Ligna 2025, the world's leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry, is once again setting new standards - also in the field of surface technology. From May 26 to 30, 2025, Hanover will be the hotspot for technology providers, processors and decision-makers who want to find out about the latest trends and developments in surface finishing. The focus will be on digital process integration, resource efficiency, sustainability and the highest quality standards.
Ligna 2025 Trends and focal points in surface technology
Surface technology has developed rapidly in recent years: Automation, sustainability and energy efficiency are shaping the picture. Ligna 2025 clearly shows that the classic paint shop is now part of a highly networked, data-driven production system. AI-supported control systems, robot-assisted application technology and innovative UV or excimer systems are opening up new possibilities for quality and productivity.
Another trend is towards sustainable solutions. Manufacturers will be presenting resource-saving processes, such as the use of solvent-free or bio-based paints, as well as recovery systems for excess paint and solvents. Modular system concepts that react quickly to changing batch sizes are also gaining in importance. There is also a noticeable trend towards excimer technology, which is used to create extremely matt, resistant surfaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
Surface technology innovations at Ligna 2025
Various manufacturers from the surface technology sector will be showcasing innovative highlights at Ligna 2025. Venjakob will be presenting the latest developments in automated surface coating and process optimization at its Ligna stand (hall 16, stand C22). The manufacturer's focus is on sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. The newly presented entry-level system Ven Spray One enables a simple and cost-efficient changeover to automated coating. Another Venjakob highlight is the new Ven Spray Advanced spray coating system. It offers maximum flexibility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Venjakob also uses innovative add-ons such as "Opti-feed", "Opti-track" and the "CMS Zero" colour management system to further optimize production.
Bürkle will also be presenting its new generation of all-electric roller coating machines. The focus at the Bürkle stand (Hall 17, Stand F19) will be on automation, sustainability, digitalization and energy-efficient system technology. Thanks to innovative drive technology and sensor detection, the new generation of machines enables consistently precise material application with reduced energy and maintenance requirements. Pneumatic elements have been completely dispensed with in favor of sustainability and energy efficiency.
More sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly surface technology
Dr. Hönle will be presenting UV and LED UV curing systems at its Ligna stand (Hall 17, Stand A41). These include tailor-made drying solutions for the surface treatment of wood, fiber and plastic panels, such as modular drying systems for laminate flooring and decorative panels. In addition to coating real wood, Hönle's UV and LED-UV drying systems are also used in the production of surfaces with a wood look and feel. This is made possible by a complex production process with numerous individual steps in several layers. IST Metz will be presenting the latest developments in UV and excimer curing at Ligna (Hall 17, Stand B57). These include the new UV curing system Freecure, which uses UV direct crosslinking without photoinitiators and without chemical additives. The company thus offers a more environmentally friendly industrial curing system that reduces emissions and lowers energy consumption by shortening curing times.
During Ligna 2025 (Hall 17, Stand G28), the paint manufacturer Adler will be showcasing innovative surface coatings for the wood industry. These include the Adler NXT lacquer technology for deep matt surfaces that are resistant to scratches, polishing and fingerprints. The new paint technology enables robust surfaces that were previously only possible with excimer technology. At Ligna (Hall 26, Stand F78/1), Dürr Systems will be showcasing environmental technology such as efficient systems for exhaust air purification and for increasing the energy efficiency of production processes. These include the Cyplan ORC technology for generating electricity from decentralized heat sources.
These innovations clearly show how strongly surface technology is progressing towards sustainability, digitalization and energy-efficient processes. Ligna 2025 offers an ideal platform for experiencing pioneering technologies live in combination with practical applications.
Automation and digitalization as a key topic at Ligna
A key topic at Ligna 2025 is not only the automation of production processes, but also end-to-end digitalization. Many exhibitors are focusing on cloud-based platforms for process monitoring, remote maintenance and quality assurance. Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance enable higher plant utilization and less downtime. Open interfaces make it easier to integrate surface technology systems into higher-level MES or ERP structures.
Ligna 2025 impressively demonstrates how dynamic and innovative surface technology is in the wood industry. In the area of conflict between automation, efficiency and sustainability, the new solutions provide answers to current industry challenges. For users, this means more flexibility, better quality and lower costs - a perfect surface is no longer just an aesthetic feature, but a functional competitive advantage. (OM-5/25)