The second edition of the World of Fireplaces (WOF) opened today at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre. From 28 to 30 April 2025, the latest heating technologies and climate-conscious heating solutions will be presented at the international trade fair for modern fireplaces. The focus will be on new products, technological innovations and socially relevant topics such as the energy transition, security of supply and emissions reduction. What began two years ago as an ambitious industry event has now developed into one of the most dynamic platforms for heating technologies in Europe.

In his statement, Michael Kretschmer, Minister President of the Free State of Saxony and patron of the World of Fireplaces, emphasised the growing importance of the trade fair as a driving force for sustainable heating solutions and as a platform for social dialogue. "I am delighted that the World of Fireplaces is coming to Leipzig for the second time. (...) The World of Fireplaces is much more than just a trade fair. It is a place to meet, exchange ideas and shape the future. After all, the current challenges are huge: energy prices, climate protection, security of supply - all of this is on people's minds and also on the minds of the fireplaces industry. Sustainable and independent heating solutions are becoming increasingly important and can make a valuable contribution to the heating transition. The World of Fireplaces creates a wonderful platform for this and offers space for innovation, top craftsmanship and new partnerships between industry, crafts and research."

This year, the WOF is under double patronage: in addition to the Minister President of Saxony, Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy and Deputy Minister President, is also supporting the event as patron - a clear sign of the political relevance of the topic across national borders. His video message is available at the following link:

https://www.world-of-fireplaces.de/alles-ueber-die-messe/schirmherrschaft/

 New growth record for the trade fair

With over 340 exhibitors from Germany and abroad - an increase of 41 per cent compared to 2023 - and an exhibition area expanded to 20,000 m² (+37%), WOF 2025 will reach a new record level and underline its international claim. In addition to the product premieres, the trade fair will focus in particular on the two special shows "Hybrid Heat" and "Outdoor Fireplaces", which will showcase the technological range and innovative strength of the industry - from networked heating systems and low-emission firing technology to hybrid heating concepts.

 At the start of the WOF, the organiser trendfairs and top representatives of the industry, including the German Association of House, Heating and Kitchen Technology (HKI) and the German Stove Builders' Association (GVOB), had their say before the statement by Minister President Michael Kretschmer and the video message from Minister of State Hubert Aiwanger were presented.

In addition to the attractive product presentations of the exhibitors, it is above all the outstanding atmosphere and the anticipation that accompany this industry event. This can be clearly seen in the words of Michael Rambach, partner and managing director of trendfairs GmbH. "(...) You know the feeling: after weeks of intensive preparation, the anticipation grows - and the tension in the air literally crackles. For the second time, the World of Fireplaces is unleashing its charisma as the 'fireplace to be' in Leipzig. This is where you can see what could be tomorrow's standard, where partnerships and ideas are created - and of course: good business. (...) It is a great pleasure for trendfairs to welcome you as hosts. For the next three days, international players from the world of fireplaces will be meeting here in Leipzig. (...)."

In his opening speech, Nikolaus Fleischhacker, member of the executive committee of the Industrieverband Haus-, Heiz- und Küchentechnik e.V. (HKI) and Managing Director of Oranier Heiztechnik, emphasised the need to focus on climate-responsible heating:

"(...) Ladies and gentlemen, when talks about a dedicated trade fair for individual fireplaces were first held around 5 years ago, we could not have imagined in our wildest dreams what could have become of it in such a short space of time. An industry has come together here to show that heating with solid fuels is a modern solution for climate-friendly heating. (...) This trade fair should also send a signal to politicians, come and see what grandma's stove has become in the meantime - modern fireplaces with very high standards of air pollution control. Legislators and manufacturers, moderated by the associations, have worked hand in hand to make a traditional technology fit for the future (...)."

In his opening speech, Guido Eichel, Chairman of the Board of the GVOB, the umbrella organisation for trade, industry and wholesalers in the stove construction sector, spoke about the impetus for young talent in the trade and wood as an energy source. "(...) In addition to end consumer advertising, quality assurance in the trade and a standardised brand image, the focus of all activities is on recruiting apprentices and political lobbying. (...) we are fighting for the continued existence of the trade, for the acceptance of wood as a heating source and for the energy transition with energy from wood."

The Fireplace HUB, the central forum of the trade fair, brings together leading representatives from business, science, trade and politics. Issues relating to the energy transition, security of supply, emissions reduction, digitalisation and sustainable heating will be addressed here in daily specialist presentations and discussions. The Federal Association of Firewood, the Federal Association of Chimney Sweeps (ZIV), the German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ), the European Fireplaces Association (EFA), the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR), the General Association of Stove Manufacturers (GVOB), the Industrial Association for House, Heating and Kitchen Technology (HKI), the Initiative Holzwärme (IH) and the Straubing Technology and Promotion Centre (TFZ) are all taking part.

Further information, the current programme and an overview of the exhibitors can be found at: www.world-of-fireplaces.de/home/