The market for textile rental services in the CEE countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania) grew by 14% last year to a volume of €454.8 million. Double-digit growth is also expected this year, according to a study by Interconnection Consulting.

For 2023, the study forecasts growth of 10.2% for textile rental services in the CEE countries. In the coming years, growth will be more moderate, averaging around 5%. The market volume shows that, compared to Western Europe, the market is still in its infancy and still has considerable room for improvement in terms of economic output. “Romania in particular is still in the entry phase with very few players,” explains Laszlo Barla, the author of the study. Overall, Poland is by far the most important market with a market volume of around €200 million. The Czech Republic and Hungary follow with €98 million and €80 million respectively.

Industry is the Dominant Sales Market

Industry, handcraft & trade is the largest sales market for textile rental services, accounting for around two-thirds of the total market volume. The automotive sector is an important customer in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland. The hospitality sector is a long way behind with 13.3% and the healthcare sector with a share of 12.4%. The share of industry, handcraft & trade in the largest CEE submarket is even more impressive. In Poland, the share of the industry & handcraft & trade sector is around 75%. In the Czech Republic, the share of the healthcare sector is disproportionately high at around a quarter of the total volume. Overall, the hospitality sector will generate the highest growth. In 2023 alone, Interconnection expects an increase in revenue of 17%. Workwear is the strongest product segment with a share of 55%, followed by linen service with around 12% and mat services with 10%. Cleanroom textiles show the highest average annual growth rate at +7.9%.

Most Important Players Come from the West

Among the competitors, in addition to Elis (France) and CWS (Germany), Lindström (Finland), which focuses on workwear and mat services and Salesianer Miettex from Austria (as a full-service provider) are also important. Overall, the top 5 companies have a market share of around 63%.

17/10/2023

Copyright: Interconnection, Publication free of charge for coverage regarding the study and InterConnection Consulting.