LIGNA Preview | 31
“Yet in its more than 50-year history, the trade fair has repeatedly proven that it can serve as a driver of innovation and a point of orientation even in difficult times,” continued Ms Wagner. “With the focus topic “SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION,” LIGNA offers an ideal platform not only to discuss risks, but above all to actively seize the opportunities of a new era. “Where global business relations
come under pressure, LIGNA focuses on sustainable and resilient perspectives. This year, our exhibitors will demonstrate under the focus topic ‘SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION’ that wood, as a renewable raw material, is the key to an environmentally conscious and competitive future.”
MEDIA PREVIEW WBPI attended the official LIGNA Media Preview event in Hannover during February, together with the woodworking press from all over the world. LIGNA, which attracts around 100,000 people every two years, sees many exhibitors time their innovation and new product launch cycles around the show, and it’s a bellwether of industry sentiment. Fagus- GreCon, Kleiberit, Hymmen, Homag and
Into Chemicals were present at the preview to communicate their wood-based panels industry innovations to the press. Following this Preview article, a wider selection of companies operating in the wood-based panels field have submitted preview information, so please do read these and discover what their focus will be at LIGNA, as well as the stand at which they will be located. The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 are
Connectivity, Sustainable Production, and Engineered Wood – and are specifically designed to engage stakeholders across the woodworking community, including industry, trade, and forestry.
“LIGNA is currently almost at the same
level as the previous event,” said Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of the executive board, Deutsche Messe AG, speaking at the media Preview event. “In view of the economic conditions, we
are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA,” he said. “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,” continued Dr Köckler. Deutsche Messe said industry experts and market observers believe that the woodworking and wood processing industry – under pressure in recent months, particularly in Europe – could see a recovery in the second half of the year. However, ongoing economic challenges are fuelling uncertainty and eroding business confidence. Unclear political developments and their economic impact have also led to delays in crucial investment decisions. European woodworking machinery production was worth €3.6bn in 2024, a 15% reduction from the €4.2bn recorded in 2023, with 2025 expected to be similar to last year. Germany is a key exporter of woodworking machinery. Its exports were 11.6% down in 2024, with the US, China and France being the top three export destinations. The UK was the eighth biggest market for German machinery makers, at just under €100m. Markus Hüllmann, chairman of Germany’s
Woodworking Machinery Association (VDMA), reported demand from the wood industries, with many projects in the pipeline but delays in clients giving the final go- ahead.
He said product diversification, hiring of
Above: Group shot of the organisers and guest speakers at the LIGNA Media Preview, celebrating the 50th edition PHOTO: DEUTSCHE MESSE
www.wbpionline.com | April/May 2025 | WBPI
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