Mulching Materials Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Organic, Inorganic), By Application (Residential, Horticulture), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Mulching Materials Market Size & Trends

The global mulching materials market size was estimated at USD 3.89 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2024 to 2030. The market is primarily driven by growing awareness of sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation. Mulching helps in moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed control, making it a vital tool in enhancing crop yield, especially in water-scarce regions. The increasing adoption of organic farming methods has also boosted the demand for organic mulching materials such as straw, wood chips, and compost. In addition, the rise of home gardening and landscaping trends has contributed to the increased use of mulching materials in residential areas, further driving the market.

As consumers and businesses become more environmentally conscious, there is a shift toward biodegradable and eco-friendly mulching options. Furthermore, the agricultural industry's growing focus on reducing chemical inputs and improving soil health aligns well with mulching practices and is further supporting market growth. Governments and organizations promoting sustainable farming in regions like Asia Pacific and providing subsidies for adopting eco-friendly practices have also been key factors driving the market.

Advancements in agricultural technologies, such as precision farming and automated mulching techniques, are likely to create new market opportunities. As these technologies become more widespread, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of mulching will improve, thus driving its usage in both large-scale agriculture and small-scale gardening. Moreover, the growing interest in landscaping and urban agriculture provides opportunities for market expansion beyond traditional farming.

However, the high cost of certain mulching materials, especially synthetic options like plastic and rubber mulch, is a significant barrier to market growth. The higher capital investment in high-quality mulches can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers, especially in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, where agriculture budgets are limited. In addition, a lack of awareness or access to quality mulching products limits the adoption of advanced techniques that could potentially enhance agricultural productivity.

The market is highly competitive, with a mix of global players and local producers offering a range of products, from natural to synthetic mulches. Key players in the market focus on product innovation and developing eco-friendly, biodegradable mulch materials to cater to the growing demand for sustainable agriculture solutions. The competition is also expected to intensify as synthetic mulch manufacturers focus on developing recyclable and biodegradable alternatives to address environmental concerns, making sustainability a critical factor in gaining a competitive edge.

Product Insights

Based on the product, the market is segmented into organic and inorganic. Organic accounted for the largest revenue share of 55.2% in 2023 as these materials decompose over time, adding essential nutrients to the soil, improving its structure, and enhancing microbial activity. Organic mulches are highly effective in retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature. Furthermore, as they break down, they contribute to the organic matter in the soil, promoting healthier plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Their natural decomposition makes them ideal for organic farming and sustainable landscaping practices. However, organic mulches have certain limitations, such as needing periodic replenishment as they decompose, leading to higher long-term maintenance costs. If not managed properly, they are also more prone to attracting pests like termites and rodents. Despite these challenges, the growing focus on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation drives the demand for organic mulching materials, particularly in regions emphasizing organic farming, such as North America and Europe. The availability of locally sourced organic materials further boosts their appeal, especially among small-scale farmers and residential gardeners.

Inorganic mulching materials, including plastic, rubber, gravel, and landscape fabric, accounted for revenue of USD 1.74 billion in 2023. These materials are designed to provide long-lasting benefits without decomposing and are highly durable and effective in weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. Owing to their durability, inorganic mulches, particularly plastic and rubber variants, are ideal for large-scale agricultural settings. Plastic mulches, for instance, are widely used in crop cultivation to control weed growth and conserve water, especially in regions with limited rainfall, such as the Middle East & Africa. However, improper use of non-biodegradable mulches, like plastic, can lead to environmental concerns such as soil degradation and plastic pollution. Despite this, the cost-effectiveness and durability of inorganic mulching materials make them a preferred choice for large-scale applications, leading to their growing demand over the forecast period.

Application Insights

Based on application, the market is segmented into residential, horticulture, and other applications. Among these, horticulture dominated the market with a revenue share of 40.7% in 2023 as mulches help to improve soil structure, encourage microbial activity, and enhance plant growth. In horticulture applications, both organic and inorganic mulches are widely used, depending on the specific horticultural needs. For instance, organic mulches like compost, straw, and bark are often preferred to enrich the soil as they decompose, providing vital nutrients for horticultural plants such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. In large-scale horticultural operations, inorganic mulches like plastic films are frequently employed to control weeds and conserve soil moisture, especially in fruit and vegetable production. For instance, plastic mulch is commonly used in strawberry and tomato cultivation to optimize yields by maintaining consistent soil temperatures and reducing evaporation. Inorganic mulches provide durability and weed suppression to maximize crop yield and reduce labor costs.

