Over its five-day run from 15-19 May, LIGNA 2023 featured a plethora of innovations and technologies from 1,300 wood and woodworking companies that hailed from 50 different countries, and gathered around 80,000 visitors from 160 countries.
The focus was on the two mega trends of sustainability and digitalisation, and visitors could inform themselves about smart machines and resource-saving production processes.
According to Deutsche Messe, the organiser of LIGNA, exhibitors and visitors alike were “thrilled” to finally be able to assemble again in person after a four-year hiatus.
“LIGNA 2023 exceeded the high expectations of both our exhibiting companies and our visitors, demonstrating that the machinery, equipment and solutions presented at the show are paving the way for a sustainable and digitised wood, furniture and construction industry,” said Dr Jochen Köckler, Managing Board Chairman of the Deutsche Messe group of companies.
An impressive 60% of visitors came from abroad. LIGNA has further strengthened its position as the world’s leading woodworking tradeshow.”
Dr Bernhard Dirr, managing director of German trade association VDMA Woodworking Machinery, further commented: “LIGNA 2023 was not only a platform for presenting new technologies, but also a venue for knowledge transfer and networking.
“The show demonstrated that the woodworking and wood processing industry offers its customers the necessary technologies for competitive, and at the same time, sustainable production.
“In view of the uncertain situation currently confronting the woodworking and wood processing industry, the success of LIGNA 2023 speaks volumes for its status as a source of momentum. Not only is it a driver for the industry in good times, but above all, it delivers solutions for the challenges ahead.”
Smart, connected machines, systems and processes that make costs and production more efficient were particularly popular with the community. There was also strong demand for automation and process-optimising solutions to cushion the impact of the shortage of skilled workers.
Another theme of the show consisted of the importance of wood as a renewable resource and its role in the overall decarbonisation process. In the wake of this, timber construction is becoming increasingly important and opening up new market opportunities for mechanical engineering.
As such, a few exhibitors at LIGNA 2023 presented solutions that optimise the process steps involved in timber construction. Not only does this save on costs, but the use of this raw material can also be designed to be as resource-friendly as possible.
The flooring sector and the furniture industry are also increasingly turning to wood as their preferred raw material, as sustainability is becoming increasingly important to end consumers. For example, innovative adhesives based on renewable raw materials also help to reduce CO2 emissions.
At the LIGNA.Stage in Hall 12, around 90 speakers presented the latest market developments and trends. The shortage of skilled workers and issues of recruiting were also addressed in a dedicated area promoting networking between skilled workers and potential future employers.
Köckler declared: “LIGNA 2023 has once again demonstrated that it is an indispensable platform for the woodworking industry. The show not only promoted the exchange of knowledge and experience, but also set the course for future-proof and sustainable woodworking and wood processing.”
The next run of LIGNA will be from 26-30 May 2025.
