LIGNA, the woodworking and wood processing trade fair, has unveiled Woodbound Future as the guiding theme for its 2027 edition, scheduled for 10 to 14 May in Hannover, Germany.
The organisers say the theme brings together technological development, industrial value creation and responsible resource use.
The fair will run through all seven exhibition areas, as well as the outdoor exhibition area featuring LIGNA.Builds and LIGNA.TruckStop.
Its scope follows the wood value chain from raw material sourcing through industrial processing to new materials and applications. Energy production from wood is also included.
The technologies and practices covered range from digitally connected production, automation and AI to resource-efficient manufacturing and circular economy approaches.
The theme also takes in innovative materials and reduced CO₂ emissions.
LIGNA Deutsche Messe global director Stephanie Wagner said: “The term ‘wood’ extends beyond the material itself. It is the starting point for industrial value creation, the foundation for new material solutions, and a driver of technological advancement.
“With WOODBOUND FUTURE, we highlight how closely the industry’s future is linked to the intelligent processing and responsible use of wood.”
LIGNA is jointly organised by Deutsche Messe and the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association. The fair has been held every two years since 1975, in odd-numbered years, at the Hannover exhibition grounds.
Its exhibition range serves both primary and secondary wood industries. It includes tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, alongside surface technology, wood-based panel production and sawmill technology.
Machine components, automation technology, forestry equipment and energy from wood also form part of the fair’s scope.
Wagner said LIGNA brings the woodworking community together every two years. “WOODBOUND FUTURE brings these developments together under a shared vision.”
