Most Swedes recognize the iconic Solstickan brand. But while matchsticks might seem lightweight and easy to ship, a visit to Swedish Match’s factory in Tidaholm paints a different picture. Each year, 330 million matchboxes are produced here—each one containing around 50 matchsticks. In the end, it adds up to serious volume.

- We use rail transport for about half of our outbound shipments, which amounts to approximately 275 TEUs annually, says Kristher Svensson, Logistics & Procurement Manager at Swedish Match.

To reduce truck traffic between Tidaholm and Falköping, they load as many 40-foot containers as possible and aim to use HVO 100 and electricity wherever feasible for the first and last mile.

- Sustainability in transportation is always under scrutiny. Customers ask about our practices, and we collect data from all our transport partners to ensure they’re moving in the right direction. It’s important to show customers that we’re doing our part.

As for reliability, he says it's nearly perfect. Containers are booked 4–6 weeks in advance, picked up on the correct day, and loaded at the factory while the driver waits. Then the container is brought to Falköping, placed on a train, and sent straight to a waiting ship in the Port of Gothenburg.

The short distance to Falköping, and the direct trains to Gothenburg, offer multiple benefits: reduced costs, faster turnaround, and no delays on congested roads. That means cargo gets onto the right vessel at the right time, ensuring Swedish Match’s global deliveries stay on schedule.

Though communication with the port isn’t daily, Svensson values the relationship.

- It works great with the team at the Port of Gothenburg. Whenever I have a question or need to talk to someone, they’re there.

Looking ahead, he expects the matchstick business to remain relatively stable. But he’s hopeful that demand for “brown cubes”—used to light fireplaces and barbecues—will grow.

- A lot of those go in containers from Gothenburg to grill-hungry Australia. A few shipments have even made it to Japan, and we see strong potential there.

And it’s not just overseas markets in play. With long lead times, Swedish Match can use sustainable sea transport even within Europe, such as to Portugal and Ireland.

- We load a fair amount onto trailers that then reach customers via ships from the Port of Gothenburg.

If he could dream big, Svensson would love to see rail go all the way to Tidaholm. But until then, he’s content.

- We’re lucky. The proximity to Falköping and the frequent departures to the Port of Gothenburg make both our operations, and my job, much easier.”

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