The dry cleaning market in Italy

The dry cleaning and laundry services market is a key sector of the global economy, offering essential solutions for the care of domestic and industrial garments and textiles. This market encompasses a wide range of services, from washing and ironing garments to maintaining delicate fabrics and furniture. Its relevance is related to the growing consumer demand for convenience and time-saving, coupled with the importance of ensuring the cleaning and maintenance of textiles in a variety of settings, such as domestic, commercial, and healthcare.

The main components of the market include:

Dry cleaning: A method that uses chemical solvents instead of water, particularly suitable for delicate fabrics such as silk, wool and leather.

Traditional laundries: Services that rely on washing with water and detergents, often offered in full-service or self-service laundries.

Industrial services: A sector dedicated to maintaining textiles for hotels, hospitals, restaurants and other businesses, often characterized by high volumes and recurring contracts.

Craft and custom services: Includes tailoring repairs, custom garment cleaning, and specific treatments for fine fabrics.

he global dry cleaning and laundry services market was valued at $74.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $120.7 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 percent from 2024 to 2031.

In Italy, the dry cleaning market shows steady growth. Combining data on the value of the industrial and artisanal dry cleaning market shows that between 2024 and 2030, the value of the market increases from 2.98 billion euros in 2024 to 3.56 billion euros in 2030, registering an overall increase of 19.5%. This linear trend reflects a stable and continuous growth of the industry.

Comparing the two markets shows that the global market is growing at a faster rate than the Italian market. The global CAGR of 7 percent indicates a more accelerated growth than the 19.5 percent increase expected in Italy over the period. This suggests that although the Italian dry cleaning market is growing steadily, the global market is experiencing a more significant expansion, likely driven by factors such as urbanization, rising disposable income, and increasing demand for laundry services in emerging regions.