Page 38 - FDMAsia MayJun 2025

36 TECHNOLOGY MAY/JUN 2025 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

LIGNA CELEBRATES

50 YEARS OF

INNOVATION

exhibitors’ strong commitment to their leading trade fair cannot
be overstated,” Wagner adds.
This year’s spotlight is on digitalised and fully connected
or five decades, LIGNA—one of the world’s leading manufacturing processes, the application of artificial intelligence,
trade fairs for the woodworking and wood processing and how high-tech machinery is revolutionising both skilled

Findustry, held in Hanover, Germany—has been a driving trades and industrial production.
force in the sector. Innovations in sawmill technology and state-of-the-art
It offers a unique overview of the entire value chain, from solutions for efficient forestry management are showcased
forest management to high-tech wood products. under the keyword of ‘Smart Forestry’. Particular emphasis
From May 26-30, 2025, the show celebrates its 50th is placed on technologies that conserve resources, automate
anniversary, having been spun off from HANNOVER MESSE processes, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
in 1975 at the height of the oil crisis. Organisers Deutsche Messe and the VDMA Woodworking

Since then, exhibitors at LIGNA have showcased the Machinery Association have structured the show’s central
economic importance of the wood industry every two years: themes around three focus topics: Connectivity, Sustainable
a global, multi-billion-euro market with a high export share Production, and Engineered Wood. These encompass full
that plays a key role in sustainable construction and the digital integration, the advancement of a sustainable circular
bioeconomy. economy, and the development of innovative wood-based
Amid global industry challenges such as sustainability and materials.
resource availability, digitalisation and automation, supply chain “Every two years, the global woodworking industry gathers
disruptions, and increasing competitive pressure, a total of 1,433 in Hanover for LIGNA. It's all about the future of the wood
exhibitors from 49 countries present pioneering technologies industry and cutting-edge high technology,” Stephanie Wagner

and solutions for an industry in transition. said. “With trade visitors from over 100 countries, LIGNA is
Taking place in ten exhibition halls, two pavilions, and on one of the most international trade fairs in the sector. It brings
the open-air site, LIGNA 2025 covers an area of 113,923 sqm. together decision-makers, developers, distributors, and craft
“The fact that LIGNA, in its anniversary year, has surpassed businesses from across the entire value chain—from forestry
the previous edition’s exhibitor numbers and is approaching and mechanical engineering to skilled trades.”
the same level in terms of exhibition space is by no means a She added that “for our exhibitors, LIGNA is far more
given,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche than just a trade fair—it is the world’s leading industry

Messe AG. “The woodworking and wood processing industry event, combining innovation, market presence, and business
has been facing an economic downturn for months. The success. It is the premier platform where they showcase their