New Format: LIGNA.Circular
LIGNA 2025 will be enriched by LIGNA.Circular. In Hall 12, this new format will be dedicated to circular transformation in the woodworking and wood processing industry. Under the motto ‘Thinking in Circles’, the focus will be on sustainable practices and circularity.
Thinking in Circles
‘Thinking in circles’ is the motto of the new LIGNA.Circular format.
The LIGNA.Stage will focus on various aspects of circular value creation. CADEMI, the LIGNA.Circular partner, will be highlighting sustainable innovations in processes, materials and products in presentations and panel discussions.
The keywords ‘cooperation’, ‘servitisation’ and ‘transformation’ will be used to discuss
necessary adjustments in the future cooperation of all stakeholders and the transformation of business models.
Concrete approaches and best case studies, for example on machines and processes, raw materials and materials, product design and recycling, will be explored in depth on six themed islands around the LIGNA.stage.
Visit us in Hall 12, A 15.
LIGNA.Circular at LIGNA.Stage
Thematic Areas
Unlocking the Potential of Mechanical Engineering through the Circular Economy
The transition to a circular economy presents immense opportunities, particularly for the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Key principles of the circular economy—such as high product quality, service-oriented solutions, and long product lifespans—are already integral to the industry, making the shift more seamless.
Additionally, the sector stands to benefit from numerous opportunities for technical innovation, the expansion of new business areas, and deeper integration with digitalization.
Moreover, mechanical and plant engineering plays a crucial role in driving transformation across other industries by providing essential technologies, reinforcing its position as a key enabler of sustainable change.
Our participating member companies:
As part of the LIGNA.Circular format, the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) presents the compelling topic of “Material Flows of Wood.” This session will explore current developments in wood production and utilization, covering aspects such as sustainable resource management, the diverse opportunities within the wood-based bioeconomy, and key concepts like cascade use and the circular economy. FNR offers in-depth insights into the many applications of this valuable renewable raw material, along with the latest research advancements.
Sustainability has been the core focus of Fraunhofer WKI since its founding in 1946. Its founder and namesake, Dr. Wilhelm Klauditz, is considered a pioneer in the modern wood-based materials industry. Today, Fraunhofer WKI utilizes the full spectrum of renewable raw materials to develop sustainable materials, components, and chemical products.
Fraunhofer WKI is actively involved in five of the six research projects funded under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative, “Recycling-Friendly Use of Wood.” These projects aim to develop cross-sector solutions for resource-efficient wood utilization, the circular economy, and climate protection. Researchers at Fraunhofer WKI prioritize maximum recyclability from the outset when developing new materials. They also design customized recycling processes for existing wood-based or plant-based products, including wooden components, waste wood, and balsa wood from wind turbine rotor blades.
The overarching goal of Fraunhofer WKI’s work is to enable multiple reuse cycles of raw and base materials (cascade use), thereby reducing the demand for new resources.
The Institute of Building Construction and Timber Engineering at TU Braunschweig (iBHolz) is leading and coordinating two research projects focused on developing cross-sector solutions for resource-efficient timber use and the circular economy.
Timber panel construction is a highly resource-efficient and technically advanced building method, making it the most common form of timber construction. However, the material composition—often a mix of metallic, organic, and mineral components—makes it difficult to separate and recycle individual materials. Researchers, in collaboration with four industry partners, aim to change this. By the end of 2026, they plan to develop wooden panels that are significantly easier to recycle by material type. The recovered raw materials from the recycling process can then be repurposed as feedstock for new products.
In the second project, researchers are working with industrial partners to explore how waste wood can be processed for reuse in component production. A key challenge is that waste wood is often contaminated with harmful substances, such as wood preservatives or coatings. To enable safe reuse, the wood must first be cleaned to meet the safety requirements of the Waste Wood Ordinance. The team aims to develop methods for detecting and removing metallic foreign objects (e.g., nails and screws) and wood preservatives from waste wood. The goal is to establish classification guidelines for the safe reuse of timber and create a comprehensive reuse framework in the form of a structured process plan.
Circular value creation is becoming an increasingly important focus for the future of the German furniture industry. In collaboration with their partners, the associations of the German furniture industry are supporting their member companies in transitioning to a circular economy. At LIGNA.Circular, they will present two key projects driving this transformation:
“Furniture - Material Re:Turn” Pilot Project
In Germany, newly produced furniture worth approximately €20 billion is sold to private households each year. However, most old furniture is discarded through bulky waste collection services, where mixed materials are primarily incinerated for energy recovery. As a result, valuable waste wood components are lost from the material cycle. The furniture industry is actively seeking solutions to close this loop.
The pilot project, set to launch in North Rhine-Westphalia, aims to establish an innovative take-back system for used furniture, with an initial focus on kitchen furniture. Service providers will dismantle old kitchens, enabling either refurbishment and reuse or material recycling, where raw materials are reintegrated into the production of new kitchens.
FURNITURE-X Initiative: Advancing the Digital Product Passport
Launched in early 2024, the FURNITURE-X initiative is working toward the practical and comprehensive implementation of the Digital Product Passport in the furniture and home furnishings industry. In alignment with the new European Ecodesign Regulation, this digital dataset will provide detailed information on each furniture item, including components, materials, reparability, spare parts availability, and proper disposal.
Because the necessary data spans all phases of a product's life cycle, implementing the Digital Product Passport presents a complex challenge. Nevertheless, the initiative aims to create a standardized, industry-wide approach that enhances transparency, sustainability, and resource efficiency.
A cooperative of around 350 shareholders united to achieve more—across building materials, wood, and tile trade, the DIY sector, and online retail. With over 1,500 locations in six European countries, hagebau is a market leader in the industry.
hagebau Specialist Retail: Expertise for Professionals
For partners in the building materials, wood, and tile trade, hagebau provides extensive sales support through specialized systems. As trusted experts, hagebau specialist retailers benefit from a tailored portfolio of products, services, and marketing tools designed to meet the needs of professional tradespeople.
Commitment to Sustainable Wood Trade
hagebau Holzhandel prioritizes sustainable products, future-oriented strategies, and clear communication of wood’s added value as a building material. We believe that advancing sustainability in construction requires a collaborative effort between industry, trade, craftsmen, and clients. Our specialized trade systems for carpenters, joiners, and timber construction professionals are ready to lead the way.
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