Residential application is expected to grow at 7.4% in terms of revenue from 2024 to 2030.  In residential settings, mulching materials are widely used for landscaping and gardening. Homeowners typically prefer organic mulches, such as wood chips, bark, and straw, for their natural appearance and environmental benefits. In addition, mulching in residential gardens helps retain moisture, reduce water usage, and suppress weeds while improving the overall aesthetic of garden beds and pathways. The rising urban gardening and home-based landscaping projects are projected to increase the product demand in residential areas over the forecast period. In addition, different textures and colors of mulch materials, particularly wood chips and bark, are often chosen to enhance the visual appeal of garden landscapes. In urban areas, where space is limited, mulching is used in rooftop gardens, container gardening, and small-scale vegetable plots. The growing interest in sustainable home gardening and water conservation has further accelerated homeowners' use of organic mulching materials.

Regional Insights

North America led the global mulching materials market with a revenue share of 42.6% in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The market in North America is driven by the widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and an increasing focus on water conservation, particularly in regions affected by droughts. Furthermore, the rise in organic farming practices has spurred using biodegradable mulching materials, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, where environmental regulations promote sustainable land management practices.

U.S. Mulching Materials Market Trends

The mulching material market in the U.S. is growing at a substantial CAGR over the forecast period due to increasing awareness of the benefits of soil health and water conservation, particularly in agriculture and landscaping. The residential gardening sector, bolstered by a growing interest in eco-friendly practices, has also expanded the market. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s promotion of sustainable farming techniques, alongside government incentives for organic farming, is further expected to drive the adoption of mulching materials.

Asia Pacific Mulching Materials Market Trends

The mulching material market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period owing to its rapidly expanding agricultural sector and the increasing emphasis on improving crop yields. Countries like China, India, and Japan are key contributors to this growth, as farmers in these regions are increasingly adopting mulching practices to conserve soil moisture, enhance crop productivity, and reduce water usage. The rise of organic farming in countries such as Australia and New Zealand is also driving the demand for biodegradable mulching materials.

Europe Mulching Materials Market Trends

The mulching material market in Europe accounted for USD 1.20 billion in 2023, driven by the region’s strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection, particularly in agriculture and landscaping. Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands have been leading the adoption of organic mulching materials in line with the European Union’s stringent environmental regulations and the push towards reducing chemical inputs in farming. In addition, the landscaping industry is witnessing increased use of mulch for both decorative and functional purposes, particularly in urban green spaces and public parks.

Key Mulching Materials Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, BASF SE, Ohio Mulch, Novamont S.p.A., and Jolly Gardener:

• The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is a global leader in the lawn and garden care industry, known for its extensive product portfolio, which includes mulching materials. With headquarters in Marysville, Ohio, the company offers a range of organic and inorganic mulching solutions that cater to soil health, moisture retention, and weed suppression.

• BASF SE, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is a major player in the chemicals industry and has a prominent presence in the agricultural and horticultural sectors, including mulching materials. The company provides innovative biodegradable mulching films designed to improve crop yields while being environmentally friendly. The company’s strong research and development capabilities allow it to consistently introduce new products that meet evolving market needs, especially for biodegradable synthetic mulches.

Cowart Mulch Products Inc., Bailey Bark Materials Inc., FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Woodland Mulch, Good Earth Garden, and Renewable Fiber Inc. are some of the emerging market participants.

• Based in Georgia, U.S., Cowart Mulch Products Inc. specializes in high-quality organic mulches such as bark, wood chips, and soil conditioners. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial clients across the southeastern U.S. With its commitment to quality and sustainability, Cowart is steadily expanding its market share, appealing to customers seeking natural mulching solutions for landscaping and gardening projects.

• FKuR Kunststoff GmbH is a Germany-based company specializing in the production of bioplastics, including biodegradable mulching films for agricultural applications. The company is focused on offering sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic mulches, contributing to the eco-friendly trend in the market. The company is well-positioned to grow within the mulching materials sector, particularly emphasizing the agricultural markets in Europe and North America.

Recent Developments

• In January 2022, Oldcastle APG acquired the recycling and mulch operation of South Jersey Agriculture Products (SJAP). This acquisition is expected to enhance Oldcastle APG’s manufacturing capabilities in the soil and mulch product categories and increase its market share in the Mid-Atlantic region, U.S.

Mulching Materials Market Report Scope

Global Mulching Materials Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global mulching materials market based on product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Organic

  • Inorganic

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Residential

  • Horticulture

  • Other Applications

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia