from financial support through promotion, and ending with the conclusion of international agreements, are to create a range of tools which enable the Company to have a chance to gain new markets for its products, and thereby increase their income and influence positively on the wealth of the whole society. The article assesses the activities of two ministries – the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, their impact on facilitating the internationalization of enterprises. Standardized interviews were conducted. Callers were employees of selected companies of the dairy industry who are directly involved in exports in the company. The interview questionnaire was conducted with representatives of 15 companies from the tested industry. There was no direct effects of the impact on export results of conducting actions under Polish development assistance. The surveyed entrepreneurs have not met with any situation in which a partner from the target indicated in any way that he knows this business and it influenced his willingness to cooperate with the Polish company.
The operations of each and every Polish company representing timber industry are determined not only by home market situation but also directly or at east indirectly by foreign markets. Taking into account the above mentioned aspects as well as the process of ever growing prices of raw products, constantly growing costs of energy and labour it may be observed that without adequate support those companies will experience difficulties maintaining high economic activity. The article aims at indicating the problems affecting timber industry and pointing out the factors which influence the current picture of Polish timber market.