Swedish Textile Service Association to Highlight Circularity

The Swedish Textile Service Association will bring its members and invited guests to Stockholm on 21 May for its flagship yearly gathering, a programme designed to connect policy, business strategy and innovation in a sector facing rapid economic and regulatory change. Hosted at the Elite Palace Hotel, the Swedish Textile Service Association annual meeting is expected to draw participants from politics, industry, education and international networks, reflecting the association’s ambition to widen collaboration beyond its traditional base.

This year’s agenda is structured around leadership, sustainability and the evolving economy. Organisers said discussions will address Sweden’s current financial climate, how companies should navigate the next phase of sustainable development, and where cross-sector partnerships can create competitive advantage.

A key speaker will be Sweden’s minister for financial markets, Niklas Wykman, who is set to outline his view of the economic outlook and the policy priorities shaping his portfolio. With a doctorate in economics and in office since 2022, Wykman is expected to discuss the financial conditions and reforms influencing Sweden’s economic direction.

Sustainability within textiles will also feature prominently, including how businesses communicate their progress and embed responsibility into operations. Rossella De Angelis of Klopman will address corporate social responsibility work aimed at strengthening the company’s positioning in sustainable textiles.

Circularity is positioned as another central theme, with speakers from organisations working on recycling and new material pathways. Pontus Håstlund of Circulose is scheduled to discuss how cotton-rich textile waste can be used to create alternative raw materials. Andreas Dorner of RE&UP Recycling Technologies will focus on the challenge of scaling textile-to-textile recycling supply chains while meeting EU regulatory expectations.

International competitiveness and cooperation will be explored by Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden, who will draw on experience across both public and private sectors to discuss how Swedish companies can strengthen their position in global markets.

The programme also includes a session on integration and inclusion in business, with Carola Lemne, chair of Samhall, sharing perspectives from a career spanning industry, healthcare and public service.

Education-to-industry collaboration is another pillar of the Swedish Textile Service Association annual meeting. Rickard Vinde, a teacher at Solna Gymnasium and the recipient of the Textile Service Industry Sustainability Award 2026, will discuss how partnerships can help equip young people with skills aligned to future workforce needs.

The meeting will also highlight developments in international exhibitions and events. Trade fair organiser Fiera Milano has entered a new cooperation with the association, and ExpoDetergo is due to return this autumn. Paola Sarco, managing director of Made Eventi and a key representative within Fiera Milano, will attend on behalf of the organiser, which is known for large international exhibitions spanning fashion, design and industry.

Stockholm’s international profile is another topic on the agenda. Mats Hulth, former Social Democratic finance city councillor, will reflect on city-building initiatives and efforts to enhance Stockholm’s visibility globally, including major investments such as the Avicii Arena.

The association will also recognise industry contributions, naming Peter Havéus an honorary member for his work in the laundry and textile service sector, particularly in strengthening the industry’s stance on sustainability.

Organisers said the event is designed to bring a broad, cross-sector perspective to a changing operating environment, with a shared aim of reinforcing Sweden’s—and Europe’s—competitiveness and resilience amid global uncertainty.