When the sewing cooperation the textile producers, Textilproducenterna, participated in Borås Textile Days, it became clear once again that Swedish sewing is now taking place in a way that reflects both the growing strength of the industry and its importance for the sustainable textile system of the future. For two days, the Textile Fashion Center was filled with companies, researchers and creators who all share the conviction that a more resilient and circular textile industry must be built with local production as a foundation.
Among these players was the association Textilproducenterna, which with a well-attended stand showed what Swedish sewing can mean in practice.
An exhibition that showed the breadth and potential of Swedish production
The association’s exhibition consisted of a curated selection of garments from members around Sweden. The collection showed everything from well-tailored everyday garments to technologically advanced constructions. It was a visual demonstration that Swedish sewing does not only include traditional sewing. Here were examples from members who specialize in knitted materials, others who work with leather, and additional players who have experience with lignin and even sewing functional products for animals. Together they created a clear picture. There is almost no type of garment that cannot be produced in Sweden.
Felicia Lundberg, association coordinator for Textilproducenterna, summed up the feeling like this.
“When the visitors saw the variation in the garments, many realized that Swedish sewing is not a niche but an industry. We want to show that the competence exists, that the will exists and that it is entirely possible to produce in Sweden already today.”
A presence that awakens new collaborations and strengthens the industry
The fact that Textilproducenterna exhibited at Borås Textile Days was more than a participation. It was a message to the industry that Swedish sewing production is growing and that more companies are now looking home in their production chains. Many exhibition visitors expressed surprise that so much specialist knowledge is gathered in Sweden. Others immediately saw opportunities for new collaborations and contacted the association on the spot.
Several of the association’s member companies also participated in panel discussions and stage programs, which gave further visibility to both opportunities and challenges. Conversations about future legislation, circular business models and shorter supply chains returned during the days. There was consensus that upcoming legal requirements, especially in sustainability and traceability, will benefit actors who already produce locally and transparently. This is good news for Swedish sewing.
Circular change in focus
A central part of the association’s participation was the presentation held by Felicia Lundberg in connection with the CircularHub Twin Transition. In her presentation, she described how companies can use Swedish sewing production as a concrete path towards circularity. She highlighted examples of how proximity to production makes it easier to minimize overproduction, create repairable garments and develop products with a longer lifespan.
Felicia also emphasized how CircularHub Twin Transition, financed, among other things, by the Västra Götaland region, the EU and the regional development fund, strengthens the industry’s opportunities.
“Combining sustainability with digitization gives us powerful tools. We can make Swedish production even smarter, even more flexible and even more resource efficient. This is the future and our members show that it is already possible.”
A step towards increased resilience and stronger local identity
The sewing association Textilproducenterna has long worked to make Swedish sewing visible. Borås Textile Days became a manifestation of the fact that this work is now gaining greater impact. When companies choose to produce locally, a more robust structure is created that can withstand rapid changes in the outside world. It strengthens both the supply of skills and regional development.
The association’s participation also showed how Swedish production can create a clearer identity for brands. Garments that are produced in Sweden carry a value that extends far beyond the material. They tell about professional skill, pride and care for both people and the environment.
A future built together
Many visitors expressed that they appreciated that the association was there. For the Textilproducenterna, participation in Borås Textile Days was not just an exhibition. It was an opportunity to show what happens when an industry develops through collaboration.
Felicia concluded with a thought that reflects the association’s vision.
“We want to make it easy to choose Swedish sewing. When companies realize what it means to produce close, sustainably and together, it becomes clear that local production is not an option. It is a future strategy.”
Textilproducenterna are now continuing their work to collect, make visible and strengthen Swedish sewing from north to south. Borås Textile Days became an important milestone in that journey and a clear confirmation that the industry is moving towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
Contact: https://www.textilproducenterna.se/
The Textile Producers Sewing Association is part of the CircularHub Twin Transition project’s ambitions to help create a circular ecosystem. The CircularHub Twin Transition project is funded, among other things, by the European Regional Development Fund.
