The wood industry comes together around technology, raw materials and the future of construction

Getting more value from raw materials, improving production efficiency and meeting new requirements while maintaining profitability are some of the wood industry’s biggest challenges. When the Nordic wood industry gathers at Wood Products & Technology in Gothenburg on 25–27 August, the major issues shaping the future will take centre stage, from AI and automated sawmills to circular flows and advanced timber construction.

This year’s exhibition reflects an industry undergoing several changes at the same time. Raw material prices, energy use and profitability remain key issues, while AI, automation, digitalisation and new traceability requirements are transforming production. Further along the value chain, interest in wood is growing in both public buildings and large-scale urban development projects.

“What happens in one part of the value chain quickly affects the next. Technological developments in the sawmill are closely connected to the requirements of construction, architecture and the end customer. That is why we need a place where the entire value chain can meet and discuss both today’s challenges and the next steps,” says Monika Ölund, Business Manager for Wood Products & Technology.

Technology that creates more value from raw materials

A clear focus of the exhibition is how the industry can use raw materials more efficiently. Through scanning, sensors, data analysis and automated production flows, companies can increase precision, reduce waste and gain better control of production.

The stage program will address topics including CT scanning, cutting forces in wood, digital value chains, surface measurement and flexible energy use in sawmills.

“Improving efficiency is not only about increasing speed. It can just as well mean reducing waste, making better-informed decisions and using the right wood for the right product. When margins are under pressure, every improvement matters,” says Monika Ölund.

Broader content than before

Wood Products & Technology has long been an established meeting place for machinery and industrial wood processing. That remains an important part of the exhibition, but the event has evolved with a stronger focus on knowledge, business and networking.

This year’s stage programme features more than 80 speakers and around 60 sessions across two stages. The main focus areas are resource efficiency, circular transition, technology and the built environment.

Programme highlights include hospitals with timber structures, hybrid construction, Swedish hardwood, next-generation wood for interiors, as well as reuse, climate requirements and digital product passports.

One of this year’s international speakers is Martin Looser-Frey from Blumer Lehmann, who will present advanced timber design solutions and demonstrate how digital design and industrial manufacturing can be used in complex construction projects.

The role of wood in the built environment

Timber construction has a prominent place at this year’s exhibition. The programme brings together architects, structural engineers, construction companies, researchers and representatives from the public sector to discuss how wood can be used in the buildings and living environments of the future.

“It is not enough to choose wood late in the process. To create buildings that are sustainable, feasible and resource-efficient, architects, structural engineers, producers and construction companies need to start collaborating at an early stage,” says Monika Ölund.

New regulations are also affecting the industry. Requirements relating to circularity, product information and climate performance mean that companies need to collect and share more data about their products.

“Many companies are currently trying to understand what the new requirements mean in practice. That is why we need concrete examples and dialogue between companies, research organisations and industry associations,” says Monika Ölund.

Meetings that lead to something more

In addition to the exhibition and stage programme, workshops, networking activities and site visits will take place. These include visits to the Habitat 7 timber construction project in Gothenburg.

Each exhibition day will also end with After Wood, while a joint industry party will be held on Wednesday evening.

“Our ambition is not simply to bring a large number of people together for three days. What matters is that the meetings lead to new ideas, contacts and collaborations after the exhibition,” says Monika Ölund.

Facts: Wood Products & Technology

When: 25–27 August 2026
Where: The Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in Gothenburg
What: The Nordic region’s leading meeting place for the wood industry, featuring an exhibition, stage programme, workshops, site visits and networking. Held every two years.
Stage program: More than 80 speakers and around 60 sessions across two stages.
Focus areas: Resource efficiency, circular transition, technology and urban development.

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