Mothballs Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global mothballs market size was valued at USD 42.8 million in 2024. The market is projected to decline from USD 41.3 million in 2025 to USD 33.6 million by 2032, exhibiting a negative CAGR of -3.5% during the forecast period.

Mothballs are pesticide products containing either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. These volatile organic compounds sublimate from solid to gas form, creating fumes that repel or kill fabric pests. While traditionally used in household storage, growing health concerns and regulatory restrictions are reshaping market dynamics. The Asia Pacific region dominates with 76% market share, driven by high humidity conditions requiring pest control solutions.

Market contraction stems from multiple factors, including increasing regulatory scrutiny over toxic chemical content and shifting consumer preference toward natural alternatives. However, niche applications in commercial textile storage and museum preservation continue to sustain demand. Key players like Willert Home Products and Recochem are adapting through product innovation, though the top five companies still control 68% of this consolidating market.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Growing Demand for Textile Protection in Humid Regions to Drive Market Growth

The mothballs market is primarily driven by the persistent need for textile protection in tropical and humid regions where moth infestations remain a significant challenge. With Asia Pacific accounting for over 76% of global mothball consumption, countries with humid climates like India, Indonesia, and Malaysia show particularly high demand. The market is further bolstered by the increasing awareness among consumers about fabric preservation, especially for natural fibers like wool and silk which account for approximately 32% of textiles requiring moth protection globally.

Expansion of Retail Distribution Channels Fuels Product Accessibility

Another key growth driver is the expansion of organized retail channels across emerging markets. The household segment, representing 92% of mothball applications, benefits from increased product visibility in supermarkets and e-commerce platforms. Online sales of household pest control products grew by approximately 18% year-over-year, with major platforms expanding their assortment of moth protection solutions. Furthermore, strategic product placements in home care aisles and targeted seasonal promotions during monsoon periods have significantly enhanced market penetration.

➤ The market saw notable product innovation in 2023 with the launch of slow-release moth repellent sachets by leading brands, combining traditional mothball efficacy with improved user convenience.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Stringent Chemical Regulations Pose Significant Market Challenges

While demand persists, the market faces substantial headwinds from increasing regulatory scrutiny on naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene - the primary active ingredients in traditional mothballs. Over 15 countries have implemented partial or complete bans on these chemicals due to growing health concerns, with studies showing potential links to respiratory issues and carcinogenic effects. This regulatory landscape forces manufacturers to invest in reformulation, with R&D costs for alternative solutions increasing by approximately 25% over the past three years.

Additional Constraints

Consumer Shift Toward Natural Alternatives
The market is witnessing a 12% annual growth in demand for natural moth repellents, including cedar blocks and essential oil-based solutions. While currently representing only 24% of the market, these alternatives are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers, particularly in North America and Western Europe.

Storage Limitations
Product usage restrictions in confined spaces (as mandated in many jurisdictions) reduce practical application scenarios, limiting market potential in urban households where storage spaces are typically limited and shared.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Innovation in Bio-based Formulations Presents Lucrative Growth Potential

The growing demand for eco-friendly pest control solutions opens significant opportunities for bio-based moth repellent development. Market leaders are investing in plant-derived active ingredients such as neem oil and chrysanthemum extracts, which demonstrate comparable efficacy to traditional chemicals without the associated toxicity concerns. The natural mothballs segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2032, outpacing the overall market decline.

Additionally, product innovations combining moth protection with air freshening properties are gaining consumer interest, particularly in premium household care segments. Strategic collaborations between chemical manufacturers and fragrance companies are resulting in dual-function products that address both pest control and indoor air quality concerns.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Price Volatility in Raw Materials Creates Margin Pressure

The market faces significant challenges from fluctuating raw material costs, particularly for petroleum-derived naphthalene. Prices have shown 15-20% annual volatility since 2020, directly impacting production costs for manufacturers. This situation is compounded by the industry's concentrated supplier base, with over 60% of naphthalene production controlled by just five global chemical companies, limiting pricing flexibility for mothball manufacturers.

Additional Operational Challenges

Supply Chain Disruptions
The industry continues to experience logistical challenges in key markets, with average shipment delays increasing by 3-5 days compared to pre-pandemic levels. This disrupts seasonal inventory planning crucial for markets with pronounced wet/dry season cycles.

