Mulching Material Market

Mulching Material Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

In its latest updated study, Fact.MR has analysed the global mulching material market size to grow from US$ 3.93 billion in 2024 to US$ 8.42 billion by 2034, which equates to a CAGR of 7.9% for the next ten years. Market growth is being mainly driven by the several developments undertaken by governments across the world in water, topsoil, and backyard ecosystem conservation.

Mulch is made up of natural or inorganic material used to suppress weeds, hold dampness in the soil, forestall the ice curling in winter, keep the dirt cool, and make the garden appealing. As the organic mulch decomposes, it enhances the soil structure, nutrient-holding ability, and drainage.

• The North American mulching material market size is calculated at US$ 850.4 million for 2024.
• East Asia is projected to hold 24.6% of the global mulching material market share by 2034.

Organic mulch includes bark, shredded, pine needles, shredded leaves, and straw while inorganic or synthetic mulch includes black plastic, landscape fabric, and stone/gravel. Mulches are available in various colors such as brown, red, and black.

The market is expected to boost on the back of improved gardening and lawn participation by the millennials. The mulches are also exhibiting adoption in households, public, corporate, hotel gardens, and horticulture farms.

• Short Term (2024 Q2 to 2027): Rising utilization of mulching materials in the agriculture industry and increasing expenditure on gardening activities will positively influence mulching material market growth.
• Medium Term (2027 to 2030): East Asia and South Asia & Oceania are anticipated to exhibit increasing demand for mulching materials on the back of advancing agricultural technologies and commercial farms.
• Long Term (2030 to 2034): Development of biodegradable mulches and proliferation of playgrounds coupled with increasing government spending on lawns and gardening will amplify mulching material demand growth in the long run.

Report Attributes	Details
Mulching Material Market Size (2024E)	US$ 3.93 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 8.42 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.9% CAGR
South Korea Market Value (2034F)	US$ 288 Million
Inorganic Mulch Demand Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.9% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	The Scotts Company LLC Woodland Mulch Jolly Gardener Novamont S.p.A Ohio Mulch Preen Renewable Fiber Inc. Bailey Bark Materials, Inc. Cowart Mulch Products, Inc. FKuR Kunststoff GmbH

Why are Mulching Material Sales Gaining Momentum?

“Growing Gardening and Horticulture Activities Increasing Consumption of Mulching Materials”

Mulches are gaining popularity in backyards because of the elegance they provide to gardens. Not only do they enhance the appearance of the lawns, but they also limit weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.

For the past several years, mulch materials have served the sole purpose of beautifying the gardens and making them presentable. However, their advantages such as fertility amplification and moisture and temperature retention also add to their increasing consumption prospects in residential areas.

Nurseries, small farms, and forests that are specially allocated for the cultivation of exceptional species of plants require particular sprouting conditions. As such, they are highly equipped with mulching materials that help in moisture retention, weed prevention, and soil erosion.

Organic mulches on decomposition act as manure and provide fertility to the soil. Pine needles, grass clippings, wood shredding, and sawdust are common mulch materials that also encourage the growth of earthworms in the soil. Inorganic mulches are mostly preferred for large nurseries due to their longevity and low cost of procurement.

“Rising Popularity of Mulches Enriched with Weed Preventers Notable Mulching Material Market Trend”

Weed-preventing mulch is guaranteed to block weeds for up to six months and is available in several colors. Mulch is already recognized for preventing the growth of weeds, although in certain instances, if not layered properly, it may not eradicate the weeds completely.

Weed-preventing mulches are thus increasingly being considered to be necessary to protect perennial plants. Mulches with weed preventers can be spread only 2 inches deep because of their additional weed barrier, whereas ordinary mulches are recommended to be spread 3 inches deep for the best results. These novel mulches are set to create a new benchmark in the mulching material market.

“Colored Variants Pitched by Producers Driving Attention of End Users”

Along with the various pre-existing benefits of mulches such as weed control, preservation of soil dampness, decrease in dirt disintegration, and so forth, manufacturers have tracked down a fascinating use of mulches.

Mulches can be colored distinctively to expand the appeal of gardens and nurseries. Mulches are available in different shadings such as red mulch, earthy-colored mulch, and dark mulch. Red-hued mulch is generally used with rock gardens, earthy-colored mulch is universally favored as it keeps both light and dull plants in the spotlight, whereas dark mulches are preferred by individuals having hazier green nurseries.

Which Aspects Can Hinder Sales Growth of Mulching Materials?

“High Installation Cost Hampering Widespread Adoption Mulching Materials”

Though the procurement and processing of mulching materials require relatively low costs, their installation and delivery costs add to 30% to 45% of the total expenses based on the mulching area. Establishment of mulching material is labor-intensive. Another purpose behind the significant expense of mulches is the fading of colors in the colored mulches throughout some periods, which diminishes the overall value of the item.

