LIGNA 2025 delivered a strong performance in its milestone 50th anniversary year, attracting 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries and approximately 78,000 visitors from 156 nations to Hannover from May 26 to 30. The event maintained its position as the leading international platform for the woodworking and wood processing industry, matching attendance figures from the previous edition in 2023.
“LIGNA has impressively reaffirmed its unique position as the world’s leading trade fair for the industry,” said Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO at Deutsche Messe AG. “Despite all the benefits of digitalization, nothing can replace the experience of seeing machines in live operation at a trade fair. The combination of innovation, technological progress, and passion is the best foundation for renewed investment.”
The event recorded a 93 percent proportion of trade visitors, with 60 percent holding management positions and 44 percent in top management roles. International participation remained robust, with 56 percent of visitors coming from abroad, led by delegations from Poland, Italy, and Austria, followed by the Netherlands, France, and Belgium.
Industry momentum builds despite market uncertainties
Exhibitors showcased solutions spanning the entire value chain across forestry, sawmilling, production, manufacturing, and craft industries. The spotlight focused on digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, smart production, sustainable construction using wood and wood-based materials, and responsible resource utilization.
Markus Hüllmann, Chairman of the Executive Board of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, provided a measured assessment: “We had a successful LIGNA that provided motivation and momentum in an otherwise uncertain environment. The situation differs across segments and manufacturers, but everyone here in Hanover discussed important projects and recharged their batteries.”
Sustainability and circular economy take center stage
Three focus topics — CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, and ENGINEERED WOOD — addressed key industry concerns while offering development pathways. The exhibition covered 114,078 square meters across ten halls, two pavilions, and outdoor areas, demonstrating wood’s potential as a renewable construction material.
New formats including LIGNA.Circular in Hall 12 and LIGNA.TruckStop generated significant visitor interest. LIGNA.Circular served as a focal point for circular economy concepts and sustainable material usage, while LIGNA.TruckStop facilitated exchanges among carpenters, joiners, and craftsmen regarding power tools and business management.
Jan Kurth, CEO of the German Furniture Industry Associations, noted: “This year’s LIGNA showcased innovative approaches to resource-efficient production across the entire value chain, providing valuable momentum for us in the German furniture industry.”
Technology evolution redefines human roles
More than 900 trade fair premieres highlighted the event’s innovative character, featuring advancements in energy and material efficiency. A notable trend emerged around redefining human roles within AI and machine learning-driven technological transformation, with emphasis on creativity enhancement rather than workforce replacement.
The next LIGNA is scheduled for May 10 to 14, 2027, in Hannover, with organizers announcing a format change to eliminate the Ascension Day overlap in favor of five full working days.
