LIGNA in Hanover from 26 to 30 May 2025 will be one of the most important milestones for the woodworking and wood processing industry on the way to the hoped-for industry turnaround. Three months before the trade show opens its gates in its 50th anniversary year, more than 1,200 exhibitors from all over the world occupy around 112,000 square metres of exhibition space, sending a strong signal in a challenging industry situation.
“LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.”
Motivation for Emerging from the Downturn
Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG, sees the strong industry response to LIGNA as a clear vote of confidence: “We are looking forward to a powerful LIGNA anniversary edition and are convinced that the trade fair, together with its exhibitors and visitors, has the potential to inspire renewed confidence in the market. It wouldn’t be the first time that LIGNA has served as the decisive catalyst for restarting the economic engine.”
The significance of LIGNA as the world’s leading trade fair remains strong, and constructive dialogue at LIGNA 2025 is more crucial than ever. Samiron Mondal, CEO of Siempelkamp Business Unit Capital, emphasizes: “LIGNA is the ideal forum for us to meet global customers, showcase our innovations, and bring the trade fair’s motto – ‘Linking people, driving innovation’ – to life. Moreover, we greatly benefit from the exchange of ideas at the event.” Like Mondal, whose company has been exhibiting at LIGNA since its inception, Rudolf Eickhoff, Technical Managing Director of Venjakob, also underscores the importance of LIGNA 2025: “We are currently facing intense competition in the industry, with declining sales in some areas. This makes it all the more important to discuss the latest sustainable production methods to ensure our customers can remain competitive in the long run. We firmly believe that direct contact at the trade fair not only fosters trust but also lays the foundation for successful projects.”
Industry, Trade, and Forestry: Shaping the Future Together
The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 – CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, and ENGINEERED WOOD – are specifically designed to engage stakeholders across the woodworking community, including industry, trade, and forestry. “The digital connectivity for a sustainable wood industry along the entire value chain, with wood and wood-based materials as the materials of the future – this summarizes in one sentence for what industry, craftsmanship, and forestry want to stand for together in the future,” says Stephanie Wager. She adds: “With connectivity, sustainability, and future materials, the focus topics highlight the three core elements of this transformation and will be prominently featured across all seven exhibition areas.”
