LIGNA 2025 Reaffirms Global Leadership in Woodworking and Wood Processing Innovation
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, LIGNA 2025 once again solidified its status as the world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry. Hosted at the Hannover Exhibition Center, the event brought together 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries and attracted 78,000 visitors from 156 nations, affirming its global significance and industry impact.
Organized by Deutsche Messe AG in collaboration with the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, LIGNA 2025 energized the industry with fresh innovation, business opportunities, and long-term investment prospects. Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG, noted:
“LIGNA once again showcased its unmatched strength as the global meeting point for woodworking. Despite increasing digitalization, nothing replaces the impact of live machinery demonstrations and personal business connections.”
High-Caliber Audience and International Reach:
- 93% of attendees were trade visitors, and
- 60% held management positions, including 44% at the top management level
- 56% of visitors came from outside Germany, with the highest international participation from Poland, Italy, Austria, followed by the Netherlands, France, and Belgium
Showcasing the Full Value Chain – From Forestry to Finished Products:
Exhibitors presented end-to-end solutions across all major sectors like forestry, sawmilling, production, industrial manufacturing, and craft. The key focus areas included:
- Digitalization and Smart Manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence in Wood Processing
- Automation Technologies
- Sustainable, Climate-Friendly Wood Construction
- Circular Economy and Responsible Use of Wood
LIGNA 2025 spotlighted three key themes:
- CONNECTIVITY – Technologies enabling smarter, data-driven production
- SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION – Eco-efficient practices from sourcing to final product
- ENGINEERED WOOD – Innovative wood-based construction materials
These themes resonated strongly with visitors and exhibitors alike, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability and digital transformation.
True to its legacy, more than 900 innovations and product launches were unveiled at LIGNA 2025, many focusing on energy efficiency, material optimization, and AI-driven advancements.
A standout trend was the redefined role of humans in AI-powered production environments, emphasizing how human creativity and emotion remain vital complements to automation and machine learning.
Markus Hüllmann, Chairman, VDMA Woodworking Machinery:
“LIGNA 2025 provided much-needed motivation and optimism. Across all segments, we saw crucial projects being discussed, unexpected orders placed, and renewed energy in the face of market uncertainty.”
Jan Kurth, CEO, German Furniture Industry Associations:
“LIGNA offered valuable impulses for sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing across the furniture value chain.”
Two new experiential formats elevated the visitor experience LIGNA.Circular – A hub for circular economy solutions and sustainable material use, located in Hall 12 and LIGNA.TruckStop – A live showcase for tradespeople to explore the latest tools, techniques, and technologies in carpentry and woodworking. These additions reinforced LIGNA’s dynamic appeal to both industrial and craft sectors.
What’s Next? LIGNA 2027 Moves to Full Working Week Format
The next edition of LIGNA will take place from May 10 to 14, 2027, in Hanover. Based on industry feedback, the event will no longer coincide with Ascension Day, ensuring five full working days for optimal business engagement.