Members

Sweden and Denmark, together with Norway, are unique in linking membership in the national industry association for textile service companies with quality controls. The aim is to guarantee seriousness and quality in the members’ service offering.

To further develop this process, Sveriges Tvätteriförbund (the Swedish Textile Services Association) and Brancheforeningen for Vask og Tekstiludlejning (The Washing and Textile Services Association of Denmark) commenced a project co-financed by Erasmus+ 2023-2024. The result of the project was presented at Texcare Forum November 6,

Among other things, the project includes a comparative analysis made between the authorization processes in the two countries.

Today’s quality controls

The quality control in Sweden is carried out annually through a digital form which is sent out to all members. The members need to answer around 100 different questions about e.g. hygiene and quality, environment, work environment, social sustainability, and financial control. The answers are then reviewed by an independent company, the environment specialist Ensucon, and supplemented with spot checks through on-site visits to a number of members each year. To stay a member, you need to pass the authorization control every year.

A prerequisite for remaining relevant as an industry association is constant development, not least based on an increasing sustainability focus within the textile industry in general. By developing a quality control in line with upcoming requirements based on the EU’s strategy for a circular and sustainable textile industry, the members in both Denmark and Sweden stay competitive and well prepared for the future.

Special areas of interest

The areas that have been identified in the project as relevant to take forward more clearly in the authorization process are above all measures for reduced amounts of textile waste and circular handling of textiles, control of environmental and social conditions along the entire value chain for the products used in laundries, as well as to facilitate dialogue with various stakeholders.

In the project, several concrete proposals for the development of a quality control have been worked out. This, to facilitate the advancement in above mentioned areas. The proposal will be used as a basis for the continuous progress of the quality control by the industry associations of both countries.

Educational material

Another central part of the project is the educational material aimed at professionals in the textile service industry. The material is based on the various parts of the quality control and aims to create a deeper understanding of why these issues are of great importance for the member companies.

The project is put in a context to create commitment and pride among all employees within our member companies. We are all agents of change.

The training material is available on a website dedicated to The new Scandinavian Quality Control model: https://scandinavianqualitycontrolmodel.com

The website is available in three languages: English, Swedish and Danish.

Themes and material available to everyone

The educational material is divided in several sections focussing on the following areas:

• Chemicals and water
• Circularity and waste
• Climate and energy
• Hygiene and quality
• Non discrimination, inclusion, and contribution to society
• The value chain
• Working environment
• The European Green Deal

The material should be easy to comprehend and is therefore designed in a short and concise manner, without complicated wording. Each section is followed by a voluntary test to see if the participants understood the information. The material will, in addition to the text on the website, also be available as audio, pdf and powerpoint. The material should be accessible for all, including those with fewer opportunities.

Updates are shared today, among other channels, via the associations’ website and social media, as well as via the European EPALE. EPALE also serves as a great source of information with an active community and educational workshops around inclusion and accessibility.

Photo: Peter Havéus

Daniel Karrholt
CEO Swedish Textile Service Association

Image: Kristina Hrbinic

On the first day of Spring, March 1, 2024, the third physical meeting for the project “The new Scandinavian Quality Control model” took place at Tvätteriförbundet´s office in Malmö. The host, Daniel Kärrholt, had the pleasure of welcoming a diverse group consisting of several members, invited inspirational speakers, the project group, and many others.

Sweden, Denmark, and Norway stand uniquely in linking membership in the national industry association for textile service companies with quality controls. The aim is to guarantee seriousness and quality in the members’ deliveries.

To further develop this process, Sveriges Tvätteriförbund (the Swedish Textile Services Association) and Brancheforeningen for Vask og Tekstiludlejning (The Washing and Textile Services Association of Denmark) are participating in a project co-financed by Erasmus+ from 2023 to 2024. The results of the project will be presented at Texcare in November.

External speakers

Two external speakers, Kristina Hrbinic, Europe Direct Manager, and Erik Ehn Blomgren, Senior Advisor to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden, delivered highly informative speeches about the possibilities within the European framework and how to assist in job matching between companies and job seekers.

Project work

The project includes, among other things, a comparative analysis between the authorization processes in the two countries. Another central aspect of the project is the development of educational material aimed at professionals in the textile service industry. The analysis and recommendations for future authorization controls were presented at the meeting.

Educational material

The educational material, based on various aspects of quality control, aims to foster a deeper understanding of why these issues are crucial for everyone in the member companies. For instance, textile service professionals are likely to become more active in mending textiles and sorting used textiles for reuse and recycling. The material presents questions in a context that fosters greater commitment and pride among all employees within member companies.

The training material will be available on a dedicated website for “The new Scandinavian Quality Control model” in English, Swedish, and Danish. It is divided into several sections focusing on:

• Chemicals and water
• Circularity and waste
• Climate and energy
• Hygiene and quality
• Non-discrimination, inclusion, and contribution to society
• The value chain
• Working environment
• The European Green Deal

The material is designed to be easy to comprehend, presented in a short and concise manner without complicated wording. Each section is followed by a voluntary test to assess participants’ understanding. Additionally, the material will be available in audio, PDF, and PowerPoint formats to ensure accessibility for all.

Information and news about the project, including the educational material, will be communicated through various platforms and forums, including the associations’ website, social media channels, and the EPALE network, which also serves as a valuable source of information and hosts educational workshops on inclusion and accessibility.

For more information, please contact

Lasse Bredvig Hangaard Industry consultant, BVT
(+45) 5218 5990 (Mobile)
laha@di.dk
Danske Vaskerier – BVT

Daniel Kärrholt, CEO Sveriges Tvätteriförbund
(+46) 705 11 36 85
daniel@tvatteriforbundet.se
Tvatteriforbundet.se

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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