Surfacing: Interzum 2025 | 37
consistently outstanding, with discussions between professionals taking place at the highest level. “Cologne has again earned its reputation as an excellent venue for international interior design and furniture trade fairs. By working together with a committed sector, we’re staging events with global appeal here in the city.” Interzum 2025 gathered the international
who’s who of the suppliers to the furniture and interior design industry in Cologne. Visitors from all of the important sales markets came together to discuss the latest developments, forge strategic partnerships and find practical solutions to current challenges. The leading countries in terms of visitor numbers included Italy, China, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands. The event’s international focus was also evident among the exhibitors, reflecting the global relevance of the topics discussed and driven forward in Cologne. Included among the wood-based panels
exhibitors were Unilin, Pyrus Panels, AGT, Altripan, Egger, Koskisen, Lamitex, Lombardo, Maderas Beniganim, Merino Industries, Kastamonu, Greenlam Industries, PAGED Plywood, Praveedh Décor, Rushil Decor, Samrat Plywood, Starwood, Saviola, Camsan, Swiss Krono and Finsa, while surfacing specialists included Interprint, Schattdecor and Surteco.
SHOW THEMES
The guiding theme of “Rethinking Resources: Circular and Bio-based Solutions” wove its way through the exhibition halls. From foams made from recycled waste to recovered fibres from MDF and HDF boards to resource-efficient zinc recycling systems, sustainability was the dominant theme at many exhibitors’ stands.
With its three exhibition segments –
Function & Components, Materials & Nature and Textile & Machinery – the trade fair offered a comprehensive overview of the market.
In addition to informing the exhibitors’ product presentations, Interzum 2025’s central theme was also reflected in the diverse event programme. The three Interzum Trend Forums took deep dives into key issues affecting the future of the industry – from biocircular materials and resource-efficient furniture design to the Digital Product Passport as the key to a circular economy. The Interzum Trend Stage once again
served as the trade fair’s knowledge hub. Renowned experts gave first-class presentations, in which they shared detailed insights into international industry trends, provided in-depth market analyses and discussed the current regulatory environment.
Above: Schattdecor, Materials & Nature, Hall 6
The Interzum Product Stage augmented the programme with actionable tips relating to new products, best practices and forward-looking strategies from the exhibitors – directly from the source. What all of these presentations made clear was that the industry isn’t simply watching the transition from the sidelines but actively driving progress. The Interzum Award 2025 was a particular highlight of the trade fair. This year it had a strong link to the central theme with the introduction of a special “Rethinking Resources” category alongside the three standard categories. From a total of 146 entries submitted by
80 companies from 23 countries, the jury of experts selected 66 exceptionally forward- looking innovations – including 12 entries that were awarded the highest distinction: “Best of the Best”. The award-winning products were
displayed in an exhibition on Boulevard North and attracted a great deal of interest from trade fair visitors. Creating face-to-face interactions, dialogue and community was a key target
with the #ILoveMyinterzum feature. With #ILoveMyinterzum – an interactive experience area at the trade fair with a daily happy hour event – this year’s Interzum actively encouraged in-person discussions and closer networking within the industry. The format created new conversation spaces within a laid-back atmosphere, strengthening international community building in the long term.
Matthias Pollmann, Koelnmesse’s vice- president Trade Fair Management, was clearly satisfied in his exhibition concluding remarks. “Interzum 2025 has demonstrated the strength of this industry’s will to innovate – and the strength of its desire for sustainable change,” he said. “We’re already looking ahead to the
next event, when we intend to keep on supporting this process of transformation and stimulating new ideas. Our aim is to continue to offer the industry a platform where global trends are not only discussed, but actively shaped.” The next edition of Interzum will take place in Cologne from May 11-14, 2027. ●
Above left: Finsa, Function & Components, Hall 5 Above right: Merino, Materials & Nature, Hall 6
www.wbpionline.com | June/July 2025 | WBPI
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