In these difficult times, LIGNA 2025 can already boast a record number of registrations: 1,337 exhibitors from all over the world have confirmed their participation, with around two thirds of the exhibiting companies coming from abroad. This means that the number of exhibitors has increased slightly compared to the previous event in 2023 (1,288 exhibitors), while the amount of exhibition space occupied (112,772 square meters) is slightly less than at the previous event. There are currently no official forecasts for the expected visitor numbers, but LIGNA 2023 attracted around 80,000 visitors.
LIGNA 2025 will take place in ten exhibition halls and the outdoor area. Halls 16 and 17, where modern surface technologies will be presented, are particularly noteworthy.
Increased focus on water-based coatings
Water-based lacquer systems are currently gaining massively in importance in the wood and furniture industry. Exhibitors such as Venjakob and Wagner will therefore be presenting new system concepts that are optimized for processing water-based coatings - from new spray applications to highly flexible flooding systems. The focus here is not only on reducing VOC emissions, but of course also on process stability and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, solvent-based systems remain important - not least for special applications or demanding substrates. In this regard, LIGNA 2025 will focus on further developments that offer improved drying properties and significantly reduced solvent content.
Radiation curing - a path to energy efficiency and productivity
At the same time, the industry is increasingly focusing on energy-efficient curing processes. The latest UV and excimer technologies, as presented by IST METZ and Excelitas in Hanover, enable further process improvements in terms of efficiency, structuring and productivity. UV LED systems are becoming increasingly powerful and significantly reduce energy requirements. They also ensure a significantly reduced temperature load on the substrate, which can bring enormous benefits, especially in wood coating. In issue 5/2025 of the surface technology magazine, you can read how a company switched to profitable in-house coating of wooden doors with high design requirements using a modern coating line from Venjakob. In this issue, we also report on the UV LED curing technology developed by Excelitas, which has developed from a niche product to a highly effective alternative to traditional UV curing.
Digitalization and automation remain a clear trend
Another clear trend at LIGNA 2025 is the digitalization and automation of painting and application processes. Companies such as Dürr, Venjakob and Bürkle will be presenting intelligent application systems that optimize themselves, color management systems that significantly reduce paint consumption and color change times, as well as complete digital production monitoring solutions. These technologies aim to further increase efficiency, minimize waste and increase production reliability.
The industry is not standing still when it comes to application technology itself: Wagner and Graco will be presenting new generations of spray guns that ensure even more precise, consistent application. The focus is particularly on systems that significantly reduce overspray, reduce material consumption by up to 20% and can process both water-based and solvent-based paints. Retrofit solutions are also increasingly attracting the attention of operators, as this makes it possible to bring existing painting systems up to the latest state of the art at a manageable cost.
However, the demands on surfaces are not only increasing technically, but also aesthetically. In addition to perfect high-gloss or matt finishes, haptic effects such as soft-touch or textured surfaces are in demand today. Scratch-resistant, abrasion-resistant lacquers and surfaces with an antimicrobial effect - especially in the contract sector - are becoming increasingly popular and offer manufacturers the opportunity to market functional added value in a targeted manner.
What all trends have in common is that surfaces are becoming more of a driver of innovation in the wood and furniture industry than ever before. Companies that want to be successful on the market in the future will not only have to make their processes more efficient, sustainable and flexible. They must also offer surfaces that combine design, function and environmental friendliness - and consistently utilize the advantages of modern technologies. LIGNA 2025 will therefore undoubtedly become an important showcase for the industry.