The global antimicrobial additives market size reached US$ 8,962.3 million in 2022. It experienced a 7.8% Y-o-Y growth in 2022 and is likely to total a valuation of US$ 9,615.5 million in 2023.
Over the assessment period from 2023 to 2033, global antimicrobial additive sales are projected to soar at a CAGR of 8.0%, culminating in a market size of US$ 20,809.5 million by the end of 2033.
Demand is likely to remain high for inorganic antimicrobial additives owing to their various additional properties. These additives are gaining wider popularity in a variety of sectors.
Key Trends Shaping the Market Growth
Increasing awareness about antiviral additives, antibacterial additives, and antifungal additives will elevate demand
Growing usage for enhancing hygiene and safety in healthcare and packaging sectors to bolster antimicrobial additive sales
Collaborations and partnerships to help antimicrobial additive manufacturers improve their revenues and customer base by diversifying product formulations and line
Increasing investments in production facilities by leading market participants to boost product supply will fuel market expansion
Consolidation among key players to drive upwards the overall market size and sales globally
Surging demand for consumer goods and medical devices containing antimicrobial additives will boost sales
Antimicrobial additives are compounds added to products to prevent the development of or eradicate microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. By interfering with bacteria’ metabolic activities, these chemicals stop their growth and lower the danger of contamination or illness.
Antimicrobial additives are frequently employed in different sectors, including healthcare, food packaging, consumer goods, and building materials. By reducing the development of dangerous germs in materials and on surfaces, antimicrobial compounds help to improve safety, cleanliness, and product shelf life.
Antimicrobial additives can be categorized as organic or inorganic additives, each with unique characteristics and benefits.
Organic additives, derived from organic substances, are cost-effective and include quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolic biocides, and others like thiabendazole and chitosan. They find applications in hygiene chemicals, personal care, textiles, and more.
Inorganic additives, containing metal or inorganic compounds, are more expensive but offer long-lasting antimicrobial effects. Silver, copper, and zinc-based additives are commonly used in packaging, electronics, paints, and medical products.
Safety considerations vary, with organic additives’ toxicity being low and inorganic additives, particularly metals, considered safe.
Rising adoption of antimicrobial-protected products for reducing the risk of infections and improving safety is anticipated to remain a key factor in driving the market.
Growing concerns regarding personal and family wellness and implementation of stringent regulations encouraging the use of antimicrobial products and devices will boost the market.
In recent years, there has been a rapid shift towards hygiene products due to the spread of infections and viruses. People are showing interest in using products such as coatings, plastics, textiles, and others containing antimicrobial additives. This is acting as a catalyst triggering market growth.
High usage in healthcare sector is expected to fuel antimicrobial additive sales during the projection period.
Antimicrobial additives provide permanent protection against the growth of microbes in healthcare sector. They find application in the production of various medical products.
Growing adoption of antimicrobial additives to reduce cross contamination in critical environments is set to create lucrative opportunities for antimicrobial additive manufacturers.
Medical device manufacturers and healthcare professionals are shifting their preference towards materials such as fabrics, plastic, and coatings that contain antimicrobial substances. Usage of these antimicrobial products helps them to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Another key factor that will boost the global antimicrobial additives industry is the rising demand for packaged food products.
Food manufacturers are increasingly using antimicrobial additives in food packaging to preserve food ingredients, prevent microbial growth, & minimize the risk of diseases.
Rising demand for packaged food products along with growing need for antimicrobial food packaging is expected to fuel market expansions.
Leading antimicrobial additive companies are focusing on developing new grades to improve their revenues and expand their customer base. They are introducing new grades of microbial control additives such as silver-based antimicrobial Makrolon for medical devices.
Further, they are gradually shifting their preference towards natural antimicrobial additives or plant-based antimicrobial additives to comply with stringent environmental regulations. This will also help them to increase their sales.
Which Factors are Spurring Growth in the Antimicrobial Additives Industry?
The antimicrobial additives industry is witnessing substantial growth in hygiene and consumer products, primarily driven by the looming threat of another pandemic outbreak. A few of these growth drivers are listed below:
Increasing Usage of Antimicrobial Additives in Food and Beverage Industry
Antimicrobial additives are vital in the food industry to protect against spoilage, extend shelf life, and ensure food safety. They are used in food packaging, processing equipment, and utensils to prevent microbial growth and maintain product quality.
