Record participation and a strong sustainability focus characterized the Swedish Textile Service Association's Autumn Meeting 2025.
The Swedish Textile Service Association held its Autumn Meeting 2025 on 13 November at Elite Hotel Ideon in Lund. This year’s edition set a new standard for the industry. A total of 205 participants, 42 exhibitors and 150 dinner guests attended, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the event and reflecting the sector’s growing momentum and shared commitment to innovation. The association’s first 85 years were also celebrated.
Keynote: Turning waste into value
A highly appreciated feature was the speech by Anders Thorgaard, Chairman of the Board of the Textilia Group. Thorgaard presented the impressive results of Upcy ApS, whose large-scale upcycling initiative transformed 640 tons of discarded textiles into 2,856,172 new products in 2024. This extensive upcycling underlines the company's pioneering role in circular textile solutions. Anders Thorgaard, who received the 2023 Sustainability Award from the Swedish Textile Service Association, emphasized the need to reconsider strategies for textile waste throughout the value chain.
Lund: A future-oriented host city
The conference was opened by Lina Olsson from Lund City Council, who outlined the city’s long-term climate goals and development plans. Lund, internationally recognized as one of Europe’s 100 leading cities in climate transition, aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The combination of academic tradition, strong business climate and progressive environmental policies made the city a fitting host for this year’s meeting.
The region's roots in focus
Participants also enjoyed a cultural immersion when historian Professor Dick Harrison presented the early history of Skåne. His talk provided valuable context for the region's political and cultural development and added a historical dimension to the conference that is rarely highlighted in industry contexts.
Sustainability, circularity and certification
Environmental responsibility permeated the entire program:
- Ann-Sofie Hviid, founder of hviid.nu, gave an update on developments in the green transition and the regulations that drive circular textile practices.
- Karin Lindmark from TESTEX provided insights into certification systems and tools that help companies track and communicate sustainability performance with increased precision.
- PDNA Champions Supply Chain Transparency:
Robin Cornelius and Thibaut Poncin explained how PDNA (Product DNA) is redefining supply chain transparency. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Lausanne, PDNA provides companies with tools to transform raw data into clear communication, regulatory compliance and strategic advantage. Their solutions cover industries such as construction, consumer goods and textiles. Cornelius and Poncin highlighted PDNA's integrated approach: the traceability software Respect SaaS, the communication platform Respect Code and expert consultation that shapes the scope and direction of each project. With offices and operations in the US, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Portugal and Germany, PDNA combines global reach with practical, local support, living up to its founding principle: “the consumer has the right to know.” Through their presentations, the speakers illustrated how PDNA empowers organizations to build trust, ensure accountability and turn transparency into a strategic business advantage.
Energy, technology and the textile service of the future
The day also highlighted trends that affect both operational activities and strategic planning:
- Henry Eskola from Scandbio AB demonstrated the environmental and economic benefits of converting to fully renewable pellet-based energy.
- Max Ziermann from Sankosha Europe presented technological developments in automated textile service, focusing on new machines, efficiency gains and international market signals.
With its strong participation, engaged speakers and broad technical and environmental focus, the 2025 Autumn Meeting clearly demonstrated the industry’s readiness to accelerate sustainable growth. The inspiring mix of visionary leadership, solid expertise and strong commitment made this year’s event one of the most forward-looking ever. The association extends its thanks to MAXI-PRESS Elastomer Technology, a long-term partner in the association meetings. The same appreciation was extended to the other recurring partners Beirholm, ABS, Dibella and Scandbio.
