Woodworking community views LIGNA 2025 as the year’s most important milestone

LIGNA, which takes place in Hanover, Germany from 26-30 May 2025, marks a crucial milestone for the woodworking and wood processing industry as it moves toward a much-anticipated recovery. Three months before the trade show’s 50th-anniversary edition, more than 1,200 exhibitors from around the world have already secured 112,000sq.m of exhibition space, demonstrating confidence in the event despite challenging market conditions.

“LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board at Deutsche Messe AG. “Given the economic climate, we are very grateful for the trust placed in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will drive productivity and sustainability through groundbreaking innovations, providing the much-needed motivation for investment.”

Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, Frankfurt am Main, commented that: “Hardly any exhibitor skips LIGNA – and for good reason. In challenging times, direct engagement with customers is essential to generating new investment momentum through innovative solutions. LIGNA is the platform where pioneering technologies meet an international audience of experts. It’s an unmissable opportunity not only for manufacturers but also for customers, as the future course of the industry is set right here in Hanover.” 

A catalyst for recovery

Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG, sees the strong response as a clear vote of confidence: “We look forward to a dynamic 50th-anniversary edition of LIGNA and are convinced that the trade fair will once again serve as a powerful catalyst for market confidence. LIGNA has a history of reigniting industry momentum, and we believe it will do so again in 2025.”

LIGNA’s global significance remains unwavering, and constructive dialogue at the event is more vital than ever. Samiron Mondal, CEO of Siempelkamp Business Unit Capital, emphasises: “LIGNA is the ideal forum for meeting global customers, showcasing our latest innovations, and bringing the trade fair’s motto – ‘Linking people, driving innovation’ – to life. We also greatly benefit from the exchange of ideas at the event.”

Similarly, Rudolf Eickhoff, Technical Managing Director of Venjakob, highlights the show’s importance: “Competition is fierce, and some areas are experiencing declining sales. It’s crucial to discuss the latest sustainable production methods to help customers remain competitive. We firmly believe that direct engagement at LIGNA fosters trust and lays the foundation for successful projects.”

Navigating market uncertainty

Industry experts predict that the woodworking and wood processing industry, particularly in Europe, could experience a recovery in the second half of 2025. However, ongoing economic challenges continue to create uncertainty, delaying crucial investment decisions.

Dr. Jochen Köckler remarks: “We are navigating politically tense times, dealing with tariffs and exchange rate fluctuations on an unprecedented scale. The outcomes of the German federal elections and the U.S. presidential election will provide clarity. Regardless of broader economic conditions, the woodworking and wood processing industry remains indispensable. Wood, as a raw material, is the ultimate symbol of CO₂ storage and sustainability.”

Industry, trade & forestry – shaping the future together

The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 – CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION and ENGINEERED WOOD – are designed to unite stakeholders across industry, trade and forestry. Stephanie Wagner explains: “A digitally connected, sustainable wood industry along the entire value chain, with wood and wood-based materials as the materials of the future – this is the vision that industry, craftsmanship, and forestry aim to realize together. These three focus topics highlight the core elements of industry transformation and will be prominently featured across all seven exhibition areas.”

New & proven formats at LIGNA 2025

LIGNA 2025 introduces two new formats:

• LIGNA.Circular (Hall 12) – Focused on circular value creation, this initiative will be integrated into the LIGNA.Stage program, featuring presentations and panel discussions led by CADEMI, the official LIGNA.Circular partner. Topics will include collaborative business models, sustainable innovation, and best practices in recycling, product design, and material use. The media partner is HK – Holz- und Kunststoffverarbeitung (DRW-Verlag).

• LIGNA.TruckStop (Open-Air Site) – A dedicated space for joiners and carpenters to explore the latest power tools, fittings, and fastening technologies. Brands such as Festool, Hettich, SawStop, and Swiss Krono will present solutions via show trucks, transporters, and vans. A trade-focused stage will feature live demonstrations, expert talks, and hands-on experiences. The media partners are BM and dds (Konradin Media Group).

Additionally:

• LIGNA.Stage (Hall 12) – The central forum for user-driven presentations and discussions on major industry trends.

• LIGNA.Campus (Hall 11) – A platform for technical colleges and universities to present educational programs.

• LIGNA.FutureSquare (Hall 12) – A showcase for start-ups and VDMA exhibitors introducing cutting-edge innovations.

• LIGNA.Recruiting – Connecting industry leaders with potential employees through career development opportunities.

Carpenters’ day & key initiatives

Carpenters’ Day, a long-standing highlight, will once again take place on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, featuring exclusive trade fair tours and networking events. The guild association Tischler Schreiner Deutschland (TSD) will showcase services and products alongside two key initiatives:

1. Die Gute Form 2025 – A national design competition.

2. Ergonomie der Werkstatt – A TSD project developing 18 model businesses in collaboration with workshop equipment manufacturers to optimize workplace ergonomics and efficiency.

Awards & championships at LIGNA 2025

LIGNA will also host several prestigious awards and competitions, including:

• The Forwarder Championships

• Die Gute Form

• The Hans-Jürgen Narjes Prize

• The German Timber Construction Prize – Supported by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction, with the winner honored on LIGNA Tuesday (10am, Hall 12, LIGNA.Stage).

For more information on LIGNA, visit www.ligna.de.