LIGNA 2025: Forestry sector showcases innovation, safety & sustainability

Forests as climate allies

At LIGNA 2025 in Hanover, Germany, which takes place from 26-30 May, the forestry sector takes centre stage with solutions that balance sustainability, climate resilience and efficiency. As wood supply remains vital to the global industry, the focus shifts to reforestation, smart harvesting and digital integration. Visitors will have the opportunity to see cutting-edge machinery, logistics and technology that support safe, sustainable forestry.

Human-centred innovation

“Recent forest damage has left vast areas in need of replanting,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA. “Exhibitors will show how to build resilient forests using modern tools and methods, while prioritising people’s safety and their connection to nature.”

Pavilions 33 & 35: Forestry Hub at LIGNA

Outdoor Pavilions 33 and 35 remain the key meeting points for forestry professionals. Exhibitors include the Forestry Training Center (NFBz), AfL Niedersachsen, DFUV, SVLFG, 3N Competence Center, PEFC, among others. Pavilion 35 – hosted by Wald und Holz NRW – will feature universities, startups and research institutions.

People – technology – raw materials

Pavilion 33 focuses on this year’s theme, highlighting how climate change demands active forest management, safer working conditions and efficient reforestation. “Technology is essential, not only for efficiency but also to reduce fatal accidents in forestry,” says Dr. Maurice Strunk of DFUV. “We’re setting the groundwork for a sustainable future.”

Strong collaboration

NFBz, AfL and SVLFG jointly organise the Forestry Pavilion. Together, they promote training, represent 80% of timber harvesting in Germany and support workplace safety. AfL will also engage political stakeholders at LIGNA to advocate for the sector’s needs.

Worker safety innovations

Visitors will see new safety technologies, such as remote-controlled wedges for tree felling and cooling clothing for open-area work. SVLFG will address risks such as sun exposure and skin cancer, offering practical prevention strategies for forestry professionals.

Modern stand establishment

NFBz Münchehof will demonstrate current methods for stand establishment using battery-powered tools, which reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Topics include brush clearing, tree selection and new planting methods using battery-powered drills. Safety in handling lithium-ion batteries remains a key concern.

Sustainable timber & bioeconomy solutions

Pavilion 35 highlights innovations in timber use, including:

• Hardwood and hybrid timber systems

• Birch structures for mobile living

• Resource-efficient construction materials

The 'From Tree to Product' demonstration showcases underutilised species like red oak, birch and sweet chestnut in climate-adaptive design.

Special show: 'Follow the Timber'

KWF and partners present traceability systems tracking raw timber 'from the tree to the factory', supporting legal verification and business optimisation. Demonstrators will cover Timber Supply, Digital Marketplace and Data Trustee systems, with live demos and expert talks.

NRW Stage: dialogue & policy

The NRW Stage in Pavilion 35 hosts discussions with EU policymakers, industry leaders and startups. Topics include:

• Climate policy in forestry

• Circular strategies in wood industries

• EFI Bioregions Forum

• Forest Owners’ Day

• Policy proposals for NRW’s forestry transition

Awards & forwarder championships

On Wednesday 28 May, the Hans-Jürgen-Narjes Prize will honour contributions to forestry training, followed by a networking evening. The Forwarder Championship — now in its 30th year — returns on Thursday 29 May, with drivers from across Germany competing in high-precision machine handling.

About LIGNA

The world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry is jointly organised by Deutsche Messe and VDMA Woodworking Machinery in Hannover, and 2025 sees the event celebrating its 50th anniversary. It showcases the entire range of products and services for the primary and secondary industries – tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, surface technology, wood-based panel production, sawmill technology, energy from wood, machine components and automation technology, as well as machines and systems for forestry. For more iinformation on LIGNA, see www.ligna.de.