EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair 2026| Highlights Day 1

EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair in Cologne is back – and it’s time to “Work hard! Rock hard!” Through Friday, around 2,500 companies from 53 countries will be presenting their innovations and new products at the world’s leading trade fair for the hardware industry. From tools and building & DIY supplies to fittings and fastening technology, the full breadth of the market was on display right from day one.

The EISENaward powered by ZHH kicked off the fair with its presentation ceremony at the EISENforum. Held for the eighth time in cooperation with the Central Association of the Hardware Trade (ZHH), the award celebrates outstanding product innovations. This year, 64 entries from 15 countries were evaluated across the categories innovation, design/ergonomics and sustainability.

Meet the 2026 winners:

• Crimp Counter (Weidmüller): Digital solution for crimping tool maintenance interval planning
• ECOSAW (G-Man): Fully recyclable hand saw system with patented blade-change technology
• ABUS Everox One 61/55 G3: Smart padlock for flexible indoor and outdoor use

The winners and nominated products will be on display throughout the fair in a dedicated area in the passage between halls 10 and 11.

The programme at the EISENforum, the fair’s central event stage, is as diverse as the exhibition floor. The first of three days featured a full schedule of talks, panel discussions and award ceremonies.

Artificial intelligence dominated the opening day. Experts used real-world examples to show how AI is already optimising processes in retail, transforming marketing strategies and opening up new opportunities in the DIY sector. This underscored just how strongly data-driven applications and generative AI are shaping the industry today.

The EISENworkshop made its debut at EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026, drawing strong audience interest from the very first day. Set in a stylised workshop in Passage 10/11, the format brings hands-on craft knowledge to life through live demonstrations by international creators.

Four creator-led live workshops were on the programme on opening day:

• Mara Pischl tackled everyday repairs
• Laurin Bock demonstrated how to restore a beam end
• Empoeirados explained how to achieve a perfect sanding finish
• Jasmine Gurney built a bird feeder

Live demonstrations combined with hands-on use of products from the exhibitor portfolio kept the workshop area buzzing throughout the day.