Looking ahead to LIGNA 2025: over 105,000sq.m already booked

Five months ahead of its opening, LIGNA 2025, the world’s premier trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industries, has secured commitments from 1,100 exhibitors, covering more than 105,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, LIGNA is embracing its roots. Launched as a standalone event in 1975 during the oil crisis, the trade fair has consistently served as a beacon for innovation and optimism in challenging times. Today, as the industry faces new economic pressures, LIGNA continues to provide solutions and opportunities for growth. For context, the 2023 edition hosted 1,300 exhibitors over 114,000 square meters and attracted 80,000 visitors.

Strong commitment despite economic challenges

“The excellent registration numbers for LIGNA 2025 are a critical signal for the woodworking community,” said Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe. “In the current economic climate, committing to a trade fair is a significant investment, particularly for LIGNA exhibitors, who require large spaces and complex setups to showcase their advanced machinery. This level of commitment demonstrates the industry’s confidence in LIGNA’s value.”

Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of VDMA Woodworking Machinery, highlighted the fair’s pivotal timing: “Although recovery is delayed, surveys suggest a market upturn starting in the second quarter of 2025, coinciding with LIGNA. Confidence and clear political frameworks are essential to overcoming investment backlogs, and LIGNA is perfectly positioned to catalyse momentum for the industry.”

LIGNA 2025 focus topics

Over its five-day run in May 2025, exhibitors will spotlight innovations across three core themes: CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, and ENGINEERED WOOD. These themes address the industry’s most pressing challenges:

• LIGNA.CONNECTIVITY: Solutions for seamless digital integration, enabling vertical and horizontal system compatibility.

• LIGNA.SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION: Highlighting approaches to protect the environment, conserve resources, and improve workplace conditions.

• LIGNA.ENGINEERED WOOD: Innovations in wood-based composite materials for diverse applications.

“These topics resonate with both small craft businesses and large industrial groups as they navigate digital transformation, circular economy adoption, and intelligent product development,” Wagner explained.

Exhibition layout & program highlights

The exhibition spans 10 halls and an open-air site, offering a familiar yet dynamic layout:

• Halls 11-15 & 27: Tools and machinery for custom and mass production, bridging craftsmanship and industrial applications.

• Halls 25–26: Sawmill technology, wood-based panel production, and energy from wood.

• Hall 16: Machine components, automation technology and robotics.

• Halls 16-17: Surface technology innovations.

The open-air site will feature forestry machinery and roundwood production, with the debut of LIGNA.TruckStop, a hands-on showcase of products tailored for tradespeople.

Special formats for engagement & collaboration

LIGNA 2025 will also include specialised formats to enhance collaboration and innovation:

• LIGNA.FutureSquare: A platform for start-ups and suppliers to showcase cutting-edge solutions.

• LIGNA.Recruiting: Connecting talent with employers through interactive activities like speed dating.

• LIGNA.Campus: Highlighting educational opportunities in woodworking, with participation from universities and training institutions.

• LIGNA.Circular: Focusing on circular economy practices, fostering cross-sector collaboration.

• LIGNA.TruckStop: A vibrant hub for tradespeople, featuring roadshow trucks and daily practical demonstrations.

A milestone for the woodworking industry

Organised by Deutsche Messe and VDMA Woodworking Machinery, LIGNA 2025 celebrates its 50th anniversary by continuing to lead the industry. The event showcases the entire woodworking value chain, from tools and machinery to sustainable innovations and future-focused technologies.

For more information, visit www.ligna.de.