Quick Read
- Multi-purpose compost is the most popular growing media in the UK, with roughly 50–65 million bags sold each year.
- Peat-free formulas now dominate new lines as brands adapt to the peat ban.
- Certified (PAS100/CCS) compost and home-made compost both add to total supply, though quality can vary.
- The market is busy but changing fast — the winners will be those who combine reliability, clarity and sustainability.
Why the MCP Market Matters
For most gardeners, “a bag of compost” means multi-purpose compost. It’s the go-to choice for pots, planters and raised beds — the single product that shapes how people judge every brand. Because it promises to “do everything,” MCP is where trust is earned (or lost).
Market Size in Everyday Terms
- UK gardeners buy an estimated 3 – 4 million m³ of MCP each year — that’s about 50 to 65 million standard 60 L bags.
- In 2023 the UK produced about 2 million tonnes of certified quality compost under PAS100/CCS schemes. Most of this goes to farms and land-restoration, not into retail bags.
- Home composting adds roughly 2 million tonnes a year, according to WRAP. It’s highly variable but still part of the bigger picture.
- HOTBIN users alone contribute around 20 000 m³ a year — a small but notable slice of DIY composting.
Common Types of Multi-Purpose Compost and Who Supplies Them
| Compost Type | Key Features | Example Vendors / Brands | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peat-Based | Smooth texture, high water-holding; being phased out. | Westland (legacy lines) | Long-time users – but supplies are ending. |
| Peat-Free | Mix of wood fibre, coir and/or green waste; results can vary. | Melcourt (SylvaGrow), Evergreen (Miracle-Gro Peat Free), RocketGro, Dülston’s | Everyday gardening; eco-conscious buyers. |
| Organic-Certified | Made only from approved natural inputs; Soil Association or similar certified. | Fertile Fibre, SylvaGrow Organic | Organic and wildlife-friendly growers. |
| Budget / Value | Lower price, often lighter and more woody; feeds run out sooner. | B&Q, Wickes, supermarket own brands | Price-conscious gardeners, short-term use. |
| PAS100-Based (Retail Bagged) | Recycled green-waste compost blended for retail; certified to PAS100/CCS. | Earth Cycle, Veolia ProGrow | Gardeners wanting a recycled-content compost for beds and borders. |
What’s Driving Change
- Peat ban (2024 – 27): Brands are reformulating rapidly.
- Feedstock pressure: Coir imports fluctuate; wood fibre competes with energy and construction; PAS100 feedstock limited by contamination controls.
- Carbon and credibility: Gardeners increasingly want to know where materials come from and their carbon footprint.
What Gardeners Say
- Convenience wins: One bag that does everything still appeals most.
- Mixed results: Some peat-free composts dry out faster or feed for less time.
- Label confusion: Shoppers often mistake compost for topsoil or soil improver.
- Eco values: “Peat-free” and “organic” labels sway buying decisions – but only if plants thrive.
Looking Ahead
- Here to stay: MCP will remain the backbone of bagged compost sales.
- New expectations: Gardeners want reliability and honest information about ingredients.
- Innovation lanes:
- Enriched mixes using biochar or humus additives for better structure and water balance.
- Clearer labelling that explains what’s inside and how to use it.
- Digital help – QR codes or web guides – to match compost to task.
Disclaimer.
Brand names such as Westland, SylvaGrow, RocketGro, Dalefoot, Carbon Gold, and others mentioned on this site are registered trademarks of their respective owners. MultipurposeCompost.co.uk includes these examples for informational and comparative purposes only and does not claim endorsement, affiliation, or suitability for any specific use. Gardeners and buyers should always check current product specifications and manufacturer guidance before purchase or application.
