interzum 2025 adopts “Rethinking Resources: Circular and Biobased Solutions” as its new central theme

The circular economy and biobased solutions as sustainable sources of resources for furniture production and interior design are set to be the focus of interzum 2025. With this new central theme, the sector’s leading international trade fair will continue to provide clear momentum for the sustainable stewardship of raw materials at next year’s event. Many different aspects of the industry-relevant central theme will be presented on the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds from 20 to 23 May 2025 and brought to life in showcases for participants to experience. The theme will be discussed as part of the diverse event programme and addressed by numerous innovative products and concepts presented by exhibitors.

In 2025, the organisers plan to expand on and develop the concept of “Neo-Ecology”, which was the central theme for the 2023 edition of interzum. “With ‘Rethinking Resources: Circular and Biobased Solutions’ as its central theme, interzum will address one of neo-ecology’s key pillars,” explains Maik Fischer, the Director of interzum. “By bringing together the two approaches – the circular economy and biobased materials – the world’s leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design will advance the development of product innovations that are both long-lasting and produced from sustainable sources.”

Focus on the sustainable use of resources

With its new central theme, the trade fair will highlight two fundamental concepts in the stewardship of resources. Transitioning to a circular economy means keeping materials and products in the economic cycle for as long as possible by extending the duration of their use through reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling. By contrast, biobased solutions use materials produced from regrowing sources, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based products. Both approaches aim to minimise a product’s ecological footprint and promote sustainability.

Large sections of the interzum event programme will pick up on the new central theme. Both speakers on the interzum Trend Stage and the discussions in the three interzum forums will discuss and present ideas, studies and market-ready solutions. The exhibiting companies will also showcase a large number of products and pioneering ideas that work with biobased materials and promote the circular economy. To further underscore the central theme, the organisers are once again giving interested exhibitors a second opportunity to present their concepts: The Boulevard North will be transformed into the Rethinking Resources Boulevard and filled with inspiring solutions for sustainable furniture production.

The interzum exhibition segments

For the 2025 edition of interzum, the exhibition will once again be divided into three proven segments:

Function & Components: In this segment, the industry will present technologies that meet customers’ rising requirements, in particular in terms of energy efficiency, comfort and convenience. It will include fittings, lighting systems and semi-finished products for furniture and built-in parts.

Materials & Nature: This segment will showcase sustainable materials, with a special focus on environmentally sound raw materials. It will feature woods, veneers, parquet flooring, decorative surfaces, decor papers, wood-based materials, laminates, edging products and surface treatments, among other products.

Textile & Machinery: In this segment, quality leaders and drivers of innovation from various stages of the value chain will present innovative ideas and high-quality materials. The showcase will cover machinery for upholstery and mattress production, upholstery and cover fabrics, leathers and adhesives.

With these three segments, the trade fair is staying true to its established structure. The three-part division fosters exchanges of ideas between players at all stages along the sector’s value chains. The structure also provides clear orientation for both the event’s exhibitors and its audience of trade visitors.

Even at this early stage, the level of registrations is impressive, with many notable names among the exhibitors. This is yet another indication of interzum’s importance as a global sector gathering and source of fresh impetus for the industry.