LIGNA 2025 inspires & motivates the industry – moving forward with renewed energy

In its 50th anniversary year, LIGNA 2025 once again confirmed its position as the leading platform for the international woodworking community, hosting 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries. From 26–30 May, it brought together the global woodworking and wood processing industry in Hannover, Germany, provided a significant boost to the sector, ignited fresh momentum and laid the foundation for future investments.

“LIGNA has impressively reaffirmed its unique position as the world’s leading trade fair for the industry. Around 78,000 visitors from 156 countries attended – putting us on par with the previous event in 2023. Given the circumstances, that’s a strong result,” said Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG. “Despite all the benefits of digitalisation, nothing can replace the experience of seeing machines in live operation at a trade fair. I’d like to thank all LIGNA exhibitors who demonstrated this so clearly here,” Köckler continued, adding: “The combination of innovation, technological progress and passion is the best foundation for renewed investment.”

Trade visitors made up 93% of the audience at LIGNA 2025, with 60% holding management positions – 44% of those in top management.

From forestry and sawmilling to production, manufacturing and crafts, exhibitors presented solutions covering the entire value chain, showing how current challenges can be turned into opportunities. The spotlight was on digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, smart production, sustainable and climate-friendly construction using wood and wood-based materials, and the responsible, future-oriented use of wood as a resource.

Köckler stated: “What makes LIGNA unique worldwide is its role as an international marketplace for the woodworking and wood processing industry. This is where global supply meets international demand. With 56% of visitors coming from abroad, LIGNA clearly demonstrates that it’s the undisputed world’s leading trade fair for the industry and enables global business at the highest level.” The largest groups of international visitors came from Poland, Italy, and Austria, followed by the Netherlands, France and Belgium.

Markus Hüllmann, Chairman of the Executive Board of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, also gave a positive assessment of LIGNA 2025: “We had a successful LIGNA that provided motivation and momentum in an otherwise uncertain environment. The situation differs across segments and manufacturers, but everyone here in Hannover discussed important projects and recharged their batteries. For some, this even resulted in unexpected orders at their stands – which gives us confidence that the industry will quickly bounce back.”

Focus topics reflect the spirit of the times

With its three focus topics – CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION and ENGINEERED WOOD – LIGNA 2025 precisely addressed the areas that not only concern the industry but also offer real hope for a world urgently seeking sustainable development. Exhibitors embraced their responsibility, as evidenced across all 10 exhibition halls, two pavilions and the outdoor area, covering a total of 114,078sq.m. A wide range of smart solutions – from reforestation to finished products – confirmed the status of wood as a renewable raw material and the construction material of the moment.

Jan Kurth, CEO of the German Furniture Industry Associations, commented: “This year’s LIGNA showcased innovative approaches to resource-efficient production across the entire value chain – among many other advancements – providing valuable momentum for us in the German furniture industry. The topics of sustainability and the circular economy are of central importance to our manufacturers.”

Supporting program blends living traditions with new formats

Like no other trade fair in its sector, LIGNA combines a business platform with craftsmanship. It equally represents ground-breaking developments in high-tech mechanical engineering and innovations in the craft sector. Two new formats – LIGNA.Circular and LIGNA.TruckStop – also attracted significant visitor interest.

Reflecting the circular transformation that was omnipresent at LIGNA, LIGNA.Circular in Hall 12 became a hotspot for practical concepts on the circular economy and sustainable material use. In a more hands-on format, LIGNA.TruckStop invited carpenters, joiners and craftspeople from all trades to explore the latest power tools and discuss workshop and business management.

Innovative strength reflected in over 900 trade fair premieres

For half a century, many companies have traditionally timed their product launches for LIGNA, unveiling them to the international trade community. The particularly innovative character of LIGNA 2025 was demonstrated by more than 900 product premieres, including many advancements that elevate resource- and energy-efficient practices to a new level.

Another key trend at LIGNA 2025 was the redefinition of the human role amid the AI and machine learning revolution. Contrary to many expectations, humans are not being replaced but are instead being given more space to develop creativity. Emotional intelligence is becoming an indispensable complement to artificial intelligence. Dr. Jochen Köckler observed: “The cohesion and cooperation within the woodworking community at LIGNA clearly demonstrated this. Trade fairs are places where people connect – something that cannot be streamed or replaced by AI.”

Looking ahead: LIGNA 2027

The next LIGNA will take place from 10–14 May 2027, at the Hannover exhibition grounds. “Together with exhibitors and the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, we’ve decided that from 2027 onward, LIGNA will no longer be held over Ascension Day, but instead offer five full working days of business,” Köckler explained.

About LIGNA

LIGNA, the world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry, is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association. Showcasing the full range of products and services for primary and secondary industries – including 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; and forestry machinery and systems, see www.ligna.de for further information.