ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 is an industry event for the pulp & paper and fiber-based sector, where suppliers of technology, chemicals, raw materials, and services meet manufacturers and engineering teams.

If you’re looking for a trade show where the conversation doesn’t start with “tell us about your company” but with real priorities—energy efficiency, quality, operational stability, reduced downtime, sustainable solutions, and digital transformation—then ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 is built for exactly that.

Video about ZELLCHEMING-Expo

To get a feel for the atmosphere and see what the event looks like “in real life”, watch the video highlights from one of the most recent editions.

About ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 : what happens on site

The show is built around hands-on practice. It’s not a “parade of booths”, but a working environment for business conversations, industry sessions, and networking—where it’s often easier to agree in person than to email for weeks.

• Exhibition area: solutions for paper, board, and fiber-based material production— technologies, chemicals, automation, energy systems, service, and engineering.
• Content program: a forum, themed formats, and discussions focused on what truly impacts production performance.
• Professional activities: a career day, themed guided booth tours, and dedicated zones for newcomers and startups.

For many companies, the value of ZELLCHEMING-Expo is that you can quickly “stitch together” a supply chain: meet partners, compare approaches, and get technical advice face to face.

Who will benefit most from ZELLCHEMING-Expo

ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 is designed for a professional audience in the pulp & paper industry and related sectors. If you’re responsible for efficiency, quality, and modernization, you’ll feel right at home.

• Plant managers and production engineers in paper, board, packaging, recycling, and fiber-based materials.
• Process technologists and specialists in stock preparation, operations, energy management, water and waste, quality, and lab measurements.
• Buyers and category managers sourcing equipment, chemicals, raw materials, components, and service.
• Technology and solution providers who need direct access to real production customers and decision-makers.

Historical facts about ZELLCHEMING-Expo: a tradition that keeps the industry connected

ZELLCHEMING-Expo is an event with a long history. In 2025, the exhibition celebrated its 75th anniversary, and the ZELLCHEMING association marked 120 years. That kind of longevity is rare in this sector—and it speaks to strong market trust.

In recent years, the event has strengthened its practical formats: newcomer areas for first-time exhibitors, startup activities, themed guided booth tours, and a dedicated career day. This makes the show valuable both for established players and for new teams.

Advantages of ZELLCHEMING-Expo: numbers and facts that matter to business

The strength of ZELLCHEMING-Expo is the “density” of its specialist audience and the fact that the whole market comes together under one roof. Based on the results of ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2025:

• around 3,000 visitors (about 20% more than the year before);
• more than 140 sponsors and partner companies in the exhibition;
• nearly 2,000 m² of exhibition space; Hall North was fully booked.

For comparison, the event materials also cited figures for ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2024: 150 exhibitors, 2,500 trade visitors, 4,600 m² of exhibition space, and 351 online participants.

The show’s thematic focus stays on what’s most urgent for the industry right now: automation and process optimization, raw materials and additives, stock preparation, paper and board machines, service, and manufacturing.

Well-known companies at ZELLCHEMING-Expo: 6 strong players you’ll see on site

Below are examples of well-known companies listed in the official event guide. Use them as anchors for meetings, technology comparisons, and fast consultations.

• Voith. One of the global leaders in technologies for the pulp & paper industry. At ZELLCHEMING-Expo, companies like this are ideal for discussing modernization, line reliability, and efficiency gains across the entire production system.

• Valmet. A brand widely known for end-to-end solutions for process performance, automation, and maintenance. For visitors, it’s a chance to talk “in numbers”: productivity, quality, stability, and service models.

• ANDRITZ. A major player with a broad portfolio of technologies and equipment for the sector. Especially relevant if you’re looking for turnkey solutions and want to compare approaches to energy efficiency and operational resilience.

• Siemens. A key stop for those who see digitalization and industrial automation as tools to reduce risk and improve controllability. Booths like this often provide a practical view of data integration and asset management.

• ABB. A well-known manufacturer of electrification, drives, and automation solutions that directly impact production stability and energy consumption. A solid choice for conversations about reliability, service, and equipment optimization.

• Kemira. One of the leaders in chemicals for the pulp & paper industry. At ZELLCHEMING-Expo, this is typically about measurable impact: quality, consumption, process stability, and predictable results.

Which solution categories are featured at ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026

The ZELLCHEMING-Expo exhibition covers the full production landscape of the pulp & paper and fiber-based industry. Based on the event materials, the key categories and topics can be described as follows:

• Automation and process optimization: production digitalization, parameter control, higher line efficiency, and reduced losses.
• Raw materials, additives, and chemicals: solutions for quality, stability, product functionality, and resource savings.
• Stock preparation: components, equipment, process solutions, and quality control.
• Paper & board machines: equipment, components, service, and upgrades for paper and board machines.
• Service, engineering, and support: maintenance, audits, upgrades, training, and operational support.
• Energy and infrastructure: solutions for energy efficiency, heat, water, and sustainable resource management.

Visitor tips for ZELLCHEMING-Expo: how to get the most out of 2–3 days

ZELLCHEMING-Expo delivers best when you arrive with a plan. In just a few days, you can handle what often takes months in day-to-day work.

• Use the guided tours. The program includes themed booth tours (for example, digitalization, sustainability, water, and residues). It’s a fast way to see the market in a structured way and not miss what matters.

• Visit the Newcomer Pavilion and Start-Up Area. It’s often easier there to find fresh technologies and teams ready to run pilots and adapt quickly to your needs.

• Set aside time for the forum. In 2025, one of the central topics was artificial intelligence for the paper & fiber industry. Sessions like these are great for shaping your meeting agenda on the show floor.

• Leave “gaps” for spontaneous conversations. At industry events, a chance meeting often leads to the strongest outcome.

• Capture the next step immediately. After each meeting, write down: the task, the contact, the timeline, and the follow-up format. That’s how networking turns into contract work.

How to exhibit at ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026

Exhibiting at ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 starts with exhibitor registration and choosing your participation format. The official website offers forms for main exhibitors and co-exhibitors, as well as special participation packages.

• Fill out the registration form and define your participation format (main exhibitor or co-exhibitor).
• Prepare your company profile and solutions for the catalog, so you’re easy to find before the show.
• Design your booth as a working hub: a meeting area, demos, samples, and clear positioning.
• Plan content-driven activity: a talk, a case study, participation in themed formats, or a guided tour.

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