Today marks the official opening of interzum Cologne 2025, positioning the city once again as a central meeting point for the global furniture supplier and interior design industries. With over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 55 countries, this year's edition engages directly with the sector's material challenges under the theme "Rethinking Resources: Circular and Biobased Solutions."
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The four-day fair is expected to serve as a key convergence point for designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and material technologists responding to intensifying demands for sustainability, digital traceability, and bio-based sourcing.
Sector discussions anchored in three trend forums
This year's programme is structured around three central interzum Trend Forums — Function & Components, Materials & Nature, and Textile & Machinery. These thematic zones act as content anchors where visitors can access curated insights on current and emerging directions.
Topics include recyclable material innovations, smart component systems, and digital product passports, all of which point to a shift in how the supply chain is rethinking value, waste, and verification.
'This is where you can find out what's moving the industry,' according to organisers. Cross-industry panel sessions and live material demonstrations are expected to reflect the evolving intersections between performance, environmental stewardship, and regulation.
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interzum award highlights selected innovation entries
The interzum award, staged in partnership with Red Dot, showcases selected products responding to technical and process-led innovation within the furniture components and materials space. With 146 entries submitted from 23 countries, the exhibition of award winners is currently displayed on Boulevard Nord, offering a reference point for both specifiers and product developers.
The award continues to reflect a benchmarking function for market-ready innovation, with the jury evaluating entries on parameters that include usability, design quality, and production intelligence.
Networking format aligns with informal and formal programming
Alongside technical content and exhibitor showcases, interzum 2025 continues its hybrid approach to networking and dialogue formats. The interzum Trend Stage, programmed in collaboration with Haute Innovation, TRENDFILTER® and Vincentz Network, hosts the opening sessions with expert briefings on material flows, regulatory shifts, and future manufacturing models.
In parallel, the informal #ILoveMyinterzum space includes a 3D photo installation, social tagging campaign, and an evening Happy Hour event hosted daily on the Piazza from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 'Expect cool drinks, good music and a great atmosphere,' say organisers, describing the event as an opportunity for cross-sector connection in a relaxed setting.
Digital systems embedded in visitor access and planning
Attendance and event navigation remain digital-first. 'Please note: No ticket sales on site. Ticket purchase and code redemption is only possible online,' reads the organisers' message. The interzum app supports digital ticketing, real-time hall navigation, and live programme updates.
Visitors are encouraged to consult the exhibitor and event search portals in advance, with full schedules and floor plans accessible via official channels. A hotline remains active for visitor support during fair hours.
Industry benchmark for supply-side visibility
interzum Cologne continues to function as a B2B reference point for the European interior design and furniture industries. By concentrating developments across raw materials, semi-finished products, fittings, surfaces and machine technologies, it provides manufacturers, architects, retailers, and specifiers with a compressed survey of technical opportunities and supply-side direction.
As the trade fair unfolds, particular attention will be paid to how exhibitors respond to evolving market demands for measurable circularity, verified material claims, and cross-sector adaptability.
© Koelnmesse
More information:
interzum Cologne
interzum@visitor.koelnmesse.de
www.interzum.com
Germany