Laundry Folding Equipment Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Machine Type (Semi-Automatic and Automatic); By Application (Residential, Commercial, Hotels, Hospitals, and Others (Apparel Laundries)), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Laundry folding machines are robots that fold apparel and clothing in a specified manner such that they can be stored in a compact and orderly manner. This machine offers high performance with folding in cross directions and stacking. The machines are offered in two categories, semi-automatic and automatic. Automation has provided an extension to the industry with leading-edge technology and revenue-based opportunities by venturing into the service sector.

The global laundry folding machine industry has evolved vividly in recent years, primarily driven by technological innovations, changing consumer behavior and lifestyles, and the high demand for efficiency in residential and commercial laundry operations. Furthermore, emphasis on the development of folding machines that are highly efficient and consume less energy and aligning with sustainability initiatives in the laundry industry is bolstering product demand.

• In June 2024, Duffloo, a leading laundry services provider, launched its convenient and affordable laundry services in Toronto. Duffloo offers the doorstep quick pickup and drop and transparent cleaning, washing, and folding services through its wide network of pro washers and cleaners.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economic growth that put much pressure on the small business and service sectors. During the pandemic, there was an emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, leading to a rise in the demand for laundry services and automation to minimize human contact.

Impact of Generative AI on the Laundry Folding Market

The strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into laundry folding machines helps optimize the operational performance by effective upgradation through cloud data. Additionally, the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technology into the machines for maintenance alerts, remote monitoring, and data analytics helps optimize performance and efficiency. The AI algorithm helps machines optimize the storage of clothes in a more compact order. Further, algorithms are getting updated with the application and as per the usage of the end user's daily routine and behavioral patterns, providing a better user experience.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Micro Macro Economic Indicators


• Drivers, Restraints, Trends, and Opportunities


• Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players


• Impact of Generative AI on the Global Laundry Folding Market


• Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players

Analysis By Machine Type

The automated folding machines segment is set to acquire the largest market share due to continuous innovations in robotics, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI). These technological advancements have led to the development of automated folding machines that are more faster, accurate, and capable of handling various types of fabrics.

The semi-automatic folding machines segment is witnessing stable growth owing to the soaring demand for the equipment in the residential sector and easy affordability.

Regional Analysis

The global laundry folding machine market has been studied across five regions: North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific.

In 2023, the largest market share was held by the Asia Pacific region owing to growing investments in cutting technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial laundry, particularly in lucrative markets such as China, India, and Japan. Additionally, China dominates the Asia Pacific market, acquiring the highest market share due to rapid urbanization, rising middle-class population, and growing disposable incomes across tier 1 and tier 2 cities. The advancements across China's smart home technology are driving the demand for laundry services and automation.

• In April 2024, Chinese tech firm Stardust launched its humanoid robot, Astribot S1. The robot is backed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that can easily fold laundry, tidy up, and perform other complex tasks.

The laundry folding market in North America is benefiting from the government's push for adoption of sustainability initiatives, smart home technologies, and AI-driven advancements.

The growing demand for automated machinery from the hospitality sector, commercial laundries, and tech-savvy consumers drive market expansion across other regions such as Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Distribution of the Global Laundry Folding Market, By Region of Origin:

• North America – 26%


• South America – 5%


• Europe – 29%


• Middle East and Africa – 7%


• Asia Pacific – 33%

Key Players Covered

The key players in this market include FoldiMate, Seven Dreamers Laboratories, Shanghai Jinyi Washing Equipment Manufacturing, Ramsons Garment Finishing Equipments, Consolidated Laundry Machinery, Sara Equipments, Panasonic Corporation, Sunrise Garment Machinery Pvt. Ltd., Swets GmBH, and STATHL.

Key Industry Developments

• August 2023: Sewts GmBH, a Germany-based start-up working in robotic technology for the textile industry, raised an investment of USD 7.67 million in a series A funding round with amazing investors on board. Emerald Technology Ventures, CNB Capital, Nabtesco Technology Venture, Equity Pitcher Ventures, and other new investors led the funding.


• July 2023: Sewts GmBH, a Germany-based robotic technology start-up, introduced Velum, an advanced AI and computer vision software for robots. The Velun system has been developed to automate the current labor-intensive processes in laundries. The system's first unit has been operational at the Grief Textile Mietsysteme in Germany since November 2022.