Manufactures 200 million matches every day
We have over 175 brands worldwide
World-leading manufacturer of matches

The retro archive

Eldakademin

Over the years, a diverse flora of matchbox labels has been created – more than 9,000 export brands have been produced in Sweden. Three Stars, the ‘Mona-Lisa of labels,’ is probably the most famous brand of matches in the world and was registered as early as 1887.

The success of Swedish matches is due to their superior quality. Competitors tried to make their matches look as ‘Swedish’ as possible by plagiarizing the labels.

The most copied version was the original yellow label from the Jönköping match factory with the slogan ‘Tända endast mot lådans plån’ (Strike on box only). With 450 known (!) imitations, this is probably the most plagiarized brand.

In the 1880s, the machines left small marks on the inner trays of Swedish matchboxes. When the machines were replaced at the turn of the century and the marks disappeared, sales suddenly dropped in some countries. The buyers apparently considered the marks a ‘certificate of authenticity’ that the matches actually came from Jönköping...

Some of our most iconic matchbox motifs over the years can be found here.

The history of matches

Throughout history, fires have been essential for survival. Various types of firestarters have existed since the roman period but it wasn’t until the 1800s, when the phosphorus match was first invented, that the modern match began to evolve.

Fire and safety

In Sweden, the right of public access allows everyone to roam freely in forests and the countryside. It also allows us to light an open fire in the countryside if conditions are safe. But what are ‘safe conditions,’ and what are the best safety tips when lighting fires in the countryside?

Forests and the climate

The Swedish forest is fantastic and has a number of benefits for the environment and the climate. However, many people believe that the forest is running out. That's not true. Here you can read about how the Swedish forests are constantly expanding and in what way the forest do good, both as it grows and when it is used.