Zellcheming-Expo 2025 attracted around 3,000 visitors to the RheinMain CongressCenter in Wiesbaden at the beginning of July. The anniversary trade fair, organised by Zellcheming Service GmbH, proved to be a dynamic platform for the international paper and pulp industry - with a strong focus on innovation, networking and promoting young talent.
More than 140 companies presented themselves on a fully booked exhibition area, including numerous international players and new exhibitors from the energy sector. Prof Dr Helga Zollner-Croll, the outgoing chairwoman of the association, summed up her time in office with the successful Stronger integration of technology and trade fair operations - for example, through the new „Cell Chemistry Insights“ programme, which highlighted sustainability from a technical perspective.
AI in focus at the start
The first day of the trade fair already sent out a clear signal in favour of future topics: At the panel discussion on The role of artificial intelligence in the industry representatives from industry and politics agreed on their growth-promoting potential. Participants such as Maximilian Heindl (Progroup), Tobias Hundhausen (Wepa) and Dr Jörg Padberg (Koehler) emphasised the need for cooperation, leadership skills and a data-driven corporate culture, among other things.
Female perspectives and club development
On the second day, the Annual General Meeting of the association and the Women4Paper event at the centre. The new association management with Dr Frank P. Meltzer at the helm sees the future in increased networking with the industry. The proportion of women on the Advisory Board rose to over 20 per cent. The keynote speech by Vera Strauch, founder of the Female Leadership Academy, was dedicated to the topic of „Setting boundaries“ - and was very well received by the audience.
In the evening, the 120th anniversary of the association was celebrated with a festive gala. In addition to a historical review young board members presented future ideas for further development of the association and the industry.
Focus on promoting young talent
The third day was dedicated to the Zellcheming Career Day. The focus was on honouring young talent, insights into current research projects and a World Café, in which young professionals discussed expectations of modern working environments. Key topics were appreciation, communication and corporate culture. The new Chairman Dr Frank P. Meltzer believes the association is well positioned: „This Expo has shown that we can grow and shape the industry together.“
The next Zellcheming-Expo will once again take place from 16 to 18 June 2026 at the RMCC Wiesbaden.
Source: Cell chemistry
