Antimicrobial Plastics Global Market Report 2024

Antimicrobial plastics are synthetic polymer materials infused with active components that inhibit the growth of bacteria. These antimicrobials target various cell functions in microorganisms, including cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, cell membrane functions, and nucleic acid synthesis. In healthcare, antimicrobial plastics play a crucial role in reducing the spread of microorganisms, including infections caused by staph, strep, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The primary types of antimicrobial plastic products include commodity plastics, engineering plastics, and high-performance plastics. The market encompasses both organic and inorganic additives, with inorganic antimicrobial plastics featuring a skeletal structure devoid of carbon atoms in the backbone. These materials find applications in diverse industries such as refining and petrochemical, metals, power generation, and more. Additionally, they are utilized in various sectors, including building and construction, automotive and transportation, healthcare, packaging, food and beverage, textile, consumer goods, and others.

The antimicrobial plastics market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides antimicrobial plastics market statistics, including antimicrobial plastics industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an antimicrobial plastics market share, detailed antimicrobial plastics market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the antimicrobial plastics industry. This antimicrobial plastics market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The antimicrobial plastics market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $49.4 billion in 2023 to $54.95 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%. The increase in the historic period can be attributed to factors such as economic growth, a rise in the food and beverage industry, an expansion of the healthcare sector, the growth of the global population, and advancements in the automotive industry.

The antimicrobial plastics market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $86.68 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing awareness of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), growing concerns about food safety, rising awareness of hygiene and cleanliness, and the ongoing process of urbanization. Key trends expected in this period include advancements in nanotechnology, the adoption of sustainable solutions, a focus on customization and tailored solutions, increased research and development efforts, and the formation of strategic partnerships.

The growth of the antimicrobial plastics market is expected to be driven by increased utilization in food and beverage packaging, as well as healthcare sectors. Antimicrobial plastics in packaging for food and beverages offer protection, tamper resistance, and specific physical, chemical, or biological needs for perishable goods. The widespread adoption of antimicrobial plastics in these sectors is significantly bolstering market growth. For instance, the packaging industry in India is forecasted to grow at a rate of 26.7%, primarily attributed to the heightened adoption of sustainable packaging in the healthcare sector. Factors such as population growth, increased life expectancy, growing environmental consciousness, and the shift towards novel packaging standards are contributing to this surge. Consequently, the increased application of antimicrobial plastics in food and beverage packaging and healthcare is anticipated to drive the market's growth.

The escalating demand for consumer electronics is poised to fuel the expansion of the antimicrobial plastics market. Antimicrobial plastics are increasingly integrated into the manufacturing of consumer electronics to provide protection against harmful bacteria and viruses. For instance, in 2022, according to Digital Commerce 360, total online sales for consumer electronic companies experienced a significant $166 million growth, with Apple leading in this upsurge. This heightened demand for consumer electronics is a major driver behind the growth of antimicrobial plastics as these materials offer enhanced safety features in electronic device manufacturing.

A notable trend in the antimicrobial plastics market is centered around product innovation. Major market players are directing their focus on creating innovative solutions such as Puretec. For example, in November 2021, Sanitized, a Switzerland-based company specializing in antimicrobial hygiene function and material protection for textiles and polymers, introduced Puretec, a product offering enhanced antimicrobial performance. Sanitized Puretec delivers superior antibacterial performance across all types of fibers. This innovative solution caters particularly to brands and retailers in the creation of synthetic sportswear, allowing consumers to wear their favorite items for extended periods before needing to wash them. The long-lasting freshness provided by Puretec on fabrics offers peace of mind to both brands and sportswear users, representing a significant advancement in the antimicrobial plastics market.

Prominent companies in the antimicrobial plastics market are driving innovation through the development of pioneering technologies, one of which is Ascera. Ascera stands out as a sustainable, metal-free solution that boasts reduced toxicity compared to alternative technologies while providing long-lasting antimicrobial product protection. For example, in September 2023, Microban International, a leading US-based provider of antimicrobial additives and odor control solutions, unveiled Ascera. This patent-pending antimicrobial technology is designed for use in olefinic polymers and solvent-based coatings, employing an active ingredient inspired by nature to deliver effective, lifelong antimicrobial protection.

In November 2021, DuPont, a US-based company specializing in technology-based materials and solutions, completed the acquisition of Rogers Corporation for $5.2 billion. This strategic move is aimed at broadening DuPont's innovation and applied material science capabilities by integrating Rogers Corporation's technical expertise and extensive customer relationships. Rogers Corporation, a German-based company, specializes in manufacturing engineered materials utilized to power, protect, and connect various industries, including the production of antimicrobial plastics. This acquisition signals a significant expansion in DuPont's portfolio, leveraging Rogers Corporation's expertise in antimicrobial materials to further their influence in the antimicrobial plastics market.

Major companies operating in the antimicrobial plastics market include DuPont de Nemours Inc., BASF SE, Microban International, Sanitized AG, RTP Company, Milliken & Company, PolyOne Corporation, Lonza Group, BioCote Ltd., Wells Plastics Ltd., Toho Tenax Co. Ltd., Akcros Chemicals, Addmaster (UK) Ltd., Symmetry Surgical, Beaulieu Technical Textiles, SANITIZED Preservation AG, Microbe Inotech Laboratories Inc., Acciona, Trex Company Inc., Biocryptology, Grasim Industries Limited, Tosaf, Radici Group, Americhem, Mexichem Specialty Compounds, Fiberon LLC, King Plastic Corporation, Biomerics LLC, Ferro Corporation, Plastics Europe

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the antimicrobial plastics market in 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in antimicrobial plastics market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the antimicrobial plastics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

The antimicrobial plastics market consists of sales of polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and PC/ABS blends. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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