Mulches are introduced in large areas such as homesteads and water system lands and take up long periods of time for installation, driving up installation costs. Also, the protocols on the use of inorganic mulches such as black plastic and plastic films are likely to hamper the sales of inorganic mulching materials to some extent.

What Strategic Approaches are New Companies Taking?

“Focus on Product Innovation and Differentiation to Gain Foothold”

New companies should focus on innovating product features or characteristics. For this they can invest heavily on R&D or collaborate with any research centers. By offering innovative mulching materials new companies can attract a wider consumer base.

• Grow Bioplastics a Tennessee-based start-up is advancing in the mulching material sector by introducing biodegradable solutions including lignin-based mulch films.

Country-wise Analysis

Will the Trend of Organic Farming Drive Mulching Material Sales in the United States?

“Organic Mulch Demand Gaining Traction in United States”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 609.7 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.08 Billion

• According to the National Gardening Association, 35% of American households either cultivate their own food at home or participate in community gardens. Because more people are growing their own food, more ‘organic labeled’ materials are being used, which includes organic mulches.

The government has allocated funds under the Land and Water Conservation Fund for preserving water resources. The water management system prioritizes landscaping and provides tips on the conservation of water. The usage of mulch plays an essential role in retaining moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering of fields, increasing water conservation.

Which is a Key Market for Mulching Materials in East Asia?

“Rising Application of Mulch Films in Expanding Agricultural Sector in China”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 499.6 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.18 Billion

Mulches are exhibiting increasing adoption in households and agricultural yields. Not only the households but their use in the playgrounds is boosting the sales of mulches. Furthermore, high agricultural capability apprehends the demand for mulching materials in China. The overgrowing sense of sustainability among consumers is shaping the organic mulching materials sales affirmatively.

Will Germany be a Profitable Market for Mulching Material Producers?

“Growing Demand for Advanced Mulching Materials”

Germany is forefront in innovation. Manufacturers in Germany are focusing on developing biodegradable and multilayer mulching films. Expanding horticulture sector in Germany is also generating profitable opportunities for mulching material producers. The German government is offering several policies and initiatives supporting the greenhouse horticultural activities, further boosting adoption of organic mulch films.

Category-wise Analysis

Why are Organic Mulches Preferred by End Users?

“Biodegradability Driving Adoption of Organic Mulch Films”

Attribute	Organic Mulches
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 2.19 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 5.01 Billion

Organic mulches usage is being appreciated due to its extravagant benefits in enhancing the fertility of the soil, easily decomposed, weed preventer, temperature, and pH equilibrium. Mulches with weed preventers magnify the advantages offered by organic mulches. Also, the utilization of straws under organic mulches is significantly increasing during the course of time due to their ease of availability.

Organic mulch films are biodegradable and increase soil fertility and water retention capacity after decaying. Organic mulch is better than inorganic mulch as inorganic mulch contains plastic that holds a high amount of heat which is harmful to plants. The respective governments across the globe are implementing strict rules regarding the use of plastic films, driving sales of organic mulches.

Which is the Prime Sales Channel for Mulching Materials?

“Modern Trade Handsomely Leading Sales of Mulching Materials”

Attribute	Modern Trade
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 964.6 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	9.1 % CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 2.30 Billion

Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider estimates that the modern trade segment is estimated to hold 24.5% of the global market share in 2024.

Consumers nowadays across the world, be it a developed country or a developing one, are well aware of shopping through modern retail sectors. Modern retail stores such as supermarket, hypermarkets, or large-market stores offer wide range of products including agriculture. Consumers are able to compare and get the best product at reasonable rates. Thus, growing trend of shopping through superstores is increasing the sales of mulching materials.

Competitive Landscape

The mulching material market is highly competitive in nature, the presence of several manufacturers and entry of new companies across the globe is intensifying the overall competition. Key players in the mulching material market are utilizing robust research and development units, and extensively deploying funds and man forces to achieve innovative products.

To increase the implementation of mulches, companies are trading in bulk as well as small offerings so that they can captivate more customers. They are also organizing different fundraising activities to create awareness of both social causes and products.

• In 2020, Mulch Manufacturing was acquired by National Storm Recovery Inc. to create a sustainable green team.

Key Segments of Mulching Material Market Research

• By Product Type :

  • Organic Mulches
    • Barked, Shredded, or Chipped
    • Pine Needles
    • Grass Clippings
    • Shredded Leaves
    • Straw
  • Inorganic Mulches
    • Black Plastic
    • Landscape Fabric
    • Stone/Gravel
    • Others

• By Application :

  • Residential Applications
  • Gardens
    • Public Garden
    • Corporate Gardens
    • Hotels and Resort Gardens
  • Horticulture
  • Others

• By Sales Channel :

  • Modern Trade
  • Garden Supply Stores
  • Online Stores
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa