Antimicrobial additive market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Antimicrobial additives are0 substances incorporated into products to prevent the spread of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or any other harmful microorganisms. The market growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of hygienic products and increasing demand for antimicrobial additives in the healthcare and food and beverage industries. The imposition of stringent regulations for maintaining product safety, and the rising prevalence of hospital-acquired infections are further aiding the global market growth. The market is expected to be influenced by nanotechnology innovation, smart and responsive antimicrobial systems, the development of customized additive solutions, and increased investment in product R&D.

Market Dynamics  

Increased Consumer Awareness of Hygiene and Health 

Post-pandemic, there is an increase in consumer consciousness about adopting and incorporating hygienic products and practices into their lifestyles to prevent infections or diseases. The rise in awareness has stimulated product manufacturers to make extra efforts to make the product more hygienic and microbial resistant, resulting in the incorporation of antimicrobial additives, particularly in healthcare settings, food packaging, and consumer goods, to safeguard consumer safety while aligning with statutory requirements. In December 2023, Avient Corp., a producer of sustainable material solutions and services announced to expand its Cesa Withstand line with new antibacterial and antifungal additives. These new grades are intended to improve the performance of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film-laminated products and devices in applications where preventing microbe formation is critical. 

Rising Demand in the Healthcare Industry 

The healthcare sector is becoming a major end-user industry for antimicrobial additives owing to the increasing rate of hospital-acquired infections (HAI), stringent policies for medical device and equipment hygiene and sterilization, the growing number of regular patient visits in hospitals, and the rising emphasis by healthcare providers on maintaining patient safety. The product is highly consumed in medical devices, surgical instruments, hospital furnishings, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of infections and enhance patient safety, creating demand for antimicrobial additives. For instance, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), out of every 100 patients in acute-care hospitals, seven patients in high-income countries and 15 patients in low- and middle-income countries will acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI) during their hospital stay. On average, 1 in every 10 affected patient’s mortality occurs from their HAI.

Segmental Outlook 

• Based on type, the market is segmented into inorganic antimicrobial additives and organic antimicrobial additives.

• Based on application, the market is segmented into plastic, paints & coatings, pulp & paper, and textiles & fabrics.

• Based on end-users, the market is segmented into construction, automotive, healthcare, food & beverage, packaging, and consumer goods.

Inorganic Antimicrobial Additive is the Most Prominent Antimicrobial Additive Type 

Inorganic antimicrobial additives dominate the segment owing to low cost and R&D costs for inorganic additive production. The high demand for silver and copper-based additives, the non-toxic nature of antimicrobials, and the high availability of inorganic antimicrobials are other contributors to the growth of this market segment. Corning Guardiant is a unique antimicrobial powder addition that can be added to paints, varnishes, and plastics to provide continuous, long-lasting antimicrobial protection. Guardiant employs copper ion technology, which allows products licensed with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide supplemental residual sanitizing activity, killing 99.9% of germs and viruses within two hours of contact with a painted surface. 

Healthcare is the Biggest Application Segment. 

Healthcare remains the biggest end-user segment for antimicrobial additives owing to the aging population, the increase in HAI, the growing number of hospital visits, the imposition of strict regulations to maintain patient safety and hygiene, and the expansion of antimicrobial additive offerings in the healthcare sector. For instance, TekniPlex Healthcare, which uses advanced materials science expertise to help improve patient outcomes has introduced antimicrobial medical compounds that can be used to make a variety of patient-contact products such as catheters, connectors, gas hoses, injection systems such as syringes, and needle-free injectors like pens. 

Regional Outlook 

The global antimicrobial additive market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).  

North America Holds the Highest Share in the Global Antimicrobial Additive Market  

North America is projected to dominate the antimicrobial additive market attributed to an increasing rate of HAI in the region, an aging population, and stringent policy and regulation for product safety and hygiene. Increasing investment in enhancing product safety by manufacturers, the presence of major antimicrobial additive manufacturers such as PPG Industries and Dow, among others, and growing investment by public organizations in public health and hygiene are further contributing to the regional market growth. In March 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested $7.2 billion as part of the President's proposed FY 2025 budget. This money will enable the FDA to improve food safety and nutrition, promote medical product safety, boost supply chain resiliency, build public health and mission support capability, and upgrade its infrastructure and facilities. The request includes a $495.0 million increase, which is 7.4% above the FY 2023 budget level. The FDA's request reflects the agency's top objectives in critical areas affecting human and animal health.

Global Antimicrobial Additive Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Antimicrobial Additive Market

• The regional countries are constantly investing in upgrading public health and hygiene status through the implication of policies, regulations, investments, and incentives. 

• Asia-Pacific countries are major producers, consumers, and exporters of healthcare, food and beverage, and consumer goods, which is expected to benefit market demand in the region.

Market Players Outlook 

 *Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order. 

The major companies serving the global antimicrobial additive market include Akzo Nobel N.V., BASF SE, Clariant AG, Dow Inc., and PPG Industries, Inc. among others. The market players are focusing on capitalizing on growth by adopting strategies such as collaboration, partnerships, and market expansion among others. For instance, in July 2022, LANXESS, a specialty chemicals company, finalized the purchase of the microbial control business unit from International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), a U.S. group. Following the announcement of the acquisition in August 2021, LANXESS has now positioned itself as one of the leading global suppliers of microbial control products. This move significantly expands the company's range of antimicrobial active ingredients and formulations for material protection, preservatives, and disinfectants, while also reinforcing its presence worldwide, particularly in the US. 

The Report Covers 

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031. 
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment. 
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions. 
• Key companies operating in the global antimicrobial additive market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report. 
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future. 
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies. 
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.