{"id":1974,"date":"2026-10-08T13:15:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T13:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/panelanddesign.com\/?p=1974"},"modified":"2026-10-08T13:15:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T13:15:16","slug":"interforst-2026-a-week-to-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/panelanddesign.com\/?p=1974","title":{"rendered":"INTERFORST 2026: a week to go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Munich prepares to become the meeting point for forestry, forest technology and the evolving wood value chain as INTERFORST 2026 opens from October 15\u201318.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The future of forestry is no longer shaped by machinery alone. It is being defined by data, automation, climate resilience, skilled people and smarter ways of managing one of the world\u2019s most important renewable resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These themes will take centre stage at INTERFORST 2026<\/strong>, taking place from October 15 to 18 at the Trade Fair Center Messe M\u00fcnchen in Munich, Germany. The international key trade fair for forestry and forest technology will bring together companies, practitioners, researchers, policymakers and technology providers around the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With around 400 exhibitors<\/strong> and an international exhibitor share of 41 percent<\/strong>, the 2026 edition is set to be larger and more internationally diverse than the previous edition. Exhibitors from across Europe and beyond will present solutions spanning the forestry value chain, from forest management and harvesting to timber logistics, wood energy, machinery, components and digital systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exhibition Director Petra Hess is optimistic about the upcoming trade fair: \u201cThe positive trend in exhibitor numbers and international participation shows that INTERFORST is coming at just the right time for the industry. The forestry industry and forestry technology face major challenges\u2014which makes it all the more important to have a platform where solutions, innovations, and practical experience come together and provide a focus for shaping the future of the industry together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four themes shaping the conversation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTERFORST 2026 is built around four central themes: Healthy Future Forests, People in Focus, Forest Technology on New Paths, and Digitalization of Forest & Wood<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, they reflect a sector navigating multiple pressures at once\u2014climate change, forest health, labour shortages, economic uncertainty and the demand for more efficient and sustainable resource use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea of the healthy forest of the future goes beyond conservation. INTERFORST will explore how active and responsible forest management can balance ecological, economic and social objectives while maintaining wood as a valuable renewable resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, technology is opening new possibilities for forestry operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From machines to intelligent systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the strongest stories emerging from INTERFORST 2026 is the transition towards increasingly connected and automated forestry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital technologies are finding applications across the entire forestry chain\u2014from forest monitoring and protection to harvesting, logistics and timber processing. Sensors, drones, artificial intelligence, digital twins and connected machinery are helping operators collect and use information more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exhibition will also examine the development of semi-autonomous and autonomous machinery and robotics, illustrating how digitalisation is becoming an enabler for a new generation of forestry equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A significant new addition this year is SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS Forestry by DLG<\/strong> in Hall B6. The dedicated B2B area will focus on components, systems and supplier technologies for modern forestry machinery, bringing OEM engineers, designers, developers and procurement professionals closer to the technologies behind next-generation equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology comes to life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTERFORST 2026 is also putting greater emphasis on seeing technology in action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the first time, exhibitors will have dedicated demonstration areas where machines, equipment and processes can be presented under practical conditions. Three new action areas will demonstrate different stages of modern forestry operations, including timber transport, firewood processing and digitally supported timber harvesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This practical approach is particularly relevant for an industry where performance cannot always be understood from a machine specification alone. Seeing equipment operate, interact and perform in realistic working environments offers visitors a much clearer picture of how technology can improve productivity, safety and resource efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme will also feature STIHL TIMBERSPORTS\u00ae<\/strong>, vocational competitions and other live demonstrations, adding a strong human and skills dimension to the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The digital forest takes shape<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digitalisation will be one of the defining conversations in Munich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concept of Forest 4.0<\/strong> points towards a more connected forestry ecosystem in which information flows between forests, machines, operators and logistics systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the technologies highlighted by INTERFORST are AI-supported damage detection, remote sensing, connected machinery, digital timber logistics and digital systems for proving origin and sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the industry also faces practical barriers. Connectivity, data quality, incompatible systems, investment costs and the need for appropriate skills remain challenges. INTERFORST therefore provides an important forum not just for presenting digital technologies, but for discussing how they can actually work in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From forest to wood value chain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the wider woodworking, panels and interiors industry, developments at INTERFORST deserve attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forest sits at the beginning of the wood value chain. Changes in forest management, harvesting technology, timber logistics and resource utilisation ultimately influence the availability, quality and sustainability of wood products further down the chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTERFORST’s growing focus on digitalisation, efficient resource use and wood energy therefore connects directly with broader discussions taking place across the woodworking and wood-based panels industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event’s focus on responsible timber use and cascade utilisation also underlines the importance of keeping wood resources in productive use for as long as possible before considering energy recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A meeting point for the industry’s next chapter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its machinery and technology displays, INTERFORST 2026 is designed as a meeting place for business, science and policymaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conference and forum programme will address subjects ranging from climate-stable future forests and sustainable workforce management to artificial intelligence, forest technology and the future of digital forestry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event arrives at a significant moment. Forestry is being asked to deliver more\u2014from climate resilience and biodiversity to renewable raw materials and economic value\u2014while working with limited resources and a changing workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTERFORST 2026 will offer a close-up view of how the industry is responding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From powerful machines working outdoors to algorithms analysing forest data, the event will demonstrate that the future of forestry is being built at the intersection of nature, technology and human expertise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For anyone involved in forestry, timber, wood processing or the wider wood value chain, Munich is set to become an important place to understand where the industry is heading next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTERFORST 2026<\/strong>
October 15\u201318, 2026<\/strong>
Trade Fair Center Messe M\u00fcnchen, Munich, Germany<\/strong>
Theme:<\/strong> Shaping the forest together. Utilize diversity. Secure the future.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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