Market for Textile Rental Services in CEE Increased by 15.8% in 2023

The market for textile rental services in the CEE countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania) achieved impressive growth of 15.8% last year to a volume of €526.6 million. According to a study by Interconnection Consulting the market shows a further increase of 5.6% for 2024, which indicates an increasingly dynamic and future-oriented market environment.

Poland as Market Leader and Romania in the Initial Stage

The market for textile rental services in the CEE region is showing impressive growth, with Poland emerging as the clear market leader. With a market volume of 232.5 million euros in 2023, Poland takes the top position. This makes it clear that the market for textile rental services in CEE is still in its early development phase and offers great potential for further growth compared to Western Europe. Romania in particular is currently in the initial phase of the market, with a comparatively low outsourcing share and only a few established market participants. The Czech Republic and Hungary follow with market volumes of 117 million euros and 88 million euros respectively, while Romania is still at the beginning of its market development.

Workwear Dominates the Market in CEE

At around 54%, workwear is the strongest product segment on the textile rental market in CEE. Companies are increasingly relying on high-quality and functional work clothing to meet the specific requirements of their employees and ensure professional standards. In second place is the linen service product, which accounts for around 14% of the market volume. This involves the provision of table and bed linen as well as other textiles for the hotel, gastronomy and healthcare industries. The mat service, which accounts for 10% of the market, includes the provision and maintenance of dirt catcher mats, but also anti-fatigue mats, which are of great importance both for hygiene and for improving the workplace.

Automotive Sector as an Important Customer

The industry, handcraft and trade customer segment is the largest customer in the CEE region. With a market share of 66.2%, this area dominates the market. The automotive sector is an important customer in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland. In comparison, the share of the hotel and gastronomy sector is 14.4% and the healthcare sector is 12.9%. Particularly noteworthy is the share of industry, handcraft and trade in the largest submarket in Poland, where this sector accounts for 74% of the market volume. In the Czech Republic, on the other hand, the health sector is particularly well represented, with a disproportionately high share of around a quarter of the total volume.

Major Players come from Western Europe

The main competitors are Elis (France), CWS (Germany), Lindström (Finland) and Salesianer Miettex (Austria), which together have a market share of around 54%. Study author Laszlo Barla comments: “The textile rental market in CEE is on an impressive growth path. The region offers enormous potential for companies that want to enter this dynamic market or expand their market shares.”