With almost 60,000 trade visitors from 157 countries and more than 1,600 exhibitors representing 57 nations, interzum 2025 once again proved itself as the world’s premier stage for innovation in furniture production and interior design. For four vibrant days, Cologne transformed was at the epicentre of an industry in motion — where ideas converged, partnerships formed, and a bold vision for the future took shape.
At the core of the fair was its timely and resonant theme: “Rethinking Resources: Circular and Bio-based Solutions.” The industry certainly responded to this call to action, demonstrating its determination to play an active role in shaping its journey into a resource-efficient, sustainable future.
“interzum 2025 has once again provided compelling proof that it is the leading platform for the design of future living spaces,” comments Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.
“The feedback from discussions with our exhibitors confirms that the quality of the visitor profile at the trade fair was consistently outstanding, with discussions between professionals taking place at the highest level.
“Cologne has again earned its reputation as an excellent venue for international interior design and furniture trade fairs. By working together with a committed sector, we’re staging events with global appeal here in the city.”
A global community with a common purpose
interzum 2025 drew the global elite of the supply chain for furniture and interiors to Cologne. From Italy to China, Spain to the Netherlands, top decision-makers from key markets came together to explore the latest developments, forge strategic alliances, and tackle industry challenges head-on. The event’s international focus was also evident among the exhibitors, reflecting the global relevance of the topics discussed and driven forward in Cologne.
Sustainability in focus
The framing theme – “Rethinking Resources” – was woven seamlessly through the exhibition halls. It wasn’t just a topic of discussion, but a lens through which products were designed and presented. Attendees encountered foams crafted from recycled waste, recovered wood fibres from MDF and HDF boards, and efficient zinc recycling systems. Sustainability wasn’t as much a trend as the foundation of innovation.
Spanning three comprehensive segments – Function & Components, Materials & Nature, and Textile & Machinery – the fair offered a comprehensive view of the market. Cutting-edge product launches underscored the speed of transformation, while expertly curated showcases highlighted just how much progress has already been made.
A platform for knowledge sharing
In addition to informing the exhibitors’ product presentations, interzum 2025’s central theme was also reflected in the diverse event programme. The three interzum Trend Forums took deep dives into key issues affecting the future of the industry – from biocircular materials and resource-efficient furniture design to the Digital Product Passport as the key to a circular economy.
The interzum Trend Stage once again served as the trade fair’s knowledge hub. Renowned experts gave first-class presentations, in which they shared detailed insights into international industry trends, provided in-depth market analyses and discussed the current regulatory environment.
The interzum Product Stage augmented the programme with actionable tips relating to new products, best practices and forward-looking strategies from the exhibitors – directly from the source. What all of these presentations made clear was that the industry isn’t simply watching the transition from the sidelines, but actively driving progress.
interzum award 2025
As in previous years, a particular highlight of the trade fair was the interzum award. In 2025, it had a strong link to the central theme with the introduction of a special “Rethinking Resources” category alongside the three standard categories. From a total of 146 entries submitted by 80 companies from 23 countries, the jury of experts selected 66 exceptionally forward-looking innovations, including 12 entries that were awarded the highest distinction: “Best of the Best”. The award-winning products were displayed in an exhibition on Boulevard North and attracted a great deal of interest from trade fair visitors.
Looking ahead
As the dust settles on this year’s event, Matthias Pollmann, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, sums it up perfectly: “interzum 2025 has demonstrated the strength of this industry’s will to innovate – and the strength of its desire for sustainable change.
“We’re already looking ahead to the next event, when we intend to keep on supporting this process of transformation and stimulating new ideas. Our aim is to continue to offer the industry a platform where global trends are not only discussed, but actively shaped.”
The next edition of interzum will take place in Cologne from 11th to 14th May 2027.
