"In January 2026, the trains will roll and now in 2025 we will build the rails."
Stefan Pettersson, CEO of the newly launched Swedish Industry Index AB (SBI), makes this analogy when he describes how 20 industry indexes will be managed in the future. The Laundry and Textile Services Index is one of them.
Statistics Sweden hands over to SBI
First a brief background. The statistical authority SCB has produced the Laundry and Textile Service Index for many years, but in 2022 they decided to close down around 30 commissioned operations, including this one, from the coming year-end. The question was then sent to the Southern Swedish Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
– SBI is a brand new subsidiary of the Chamber of Commerce. Our main task is to take over the index production for all indices as listed below from Statistics Sweden as seamlessly as possible, and continuously from January 2026. It is a tough challenge but at the same time fun, says Stefan Pettersson, already well-known in the laundry context.
– I was involved in developing the Laundry and Textile Service Index together with the Swedish Textile Service Association back in 2004. Time flies, it feels like, because when I think back, I don't feel like it was over 20 years ago. Right from the start, I got a very good impression of the industry. To gain greater understanding and insight, I initially got to visit laundries and meet knowledgeable and committed representatives. This good cooperation has continued and it feels like the Laundry and Textile Service Index has an important function. It saves time and makes it easier for contractual parties to be able to rely on it instead of having to negotiate prices annually.
Credible and impartial
With a tailored industry index, it is important to adapt to the unique conditions that apply to a certain area of activity. Credibility and impartiality are also important cornerstones for both parties in an agreement to feel secure in using a certain index. Stefan has his background at Statistics Sweden and he knows what is required. Since the late 1980s, he has worked with these industry indices.
– For my part, it feels stimulating and very enjoyable to have the chance to continue the business under this new management. It will be new, but still not so much.
The wheel will keep rolling
Now that the rails are being laid, Stefan thinks that we should not reinvent the wheel. We should use what worked well at SCB, so that users recognize themselves. The service itself will be delivered in the same way as today. SBI will take over where SCB leaves off, so for members and their customers there will be no noticeable difference. At the same time, there is room for improvement.
– In this business, it is always important to have your ear to the ground. Regular reviews are necessary so that the Laundry and Textile Service Index is up-to-date and that its cost items contain and are weighted according to today's laundry operations in Sweden, says Stefan Pettersson.
Connection to the university
Initially, SBI will be a small company where four people will work. The headquarters will be in Uppsala with the advantage of the connection to the university and geographical proximity to most clients and larger ordering organizations. The company's website is not yet in place but will be available under www.sbix.se
Contact info
Stefan Pettersson
Phone: 0721 76 08 08
E-mail: stefan.pettersson@sbix.se
Industry index from SBI
Construction machinery index
Waste index for incineration
Waste index regarding household waste collection, sewage suction and special vehicles
Rock material index
Surveillance index
CBG Index
Electricity index for bus traffic
Construction index
Property Management Index
Property Service Index
HVO index
Consultant index
Truck transport index (T08)
LBG index
RME index former Rapeseed oil index
RME index at pump
Remediation index
Forestry machine index
Cleaning index
Laundry and textile service index
