The ZELLCHEMING Association will celebrate two major milestones in 2025: 120 years since its founding and the 75th edition of the ZELLCHEMING-Expo. Together, these anniversaries mark 195 years of dedication to the pulp and paper industry — a legacy to be honored with a special edition of the Expo & Congress, held from July 1 to 3 at the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden.
Exhibitor interest has exceeded expectations, with more than 100 companies already confirmed by early April. Organizers anticipate a notable rise in attendance, bolstered by the association’s initiative to offer free entrance to members for both the Expo and the congress sessions during this celebratory year.
The 2025 congress opens with a timely and future-oriented theme: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Pulp and Paper Industry – Future Opportunities and Challenges.” The panel will be co-hosted by Dr.-Ing. Frank Meltzer (Mercer Pulp Sales, incoming ZELLCHEMING President) and Prof. Dr. Helga Zollner-Croll (Munich University of Applied Sciences). Speakers will include representatives from the European Commission and the IPAI, along with senior executives from Progroup, Koehler Innovative Solutions, and WEPA, who will present how AI is being integrated into their digital strategies. A keynote by Dr. Stephan Lock of the European Commission will outline the political framework for AI adoption, followed by insights into SME innovation from IPAI’s Tim Roder.
A highlight of the Expo will be the ZELLCHEMING Gala Evening, hosted on July 2 under the motto “Shaping the Future Together.” The event will combine historical retrospectives with a forward-looking perspective presented by young engineers and the new association leadership.
The third day is dedicated to Career Day, promoting dialogue between industry veterans and young professionals. It will feature the ZELLCHEMING Young Talent Award, the “Science Flash” for early-stage researchers, and a collaborative World Café format to gather ideas and expectations from the next generation.
ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2025 promises to be a landmark event, blending heritage with innovation and cross-generational exchange.
More information and the full program are available at: ZELLCHEMING-2025
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