Europe's Professional Detergents Market Grows 4.5% as Innovation Drives Demand

The professional textile detergents market across six key European markets is expected to grow by 4.5% in value in 2026, reaching approximately €3.29 billion, according to Interconnection Consulting’s IC Market Tracking Detergents B2B in Europe study. Growth is driven by demand for more efficient and specialized products that reduce energy consumption and optimize washing processes. Market volume is expected to increase by 1.8%, indicating that value growth will outpace consumption.

All six countries are expected to record market value growth in 2026. Poland leads with 5.5%, supported by a competitive domestic manufacturing industry, followed by the United Kingdom (+5.1%), driven by industrial laundry demand, and Spain (+4.5%), benefiting from tourism and hospitality. Growth is also expected in Germany (+4.4%), where industry consolidation is progressing; the Netherlands (+4.2%), focused on higher-value solutions; and France (+3.1%), sustained by healthcare and industrial demand.

The most widely purchased products are alkaline detergents, accounting for 25.3% of the market, followed by disinfectants (24.4%). Meanwhile, enzymatic detergents are expected to grow the fastest, with a CAGR of 8.2% through 2029, benefiting from demand for effective low-temperature washing. Concentrated formulations and automated dosing systems are also gaining importance as sustainability and energy efficiency become priorities.

The largest consumers of professional detergents belong to the Industrial Laundry / Textile Rental segment, which accounts for 51.1% of the market in 2026, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.4% through 2029. Its dominance reflects the large volumes of textiles processed for hotels, hospitals, and institutional customers, while industry consolidation and larger laundry facilities are supporting further expansion.

“Industrial laundries are becoming larger and gaining greater purchasing power, changing their relationships with suppliers. Manufacturers must increasingly differentiate themselves through technical expertise and long-term partnerships rather than price alone,” explains Rubén Rodríguez, author of the study at Interconnection Consulting.

Leading companies include BÜFA, Christeyns, Clovin, Diversey / Solenis, Dr. Schnell, Ecolab, Kersia, Kreussler, Proquimia, and Werner & Mertz Professional. Together, these ten manufacturers account for approximately 45.6% of the market across the countries analyzed, highlighting the continued importance of regional competitors.

The outlook for Europe’s professional detergents market remains positive, with the six countries analyzed expected to reach a combined market value of €3.75 billion by 2029. This represents nearly €460 million in additional market value compared to 2026, highlighting the industry’s sustained growth potential and the opportunities ahead for manufacturers and suppliers.