Brand Differentiation Difficulties
With product efficacy being largely comparable across brands, manufacturers face increasing marketing costs to maintain shelf presence and consumer recall. Private label offerings now represent nearly 30% of retail sales in some markets, squeezing margins for branded products.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Synthesis Mothballs Dominate the Market Owing to Cost Efficiency and High Availability

The market is segmented based on type into:

• Synthesis Mothballs

  • Subtypes: Naphthalene-based, Para-dichlorobenzene-based

• Natural Mothballs

  • Subtypes: Cedar wood-based, Essential oil-infused variants

By Application

Household Segment Leads Due to Widespread Use in Clothing and Storage Protection

The market is segmented based on application into:

• Household

  • Closet protection

  • Linen storage

• Commercial

  • Textile warehouses

  • Museum artifact preservation

By Form Factor

Traditional Balls Remain Preferred Due to Familiarity and Controlled Fumigation

The market is segmented based on form factor into:

• Balls

• Flakes

• Cakes

By Distribution Channel

Retail Stores Maintain Market Dominance Through Convenience and Immediate Availability

The market is segmented based on distribution channel into:

• Retail Stores

• Online Platforms

• Specialty Stores

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Market Leadership Sustained Through Regional Dominance and Product Innovation

The global mothballs market features a semi-consolidated structure where major players collectively hold significant market share, particularly in key regions. Willert Home Products leads the industry with robust distribution networks across North America and Europe, commanding approximately 22% of the total market share in 2024. Their success stems from decades of brand recognition and extensive retail partnerships with home improvement chains.

Meanwhile, Hakugen and Farcent Enterprise dominate the Asia-Pacific sector, together accounting for nearly 31% of regional sales. These companies benefit from localized manufacturing facilities and cost-efficient production methods tailored for high-volume markets like China and India. Hakugen's patented slow-release formula remains their flagship differentiator in crowded retail spaces.

The competitive intensity increased in 2023 when Recochem acquired smaller European players to expand synthetic mothball production capacity by 18%. This strategic move positions them as the only manufacturer with significant presence across all three major markets: Asia-Pacific, North America, and Western Europe. However, environmental concerns about naphthalene-based products have prompted rivals like Supreme Industries to invest heavily in natural alternatives, capturing emerging niche demand.

One notable trend reshaping competition involves shifting regulatory landscapes. As governments implement stricter VOC (volatile organic compound) regulations, companies must adapt quickly. Bagus Group gained an advantage by introducing EPA-compliant formulations two years ahead of competitors, allowing them to secure long-term contracts with major U.S. retailers including Home Depot and Lowe's.

List of Key Mothball Manufacturers Profiled

• Willert Home Products (U.S.)

• Hakugen (Japan)

• Farcent Enterprise (Taiwan)

• Bagus Group (Indonesia)

• Recochem (Canada)

• Iching Corporation (China)

• Hovex (UK)

• HuaYuan Chemical (China)

• Supreme Industries (India)

• Greensky (Australia)

MOTH BALLS MARKET TRENDS

Shifting Consumer Preferences Toward Natural Alternatives Impact Market Dynamics

The global mothballs market is witnessing a significant shift driven by growing consumer awareness about the health hazards associated with traditional chemical-based products. Synthetic mothballs containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) still dominate with over 76% market share, but demand for natural alternatives using essential oils like cedar, lavender, and eucalyptus is rising at a CAGR of 4.2%. This trend is particularly strong in North America and Europe where regulatory restrictions on toxic chemicals are more stringent. Consumer concerns about respiratory issues and potential carcinogenic effects are accelerating product reformulations across the industry.

Other Trends

Regulatory Pressures and Safety Concerns

Increasing government regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are reshaping the mothballs landscape. Several countries have banned or restricted naphthalene products due to toxicity concerns - the EU's REACH regulation and California's Proposition 65 being notable examples. This has led manufacturers to invest in low-VOC formulations, with the household application segment (accounting for 92% of usage) seeing the most innovation. However, the commercial sector including textile storage and museums still predominantly uses traditional formulations due to their proven efficacy against silverfish and clothes moths.

Asia Pacific Dominance with Evolving Consumption Patterns

The Asia Pacific region commands 76% of global mothball sales, driven by tropical climates that necessitate pest control solutions. Countries like India and Indonesia show preference for affordable synthetic products, while developed Asian markets like Japan and South Korea are gradually adopting natural alternatives. Interestingly, the market is seeing bifurcation - urban consumers are shifting toward safer options, while rural areas continue using traditional mothballs due to lower price points. This duality presents both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers operating in the region.

