LIGNA 2025 marked the exhibition’s 50th anniversary, reaffirming its position as a leading platform for the international woodworking community. From May 26-30th, more than 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries showcased their brands in front of a global audience of 78,000 visitors. The event not only matched the energy of previous editions but also reignited the sector with fresh momentum and a forward-looking vision.
“LIGNA has impressively reaffirmed its unique position as the world’s leading trade fair for the industry,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO at Deutsche Messe AG. “Around 78,000 visitors from 156 countries came to Hanover – putting us on par with the previous event in 2023. Given the circumstances, that is a strong result.
“Despite all the benefits of digitalisation, nothing can replace the experience of seeing machines in live operation at a trade fair. I would 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.”
The proportion of trade visitors at LIGNA 2025 was 93 per cent, with 60 per cent of them holding management positions, 44 per cent of those in top management.
From sustainable forestry to intelligent manufacturing, the breadth of innovation on display reflected the complexity – and opportunity – facing the modern woodworking world. Digitalisation, automation, AI, and smart production were at the forefront, alongside a growing focus on eco-conscious construction and resource stewardship.
“What makes LIGNA unique worldwide is its role as an international marketplace for the woodworking and wood processing industry,” adds Dr. Jochen Köckler. “This is where global supply meets international demand. With 56 per cent of visitors coming from abroad, LIGNA clearly demonstrates that it is the undisputed world’s leading trade fair for the industry and enables global business at the highest level.”
Top visiting countries included Poland, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium — underscoring Europe’s strong representation and LIGNA’s central role in fostering cross-border partnerships.
Focus topics reflect the spirit of the times
With its three focus topics – CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, and ENGINEERED WOOD – LIGNA 2025 addressed precisely the areas that not only concern the industry but also offer genuine hope for a world urgently seeking sustainable development.
Exhibitors clearly embraced their responsibility, as evidenced across all 10 exhibition halls, two pavilions, and the outdoor area, covering a total of 114,078 square meters.
A wide array of smart solutions – from reforestation to finished products – confirm the status of wood as a renewable raw material and the construction material of the moment.
Celebrating tradition, embracing transformation
LIGNA has long balanced cutting-edge tech with deep-rooted craftsmanship, and this year was no exception. Two new formats – LIGNA.Circular and LIGNA.TruckStop – drew strong crowds. LIGNA.Circular became a destination for tangible solutions in the circular economy, while LIGNA.TruckStop brought hands-on excitement, connecting tradespeople with tools, ideas, and each other.
Where innovation takes centre stage
With more than 900 product premieres, LIGNA 2025 stood out as a launchpad for the future.
A clear trend at LIGNA 2025 was the redefinition of the human role amid the technological revolution driven by AI and machine learning. Contrary to many expectations, humans are neither being marginalised nor replaced; instead, they are given more space to develop their creativity.
“The cohesion and cooperation within the woodworking community at LIGNA was clear evidence of this,” affirms Dr. Jochen Köckler. “Trade fairs are meeting places for people in a community that cannot be replaced. Genuine closeness cannot be streamed or replicated by AI.”
The next chapter of LIGNA will unfold from May 10-14th, 2027, with a small but significant scheduling shift. The event will run over five full business days, avoiding the traditional overlap with Ascension Day. “This change reflects our commitment to creating the best possible conditions for global business,” Köckler concludes.
As this landmark edition of the show comes to a close, LIGNA 2025 leaves no doubt that – even after five decades – its role as the industry’s compass and catalyst remains as strong – and as essential – as ever.