Rising consumer demand for longer-lasting and safe food products will therefore continue to boost the antimicrobial additives industry.
Antimicrobial Protected Products for Reducing the Risk of Infections and Improving Patient Safety
The healthcare sector widely employs antimicrobial additives to prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses, reducing infections and improving patient safety. Increasing healthcare-associated infections is driving demand for antimicrobial additives, and the trend is expected to continue through 2033.
Antimicrobial additives are integrated into medical devices, hospital equipment, and surfaces to minimize infection risks. The focus on infection control, along with consumer awareness of hygiene, propels the demand for healthcare products with antimicrobial properties, safeguarding individuals from harmful microorganisms.
Antimicrobials in Construction Sectors for Creating Healthier and Safer Built Environments
The construction sector’s growth is another key factor boosting the antimicrobial additives market. Coatings, paints, and plastics incorporate these additives to prevent harmful microorganisms, ensuring stain-free, odorless, and durable materials.
Hospitals, schools, and public buildings prioritize healthy indoor environments. The demand for antimicrobial materials increases as builders and consumers aim for safer living spaces. With builders emphasizing antimicrobial properties to prevent virus spread, antimicrobial additive sales are set to rise at a robust pace through 2033.
Which Factors are Hindering the Market Growth?
The antimicrobial additives industry encounters barriers to growth, including high costs that hinder affordability for customers in packaging and textiles. Compliance with safety and effectiveness standards poses regulatory challenges, while cheaper alternatives such as naturally resistant materials limit market expansion.
Concerns about environmental impact and effects on living organisms further impede growth. The wide range of commercially available antimicrobial chemicals with diverse properties restricts the utilization of cost-effective options.
To overcome these obstacles, manufacturers and suppliers should prioritize addressing cost-related issues, improving affordability, and enhancing competitiveness.
It is crucial to develop environmentally friendly alternatives and effectively communicate the safety and long-term benefits of antimicrobial additives to potential customers. These measures will facilitate overcoming the challenges and fostering growth in the market.
Why is the United States Considered a Leading Market for Antimicrobial Additives?
High Awareness About Benefits of Antimicrobial Additives Boosting the United States Market
The United States holds the leading position in the antimicrobial additives industry, driven by its growth and research and development efforts. The country boasts a substantial market for hygiene chemicals, packaging materials, cosmetics, healthcare manufacturing, consumer goods, durable household products, paints and coatings, and transportation manufacturing.
With a high spending capacity and increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of antimicrobial products, there is a significant rise in demand for antimicrobial additives from various manufacturing industries.
Consequently, numerous manufacturers are emerging to cater to this demand by offering antimicrobial solutions integrated into their products.
According to Future Market Insights’ (FMI) analysis, the United States market share is projected to increase from 16.9% in 2023 to 17.4% by 2033, gaining 50 basis share points. Over the projection period, the United States antimicrobial additives market is set to thrive at around 8.4% CAGR.
Competitive Landscape
The global antimicrobial additives market is highly fragmented, with tier-2 and tier-3 players owning over 60% of the market share. Leading manufacturers of antimicrobial additives are strategically expanding their operations in emerging countries such as China and India to increase their market presence and boost product sales in those regions.
Several market participants are actively investing in research & development efforts to create innovative products tailored to specific end-use applications. Working closely with end-users, these manufacturers are striving to develop antimicrobial solutions that precisely meet their requirements.
Prominent antimicrobial additive manufacturers are also placing significant emphasis on establishing long-term supply contracts with key end-use sectors. This strategy has enabled them to forge strong business relationships with prominent end-users and provide cost-effective and high-quality products.
New Product Launches:
In January 2021, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences launched NovaGARD® NR 100-G, one of the most effective and label-friendly antimicrobial systems for processed meat manufacturers, in the Middle East and Africa.
In August 2022, DuraTech, a groundbreaking antimicrobial additive designed for cotton applications was launched by Microban International.
Partnerships:
In March 2021, to bring antimicrobial and odor-control solutions to textile brands and mills, Huntsman Textile Effects partnered with Sciessent.
Acquisitions:
In January 2022, Polygiene entered into an agreement to acquire the SteriTouch business of Radical Materials, which is actively working in antimicrobial additives industry.