Regional Analysis: Mothballs Market

North America
The North American mothballs market faces declining demand due to increasing regulatory scrutiny over naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene-based products. The U.S. EPA has classified these chemicals as hazardous, leading to stricter labeling requirements and consumer awareness campaigns about health risks. While traditional mothballs still dominate the market, retailers like Willert Home Products are gradually introducing natural alternatives such as cedar blocks and essential oil-based repellents. Urban regions with high pest pressures, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, continue to exhibit moderate demand for synthetic mothballs, but overall sales are trending downward amid health-conscious consumer shifts.

Europe
Europe’s market is shrinking faster than other regions, with the EU enforcing some of the strictest bans on synthetic mothball ingredients under REACH regulations. Countries like Germany and France have phased out naphthalene for household use, pushing consumers toward mechanical moth control methods (e.g., vacuum-sealed storage bags) or botanical repellents. The UK remains a minor holdout, though post-Brexit chemical regulations are expected to align with EU standards. Market leaders like Recochem are focusing on R&D for compliant, low-toxicity formulations, but profitability remains constrained by high compliance costs and limited consumer interest in legacy products.

Asia-Pacific
As the largest mothball market globally (76% share), Asia-Pacific shows resilient demand, particularly in China and India, where cost sensitivity and pest prevalence drive sales of synthetic variants. Rural areas, where traditional textile storage practices persist, account for the bulk of consumption. However, urbanization and rising health awareness are slowly boosting demand for natural alternatives, prompting regional players like Hakugen and Farcent Enterprise to diversify portfolios. Southeast Asian markets, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, also contribute to volume sales, though counterfeit products and weak regulatory oversight remain challenges for established brands.

South America
The mothball market here is niche but stable, with Brazil and Argentina leading in consumption due to humid climates that exacerbate moth infestations. Economic instability limits consumer spending on premium alternatives, keeping synthetic mothballs dominant despite minimal regulatory pressure. Local manufacturers like Bagus Group cater to price-sensitive households, though imports from Asia fill gaps in supply. The lack of centralized pest control infrastructure in rural areas ensures continued reliance on chemical repellents, albeit with slower adoption of newer products compared to other regions.

Middle East & Africa
This region represents a fragmented, emerging market with demand concentrated in GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia) and South Africa. High humidity and stored-food customs sustain mothball usage, but regulatory frameworks are either nonexistent or loosely enforced. While synthetic products dominate, some urban consumers are shifting toward herbal solutions, influenced by global wellness trends. Import dependency and logistical bottlenecks hinder consistent supply, but local players like Supreme Industries are capitalizing on regional distribution networks to serve both household and small-scale commercial users.

Report Scope

This market research report offers a holistic overview of global and regional markets for the forecast period 2025–2032. It presents accurate and actionable insights based on a blend of primary and secondary research.

Key Coverage Areas:

• ✅ Market Overview

  • Global and regional market size (historical & forecast)

  • Growth trends and value/volume projections

• ✅ Segmentation Analysis

  • By product type or category

  • By application or usage area

  • By end-user industry

  • By distribution channel (if applicable)

• ✅ Regional Insights

  • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

  • Country-level data for key markets

• ✅ Competitive Landscape

  • Company profiles and market share analysis

  • Key strategies: M&A, partnerships, expansions

  • Product portfolio and pricing strategies

• ✅ Technology & Innovation

  • Emerging technologies and R&D trends

  • Automation, digitalization, sustainability initiatives

  • Impact of AI, IoT, or other disruptors (where applicable)

• ✅ Market Dynamics

  • Key drivers supporting market growth

  • Restraints and potential risk factors

  • Supply chain trends and challenges

• ✅ Opportunities & Recommendations

  • High-growth segments

  • Investment hotspots

  • Strategic suggestions for stakeholders

• ✅ Stakeholder Insights

  • Target audience includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, regulators, and policymakers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global Mothballs Market?

-> The Global mothballs market was valued at USD 42.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 33.6 million by 2032, declining at a CAGR of -3.5% during the forecast period.

Which key companies operate in Global Mothballs Market?

-> Key players include Willert Home Products, Hakugen, Farcent Enterprise, Bagus Group, Recochem, Iching Corporation, Hovex, HuaYuan Chemical, Supreme Industries, and Greensky, with top five players holding 68% market share.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Despite the declining market, key factors include demand for mothproofing in textile storage and seasonal demand patterns. However, health concerns about chemical formulations are restraining growth.

Which region dominates the market?

-> Asia-Pacific dominates with 76% market share, followed by North America and Latin America, due to high textile production and storage needs in humid climates.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include shift toward natural moth repellents, improved safety packaging, and eco-friendly alternatives as consumers become more health-conscious.