Mulching Materials Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product (Organic Mulching Materials and Inorganic Mulching Materials), Sale Channel, Functionality, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Mulching Materials Market is accounted for $4.27 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $7.48 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. Mulching materials are substances applied to the soil surface to enhance its quality, conserve moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and improve aesthetics, these materials can be organic. Organic mulches decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients, while inorganic mulches provide long-lasting coverage without decomposing.

According to the National Gardening Association, 35% of American households either cultivate their own food at home or participate in community gardens.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing landscaping activities

The need for landscaping solutions is being driven by businesses and homeowners who are concentrating more on improving outdoor areas. Mulching products are popular for lawns and gardens because they enhance soil quality and moisture retention. These products provide an economical and eco-friendly alternative by reducing the growth of weeds. The demand for mulching is being further increased by the expansion of landscaping services brought about by urbanisation. The market's expansion is fuelled by consumer demand for low-maintenance, aesthetically beautiful landscapes. As a result, this trend helps the mulching materials sector continue to grow steadily.

Restraint:

Environmental concerns with inorganic mulches

Environmental concerns surrounding inorganic mulches, these mulches do not biodegrade, leading to long-term environmental pollution. The accumulation of plastic in soils and waterways can harm ecosystems and wildlife. As awareness of environmental issues grows, demand for sustainable alternatives is rising. Governments and organizations are imposing regulations to limit the use of non-biodegradable mulches. This shift towards eco-friendly options challenges traditional mulching practices and creates market uncertainty for inorganic mulch producers.

Opportunity:

Innovation in biodegradable mulches

The natural breakdown of the biodegradable alternatives lowers waste and pollution in the environment. The demand for these items is increased by the increased focus on sustainability in agriculture. Biodegradable mulches increase soil health by lowering weed growth and improving moisture retention. In keeping with worldwide trends towards sustainability, they also endorse organic farming methods. Biodegradable mulch solutions are becoming more affordable and long-lasting as a result of research and development. As environmental responsibility becomes more important to farmers and consumers, the market for biodegradable mulches keeps growing.

Threat:

Competitive market dynamics

Competitive market dynamics in the mulching materials market leads to reduced profit margins, especially for smaller players unable to scale efficiently. Innovation can be stifled as companies focus more on cost-cutting than on product differentiation. Additionally, the rise of low-cost, inferior-quality alternatives hampers the growth of premium products. Companies may face challenges in differentiating themselves based on sustainability or eco-friendliness due to a saturated market. Finally, intense competition can result in overproduction, leading to stock imbalances and wasted resources.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mulching materials market, disrupting supply chains and causing production delays. The closure of manufacturing facilities and transportation restrictions hindered the availability of raw materials, affecting both cost and delivery times. Additionally, reduced agricultural activities during lockdowns led to a decline in demand for mulching products. However, post-pandemic, the market has gradually recovered, driven by an increasing focus on sustainable farming practices and the growing demand for eco-friendly materials.

The modern trade segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The modern trade segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, by providing easy access to a wide range of products. Retailers such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and online platforms offer convenience to consumers. They also enhance product visibility, increasing awareness about the benefits of mulching materials. With rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, modern trade channels promote the adoption of such products. The availability of various mulching options in these stores caters to different customer needs. This accessibility and targeted marketing drive growth in the mulching materials market.

The horticultural crops segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The horticultural crops segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, due to its increased demand for sustainable agricultural practices. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, benefiting fruit, vegetable, and flower production. The rising popularity of organic farming encourages the use of biodegradable mulches, boosting market growth. Additionally, horticultural crops require consistent protection from environmental stresses, which mulching materials provide. With the growing global focus on enhancing crop yields and quality, the segment sees continuous growth.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period driven by the expanding agricultural sector, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan. Rising demand for sustainable farming practices and the need for efficient water management are key factors contributing to this growth. The region's increasing focus on organic farming and environmentally friendly products has spurred the adoption of biodegradable mulches. Moreover, government initiatives supporting agricultural innovation, coupled with growing awareness of soil health, are further propelling the demand for mulching materials across Asia Pacific.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices and environmentally friendly solutions. Growing knowledge of mulching's advantages, including its ability to control temperature, reduce weeds, and retain moisture. Additionally, the adoption of organic farming practices in the U.S. and Canada is encouraging the use of biodegradable and eco-friendly mulching products. Government initiatives promoting sustainable farming and landscaping, along with the growing horticultural and residential gardening sectors, are further boosting the market in North America.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Mulching Materials Market include Bark Unlimited, Mulch & Soil Council, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Oldcastle Lawn & Garden, Woodland Mulch, Vigoro, Timberline, DowDuPont Inc., Evonik Industries AG, BASF SE, Kellogg Garden Products, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., Sungro Horticulture, BioBag International AS, Organix Solutions, Pioneer Landscape Centers, Coco Mulch, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Texas Organic Products and Green-Tech Ltd.

Key Developments:

In September 2024, Scotts Miracle-Gro partnered with Google Cloud to develop an AI-powered agent for enhancing consumer experiences. This agent will provide product recommendations and gardening advice, marking a significant technological advancement for the company.

In January 2024, Kellogg has collaborated with Disney to create co-branded cereal products featuring popular characters from franchises like Mickey Mouse and Frozen. This partnership aims to attract families and children, expanding Kellogg's consumer base through engaging marketing strategies.

In December 2023, Bark has partnered with REI to distribute a selection of its "Super Chewer" heavy-duty dog toys and outdoor-themed plush toys. This partnership aims to attract active consumers who enjoy outdoor activities with their pets, enhancing Bark's visibility in the retail space.

Products Covered:

• Organic Mulching Materials
• Inorganic Mulching Materials

Sale Channels Covered:

• Modern Trade
• Garden Supply Stores
• Online Stores
• Other Sale Channels

Functionalities Covered:

• Weed Control
• Soil Temperature Regulation
• Moisture Retention
• Aesthetic Purpose
• Soil Fertilization
• Other Functionalities

Applications Covered:

• Agricultural Crops
• Horticultural Crops
• Landscaping and Gardening
• Erosion Control and Soil Protection
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances