Foreword

"Every day, millions of people across Europe wear, sleep on, eat off or use rental textiles in some way or other. Rental textiles include workwear and protective clothing, corporate business wear, hospital and surgical textiles, textiles for hotels, restaurants and care homes, hand-drying towels, floor mats and mops and industrial wipers. Textile services include textile selection, garment manufacturing, stock management, logistics and delivery, care and maintenance.

Our industry association represents the leading textile services companies, as well as the detergent, fabric and garment manufacturers. This industry is a major contributor to the European economy, with a current annual turnover of circa €11 billion (2012) and employing 135 000 people in the EU.

Despite the negative economic climate, the textile services market has grown in almost every segment and product type in recent years. In a study carried out for ETSA in 2014, Deloitte estimate the textile services industry in Europe could reach up to €46 billion annual turnover. Deloitte's report "Quantifying the Opportunity, European textile services market sizing study", looks at the potential growth by product, by sector and by country.

Renting textiles is the alternative to owning textiles or using disposables. With the increased trend for outsourcing as a cost effective solution for businesses, the future of this industry looks bright.  Our website provides details on the day to day workings of our business, our commitment to a sustainable environment and our corporate responsibility. I hope you find what you need."

Elena Lai
ETSA Secretary General