Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is a pure, crystalline substance with a heavy
smell and pungent taste, derived from camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)
wood and other laurel family related plants. Camphor tree is native to China,
India, Mongolia, Japan and Taiwan and a variety of this evergreen fragrant tree is
grown in southern United States; particularly in Florida. Camphor is obtained by
distilling steam, purifying and sublimating wood, twigs, and tree bark.

Camphor (C10H16O), is a naturally occurring bicyclic ketone, found mainly in the
volatile camphor oils ex Cinnamomum camphora (Linn.) Nees at Ebermaier, fly.
Ocimum Lauraceae and of Ocimum kilimandscharicwn Guerke, fly. Around
Labiatae. They used to make camphor by distilling the camphor tree’s bark and
wood. Today camphor is made chemically from turpentine oil. It is used in such
items as Vicks Vapo Rub. Camphor products may be rubbed or inhaled onto the
skin (topical application).

Modern applications include camphor as a nitrocellulose plasticizer, as a moth
repellent, as an antimicrobial substance, in embalming, and in fireworks. Solid
camphor releases fumes that form a rust-preventative coating, and is thus placed
in tool chests to protect tools from rust. Camphor market is highly fragmented
and dominated by regional players, owing primarily to low market capital
investment. The industry has a high level of competition and major players
compete on price differentiation. Camphor is therefore a price-sensitive market
with less room for product differentiation.