The Zellcheming-Expo 2026 confirmed its role as the key European meeting point for the paper and fiber industry. From June 16 to 18, around 2,500 trade visitors and over 130 exhibitors gathered at the RheinMain CongressCenter in Wiesbaden to discuss challenges, showcase innovations, and shape the industry’s future.
While visitor numbers were slightly down, the quality of professional exchange reached a new high. Attendees demonstrated strong decision-making authority and concrete project interests, leading to more in-depth interactions in workshops, best-practice sessions, and networking formats.
Zellcheming Chairman Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer noted that the enhanced supporting program strengthened the expo’s role as a central platform for expert dialogue. Managing Director Petra Hanke expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcome despite ongoing challenging conditions.
Day 1: Rethinking the future
Futurist Lars Thomsen opened with a keynote titled “Winds of Change 2030,” followed by a high-level panel discussion on business model transformation. Moderated by Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer and Dr.-Ing. Tiemo Arndt, panelists included leaders from UPM, Mondi, Bottelsa, and the German Paper Industry Association. Thomsen emphasized the industry’s strong circular economy foundation and urged participants to think beyond traditional methods. The discussion highlighted the need for both technological progress and a cultural shift towards more diverse thinking and greater courage to embrace change.
Day 2: Diversity and networking
A highlight was the Women4Paper event, with over 100 participants. The panel, “Empowerment Through Connection: Women, Networks, the Future,” featured leaders from the Paper Industry Association, Koehler, and WEPA. Discussions focused on diversity as a key driver for innovation, along with the need for better visibility, structural changes, and targeted talent development to foster a more inclusive industry.
The day also showcased the work of Zellcheming’s technical committees, offering practical insights into process optimization and sustainable resource management. The evening’s social event provided a lively networking platform.
Day 3: Focus on young talent
The Career Day attracted around 100 young professionals. This year’s Young Talent Award winner, Dr. Max Winkler, delivered an inspiring keynote, while young scientists presented their research. Petra Hanke and Iris Bienert shared data on industry labor needs and upcoming initiatives, underscoring the importance of engaging the next generation.
Conclusion
“Zellcheming-Expo 2026 showed the power of in-person interaction for advancing our industry,” said Chairman Frank Meltzer. “It offers guidance and strengthens our shared vision for the future.” As Lars Thomsen put it, “The crucial opportunities arise when we begin to ask the right questions.”
Save the date
The next Zellcheming-Expo will take place from June 22–24, 2027, in Wiesbaden.
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