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Press release
Shaping the future: Forestry technology as a driver of innovation
June 17, 2026
- Stable growth forecast for the global market
- Sustainable and efficient forest management as a driver of forestry technology
- Focus on digitalization, mechanization, and automation
As the leading international trade fair for forestry and forestry technology, INTERFORST will bring together key industry players in Munich from October 15 to 18, 2026. Trade visitors, manufacturers, and suppliers will gain a comprehensive overview there of the latest technologies, processes, and solutions—and discuss how forestry and forestry technology can be made fit for the future in a period of profound change.
Stable growth is forecast for the global forestry technology market. According to “Forestry Machinery Market”, an average annual growth rate of almost five percent is expected through 2035. Driven by climate change, a shortage of skilled workers, and stricter emission and sustainability requirements, forestry machinery is being continuously optimized. As a result, the modern forestry technology industry is emerging as a key driver of innovation.
International growth momentum encounters weak German market
According to the “Forestry Machinery Market Size and Share” report, the largest market for forestry technology in the coming years will be in North America. The fastest growth, however, is seen in the Asia-Pacific region. In Germany, the market for forestry machinery remains tense. “This is primarily due to the decline in salvage logging. Its large volume led from 2018 to increased new procurement, causing the market to reach a certain level of saturation,” explains Andrea Hauck, Head of the Forestry Operations and Technology Assessment at KWF (German Center for Forestry Work and Technology), adding: “At the same time, demand for wood in the construction sector so far remains modest. Overall, however, there is cause for hope that the worst may be behind us when it comes to new sales.”
Uncertainties weighing on forestry companies
Technological innovations and digitalization are driving robust market growth in forestry technology worldwide. At the same time, many German buyers—forestry companies and private and municipal forest owners—face major economic challenges.
“Stricter regulations, a slump in orders, rising costs, and political uncertainty are making long-term planning difficult. Numerous companies are now operating at a loss, while family businesses face unresolved succession issues or closure,” explains Vera Butterweck-Kruse, Chairwoman of the Association of German Forestry Companies (DFUV). In addition to the economic pressure, that also shifts the focus for her to the question of how the industry can work together to reposition itself: “INTERFORST will be a key platform for developing collaboration, strengthening partnerships, and providing companies with inspiration, contacts, and prospects for being fit for the future.”
Efficiency, sustainability, and performance as drivers
Sustainable and efficient forest management is a key driver for developing modern forestry technology. New machines, systems, and components form the technological foundation for innovation in the industry. A particular focus is on developments such as energy-efficient drive systems, more precise workflows, and optimized machine technologies.
Digitalization and smart systems are transforming work processes
Forestry technology is evolving toward connected and data-driven systems. These especially include sensor and measurement technology, intelligent software and control solutions, and digital systems for data acquisition and analysis. These technologies enable more informed decisions, more efficient planning processes, and greater transparency in forest management. For the first time, INTERFORST will feature a Start-up Area where young companies will showcase new business models and innovative technologies along the entire value chain.
Innovation through system solutions and components
A key trend is the development of highly specialized components and system solutions. These include modern drive technologies, hydraulic systems, automotive electronic systems, and intelligent cab and machine controls. They lay the technological foundation for innovative machine designs, and enhance efficiency and performance. “At INTERFORST 2026, the “SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS Forestry by DLG” will, for the first time, serve as a meeting place in Hall B6 for the supplier industry to connect with OEM developers, designers, system integrators, and procurement managers. That underscores its role as a key forum for the innovative supply industry and manufacturers of forestry machinery,” explains Petra Kaiser, Brand Manager of SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS. The program will be rounded out by expert presentations and an informal networking event for forestry machinery OEMs and suppliers on the afternoon of October 15 at the DLG stand in Hall B6.
Experience forestry technology live
For the first time, INTERFORST is offering demonstration areas right at the stands, where exhibitors can show their modern forestry technology live. There are also action areas, in other words, live demonstrations along the value chain with forestry machinery and equipment. These include, among other things, the topics “The firewood value chain” and “Highly mechanized timber harvesting.”
Among others, Bindenberger will be represented as a supplier of timber harvesting and processing machinery; Eschlböck sells wood chippers for professional forestry use; and the Italian company Seppi offers specialized forestry technology, from lightweight attachments to remote-controlled tracked carriers.
Prinoth will provide information about its forestry tracked carriers and grinders, as well as its digital networking and control technology. As a provider of specialized forestry technology, Wyssen Seilbahnen offers a range of solutions for timber harvesting in challenging, steep terrain. Reil & Eichinger has state-of-the-art wood processing machinery, forestry tractors, and tracked carriers, as well as special machinery developed in-house.
At the special show “Shaping forests together. Utilizing diversity. Securing the future,” the University of Göppingen, among others, will demonstrate the impact of forestry tractors on the forest floor. At the same time, the university will present various exoskeletons for forestry work. KWF is participating in the special show with a feller-forwarder machine with a 20-meter crane reach that is not yet available on the market—a world first. KWF was involved in its development as part of the “Outreach” project.
Forestry technology inspiration and expertise at the forum and congress
On Friday, October 16, 2026, from 10:00 to 14:00, the congress program will focus on “Forestry Technology in Motion.” The program will include the presentations “Focus on Small Tracked Carriers and Soil Protection” by Dr. Lorenz Breining (University of Göttingen) and “Fully Automated Loading and Unloading Systems” by Christoph Strecker and Alexander Kreis (Graz University of Technology). Juha Inberg (Ponsse) will also be discussing trends in the forestry industry.
At the forum, the German Agricultural Society (DLG) will give a presentation titled “INTERFORST 2026 Systems & Components Forestry” on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 14:30, as part of the topic “Forest Technology on New Paths.”
Tickets for INTERFORST are now available.
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Felix Kirschenbauer
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