As we soon add another year to our records, we can conclude that the laundry and textile service industry is truly an industry of the future. This is evident not least in the many aggressive investments being made in various solutions for sustainability and the circular economy, which are truly part of the industry's DNA. But also in the figures for the industry's development. Year after year, a growth rate that is higher than the economy as a whole.
With this year's Industry Report firmly in our hands, we can state that the industry's turnover in 2024 increased by eight percent to no less than seven billion kronor. The industry's overall profit increased by 17 percent, and not least importantly, the number of employees continues to increase. In 2024, the industry employed no less than 4,600 full-time workers. I will not be surprised if, after the publication of the next Industry Report, with the results for 2025, we again state this: The laundry and textile service industry is an industry on the rise.
The association is turning 85 this year. It goes without saying that we should celebrate, even if 85 is not an even number. The celebration took place at the Autumn meeting in Lund, where cake was served. Whether this was what made us break the record in the number of participants, I will leave it unsaid. Or perhaps it was the program highlight with Professor Dick Harrison who gave a presentation on the theme of Skåne as an independent kingdom. Connecting to history is always interesting, and not least appropriate for an anniversary.
Another much-appreciated feature at the Autumn meeting was one of our members who appeared, Anders Eikemo Thorgaard from Textilia, who, as usual, spoke with empathy and great commitment about the industry's responsibility for textile waste, a highly topical topic to which the association has devoted a lot of attention in the past year. Regardless of what was going on, it was fantastic to experience the vitality that our 85-year-old shows and the commitment that exists among all members.
Another issue that has been a focus of work for a long time is our industry index. As you probably know, Statistics Sweden announced three years ago that they did not intend to continue producing an industry index for us, which they have done so well for decades. After extensive discussions and negotiations, we, together with a number of other industry organizations, contracted SBIX Svenska Branschindex AB, a newly established company owned by the South Swedish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, to take over this important task. From 2026, they will therefore provide our industry index in the same way that Statistics Sweden has previously done. It is undeniably great that this issue has finally landed.
The level of activity in the association as well as among our members has been at its peak again this year. On the following pages you will get a selection of what has happened, everything from traditional association golf on Öland to the association director's visits to members from north to south.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you all for your contributions to the development of our industry over the past year and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Download the annual report (PDF) »
Michael Sandin
Chairman of the Federation
