From May 20-23, Cologne will once again host the global furniture supplier and interior design industry. More than 1,600 exhibitors from over 55 countries will be presenting their innovations and future-focused solutions at interzum, the sector’s leading international trade fair.
This year’s central theme, Rethinking Resources: Circular and Bio-based Solutions, is at the heart of the event, generating fresh momentum for the sustainable transformation of the furniture production and interior design business along the entire value chain.
By embracing this overarching theme, interzum is focusing on important questions that are key to the future of the industry: How can resources be used more efficiently? What role can bio-based materials play in industrial-scale manufacturing? And how can circular concepts become the norm? Answers will be offered by the exhibitors’ product presentations as well as by the comprehensive event programme, packed with special exhibits, lectures and forums. The great international diversity among the exhibitors echoes the global relevance of the topics that will be discussed and driven forward in Cologne.
“This year more than ever, interzum will be a venue for dialogue, ideas and transformation. We’re looking forward to welcoming the international furniture supplier industry to Cologne – with the shared goal of promoting the use of sustainable materials, circular processes and innovative technologies. This transition towards an industry that’s responsible and fit for the future is exactly what interzum, as the leading international trade fair, is all about,” says interzum Director Maik Fischer.
Three exhibition segments for easy orientation
Visitors can look forward to exploring a wide range of innovations along the entire value chain. To make navigating the trade fair straightforward and promote targeted professional-level dialogue, the trade fair is divided into three clearly defined themed segments:
Function & Components showcases solutions designed to meet increased customer expectations in terms of energy efficiency, comfort and technology. Fittings, lighting systems and semi-finished products for furniture and furniture components will be among the items exhibited.
Materials & Nature presents sustainable resources and innovative materials, including wood, veneers, parquet flooring, decorative surfaces, decorative paper, wood-based materials and laminates, edging and surface treatments.
Textile & Machinery focuses on high-quality textiles and state-of-the-art processing technologies. The segment includes machinery for upholstery and mattress manufacture, upholstery materials, cover fabrics, leather and adhesives.
One stage, double the inspiration
interzum 2025’s wide-ranging event program opens up space for dialogue, knowledge sharing and inspiration – helping to make the trade fair much more than just a product showcase.
A standout feature of the event is the stage on the Boulevard North, which offers double the inspiration by hosting two distinct formats. Curated in collaboration with TRENDFILTER, Haute Innovation and the Vincentz Network, the interzum Trend Stage will serve as the primary platform for knowledge sharing at the trade fair. Renowned international experts will provide in-depth insights into current market trends, developments and issues expected to shape the future of furniture, materials and interior design. A number of the presentations have been accredited by the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Architects as continuing professional development activities, offering attendees the chance to earn up to 10 CPD credits.
The interzum Product Stage will also see companies showcase their newest products and forward-looking strategies. Short, focused presentations will bring brands, products and innovations to life.
Special events showcasing industry trends
The three special events at interzum 2025 will also serve as crucial catalysts for the industry. Titled “Biocircular Materials,” the interzum Materials & Nature Trend Forum will present material solutions designed to reduce CO2 emissions and facilitate closed product cycles. The interzum Function & Components Trend Forum, themed “Rethink Furniture – Less, but Better,” will show how smart technologies and innovative designs are giving rise to new furniture concepts that combine durability with resource conservation. The interzum Textile & Machinery Trend Forum is focused on the “Digital Product Passport: Pathway to Circularity” and will shine a light on a key tool developed to enhance transparency and allow materials to be traced through the supply chain, thereby paving the way for a circular economy.
In addition, a one-of-a-kind event space is set to debut at interzum, with #ILoveMyinterzum promising visitors fun interactive experiences.
interzum award with a brand-new category
Another highlight of this year’s event is the interzum award – an internationally renowned accolade that honours exceptional innovation in products, materials and production processes. At the 2025 edition of the trade fair, an expert jury will select the most outstanding solutions from a total of 146 entries submitted by 80 exhibitors from 23 countries. Awards in the new “Rethinking Resources” category will also be presented for the first time. The winning entries will be featured in a special exhibition on Boulevard North.
