It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest that LIGNA is set to be one of the most crucial milestones for the woodworking and wood processing industry as it progresses towards the hoped-for industry turnaround. From 26-30th May, in the show’s 50th anniversary year, over 1200 exhibitors from around the world will occupy 112,000 square metres of exhibition space.
“LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.”
“Emerging from the downturn”
Industry experts and market observers have expressed their belief that the woodworking and wood processing industry – under pressure in recent months – could see a recovery in the second half of the year. However, ongoing economic challenges are fueling uncertainty and eroding business confidence. Unclear political developments and their economic impact have also led to delays in crucial investment decisions.
“We are navigating politically tense times concerning tariffs and exchange rates – something many of us have never experienced before,” expresses Dr. Jochen Köckler.
“The German federal elections and the outcome of the U.S. presidency will bring 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.”
In light of these circumstances, Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG, sees the strong industry response to LIGNA as a clear vote of confidence: “We are looking forward to a powerful LIGNA anniversary edition and are convinced that the trade fair, together with its exhibitors and visitors, has the potential to inspire renewed confidence in the market,” she says. “It wouldn’t be the first time that LIGNA has served as the decisive catalyst for restarting the economic engine.”
Industry, trade, and forestry – shaping the future together
The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 – Connectivity, Sustainable Production and Engineered Wood – are specifically designed to engage stakeholders across the woodworking community, including industry, trade, and forestry.
“The digital connectivity for a sustainable wood industry along the entire value chain, with wood and wood-based materials as the materials of the future – this summarises in one sentence what industry, craftsmanship, and forestry want to stand for together in the future,” says Stephanie Wager.
“With connectivity, sustainability, and future materials, the focus topics highlight the three core elements of this transformation and will be prominently featured across all seven exhibition areas.”
New and proven formats at LIGNA 2025
With LIGNA.Circular in Hall 12 and LIGNA.TruckStop in the open-air site, two new formats will make their debut at LIGNA’s anniversary edition in May. “Thinking in circles” is the guiding principle of the new LIGNA.Circular format, which will be integrated into the LIGNA.Stage program. It will specifically focus on various aspects of circular value creation.
Through presentations and panel discussions, CADEMI, the official LIGNA.Circular partner, will showcase sustainable innovations in processes, materials, and products. Key topics will include the necessary changes in collaboration among stakeholders and the transformation of business models, with a focus on cooperation, innovation, servitisation, and transformation.
The LIGNA.Circular program will also feature practical approaches and best-case studies, covering topics such as machinery and processes, raw materials and wood-based materials, product design, and recycling.
LIGNA.TruckStop is the ultimate destination for joiners and carpenters eager to experience the latest advancements in power tools, fittings, and fastening technology. Show trucks, transporters, and vans packed with practical solutions from brands like Festool, Hettich, SawStop and Swiss Krono will be on-site in the open-air site near the wooden Expo roof. In addition, a stage tailored to the trade will host live presentations, expert interviews, and hands-on demonstrations throughout the event.
The central LIGNA forum will once again be the LIGNA.Stage in Hall 12, featuring solution- and user-oriented presentations aligned with LIGNA’s key themes, as well as discussions on major market and industry trends.
Meanwhile, the LIGNA.Campus in Hall 11 will provide technical colleges, universities of applied sciences, and universities with a platform to present their educational programs. For first-time VDMA exhibitors and start-ups, LIGNA.FutureSquare – located in Hall 12 alongside the Stage and Circular – will showcase innovative products and services. And for those seeking career opportunities, LIGNA.Recruiting is the place to be. This format offers direct access to the industry’s leading companies, providing valuable insights into career paths and professional development opportunities.
For many years, the Carpenters’ Day on Tuesday of the trade fair has been a key highlight of LIGNA’s supporting program. On this day, carpenters from across Germany gather at the exhibition grounds in Hanover to experience a tailored program, including exclusive trade fair tours and networking events. At LIGNA 2025, the guild association Tischler Schreiner Deutschland (TSD) will once again be on-site, providing insights into the latest services and products from its professional associations. Additionally, two key initiatives will be featured: The national design competition “Die Gute Form 2025” and the new TSD-project “Ergonomie der Werkstatt”, which aims to equip guild member companies with practical and recognised tools and workshop set-ups to create working spaces that promote efficiency, well-being, and job satisfaction.
As part of this initiative, 18 model businesses are currently being developed in collaboration with workshop equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
Awards and championships at LIGNA 2025
LIGNA will once again host prestigious awards and competitions, including The Forwarder Championships, Die Gute Form, The Hans-Jürgen Narjes Prize and the German Timber Construction Prize, which has even garnered attention from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction. The German Timber Construction Prize winner will be honoured on LIGNA Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Hall 12 on the LIGNA.Stage.
