Antimicrobial Plastics Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Additives (Organic and Inorganic), By Product Types (Commodity Plastics, Engineering Plastics, High-performance Plastics), By Application (Packaging, Electrical and Electronics, Consumer Goods, Automotive, Building and Construction, Healthcare, Food and Beverage, and Other Applications), and Region Forecast 2019-2030

Antimicrobial Plastics Market size was valued at US$ 43,892.6 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.5 % from 2024-2030. The market is a rapidly growing sector within the broader plastics industry. Antimicrobial plastics are specialized plastic materials that possess the ability to inhibit the growth and spread of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, on their surfaces. They are extensively used in various applications where maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is crucial, such as in healthcare, food packaging, consumer goods, and building materials.

The demand for antimicrobial plastics has surged in recent years due to increasing awareness about the importance of maintaining a germ-free environment. The global COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of antimicrobial materials as people seek enhanced protection against infectious diseases.  The market is primarily driven by the rising healthcare industry that seeks cleaner and more hygienic environments. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are increasingly adopting antimicrobial plastics that are used in medical devices, equipment, and surfaces to reduce the risk of infections and improve patient safety. Additionally, there is a growing need for antimicrobial plastics products in consumer goods like electronics and home appliances that provide extra microbial defence and enhance general hygiene, which eventually propels the growth of the market.

Furthermore, the electronics industry offers opportunities for antimicrobial plastics to be used in electronic devices, touchscreens, and keypads to reduce the spread of germs from frequently touched surfaces. However, antimicrobial plastics are expensive compared to conventional plastics, which pose a significant challenge for the development of the market.  Key manufacturers are adopting novel strategies to develop innovative and effective antimicrobial plastics to satisfy the demand of several end use industries. For instance, in May 2021, Parx Materials has partnered with ZincIn to develop an antibacterial food tray made from recycled fishing industry waste.

Antimicrobial Plastics Market Key Developments

• In November 2021, Sanitized AG launched a new product portfolio, Sanitized Puretec, a non-leaching, metal-free and particle-free antimicrobial solution for textiles to prevent the build-up of odour-causing bacteria.
• In May 2021, Avient launched three proprietary TPE formulations that contain antimicrobial additives to its GLS TPE portfolio.