Fabric Softener Market Size, Industry Share, Growth Trends and Forecasts (2023 - 2031)

By Product Type :

The product type segment is categorized into liquid, sheets, sprays, tablets, and others. In 2022, the liquid segment accounted for the highest fabric softener market share of 57.28% in the market. Liquid softeners are widely utilized in the residential and commercial sectors as the product boosts the durability of clothes by reducing the movement of fibers within the yarn. Also, consumer preference for fully automatic washing machines over semi-automatic ones has been increasing the requirement for liquid softeners. This is due to the ability of the product to easily mix during the rinsing cycle of the washing machine. Hence there is high demand for the product in textile production, hospitality, laundry services, households, and others. Thus, due to the aforementioned factors, the liquid segment is experiencing significant fabric softener market growth.

Moreover, the sheets segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period in the fabric softener market. The sheets are useful in eliminating wrinkles and static, adding soothing fragrance, and keeping the clothes softer. They are pre-moistened sheets which are designed to be placed in the dryer. Also, the sheets are known for preserving the color and improving the longevity of clothes. Assessment of market trends indicates that new product launches by the key players in the market are boosting the proliferation of sheets segment. For instance, in June 2021, AlEn USA LLC expanded its product portfolio with new two products such as Ensueno Liquid Laundry Detergent and Ensueno Scent Booster Dryer Sheets. These products offer a complete laundry care solution and are available at selected retailers nationwide. Hence due to the aforementioned factors, the sheet segment is growing positively in the market.

By Nature :

The nature segment is categorized into organic and conventional. In 2022, the organic segment accounted for the highest market share and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period in the fabric softener market. Consumers are highly inclined to eco-friendly and organic laundry care products as the products have less impact on the environment. Also, various manufacturers in the market are focusing more on organic ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, and others in the products as they are efficient enough to not damage the hands of the washer and do not bleach out colors from the cloth. Assessment of market trends indicates that new product launches by the key players in the market have been boosting the proliferation of organic softener products. For instance, in May 2021, Devan Chemicals, a worldwide developer of specialty chemicals for textiles, launched a bio-based softener product that is derived from vegetable oils. Hence, new and innovative product launches in the market are driving the organic segment in the market.

By End-Use Industry :

The end-use industry segment is categorized into residential and commercial. The commercial segment is categorized into hotels and restaurants, hospitals, and others. In 2022, the commercial segment accounted for the highest market share in the fabric softener market. Owing to the usage of fresh and stain-free towels, bed sheets, and other products. Also, it is widely demanded in hotels and the textile production sector across the globe. Moreover, expansion in the textile and hospital sector globally is driving the expansion of the segment in the market. Assessment of market trends indicates that the increasing investment by different governments in expanding the healthcare infrastructure is driving the proliferation of the commercial segment. For instance, according to a recent report by India Brand Equity Foundation in 2023, the Indian government is planning to introduce a credit incentive program worth USD 6.8 billion to boost the country's healthcare infrastructure. Hence, due to the aforementioned factors, the commercial segment is witnessing significant fabric softener market growth.

Moreover, the residential segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period in the fabric softener market. Due to the necessity of for washing machines in urban areas, the softeners are widely demanded in different households. The product can be incorporated into automatic washing machines and thus increasing sales of automatic washing machines is increasing the growing requirement for the softeners. Also, increasing residential constructions and expansion of the real estate sector is proving to be a catalyst for the proliferation of market. Hence, due to the aforementioned factors, the residential segment is experiencing positive development and is forecasted to grow further in the forecast years.

By Distribution Channel :

The distribution channel segment is categorized into online (company-owned website, e-commerce), and offline (hypermarket/supermarket, specialty stores, departmental stores, and others). In 2022, the offline segment accounted for the highest market share in the fabric softener market. The offline segment has been showcasing major proliferation due to the time delivery of the product, personalized recommendations from the staff, wide variety to choose from on the spot, and shopping satisfaction. Consumers do get advised by the sales staff about the advantages of different product types of softeners so that the consumers can check the quality of the product on the spot and make a wise purchase decision accordingly. Analysis of fabric softener market trends concludes that the expansion of the softener and conditioner businesses in large retail outlets is acting as a catalyst for the proliferation of the offline segment. Hence, due to the aforementioned advantages of the offline distribution channel, this segment is foreseeing high segmental growth in the market.

Moreover, the online segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the overall fabric softener market during this forecast period. This is due to the rise in e-commerce platforms and increasing digitalization across the globe. Consumers prefer ease of shopping, and easy product returns, and thus online shopping is considered a time-saving approach. Analysis of fabric softener market trends concludes that the 24*7 access to the product lines by the customers acts as a catalyst for the expansion of the online segment. Hence, due to the mentioned advantages of online distribution channel, the segment in the market is growing significantly.

By Region :

The regional segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

In 2022, North America accounted for the highest market share at 37.21%, was valued at USD 7,218.74 million in 2022 and USD 7,424.03 million in 2023, it is expected to reach USD 10,089.08 Million in 2031. In North America, the U.S. accounted for the highest market share of 89.30% during the base year 2022. Owing to the large working population coupled with the high disposable income of the consumers in the region. Furthermore, the high living standard of consumers coupled with the presence of major market players in the region, the market is growing significantly in North America. The fabric softener market analysis concluded that the increasing laundry and textile industry in the region is significantly impacting the market proliferation.

Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during 2023-2031. Increasing urbanization coupled with a rise in population in the region is leading to the growing adoption of fabric softeners in the Asia Pacific. The fabric softener market analysis concluded that the adoption of a healthy lifestyle coupled with rising concern for hygiene is driving the market expansion in Asia Pacific. Furthermore, growing numbers of the working population in the region is acting as a catalyst for market proliferation. Hence, due to the aforementioned factors, the market in Asia Pacific is growing at a significant rate.