Antimicrobial coatings consist of a chemical compound or a blend of chemicals compounds that inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the applied surface. These are widely used in healthcare settings and also intensive research facilities, where sanitization of the working area is of paramount importance. These are also used in households, especially in areas such as bathrooms and kitchen areas that are constantly in touch with humans and can be breeding grounds for pathogens. Some of the most common types of bacteria that can be kept at bay using antimicrobial coatings are Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.a.), Escherichia Coli (E.a), Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria. Biocides such as copper, silver, and Titania core shell particles are added to paint formulations to protect the applied surface from microbial attack and fungal and algal growth. They also help in preventing the product from stains and deterioration of the paint usually caused by these bacteria. Antimicrobial coatings are also applied to hard surfaces such as flooring to keep away germs, molds, and fungi. These highly versatile coatings can be used on various substances such as textiles, food, and construction materials. Its application across such diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, construction, electronics, and food & packaging is a major factor fueling growth of the global antimicrobial coatings market.

In medical devices, antimicrobial coatings are largely used in catheters, pacemaker stents and parts, and medical trays, among others. The growth of the global antimicrobial coatings market is rising significantly, owing to the increasing demand from developed nations such as North America and Europe. Governments in developing and developed countries such as India, china, UK, US and others are mainly focusing on the requirement of reducing hospital acquired infections, including bloodstream diseases, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia to name a few, which turns out be a major concern. Therefore, hospitals and clinics make the most usage of antimicrobial coatings.

A wide variety of antimicrobial coatings are available in the market, with copper and silver being the most widely used. Silver accounts for the largest share amongst all other types of antimicrobial coatings, due to it being a highly effective antibacterial agent and is also a toxic agent to fungi, germs, and algae.

Antimicrobial Coatings Market: Market Taxonomy

By Application

On the basis of application, the global market is segmented into the following:

Building & construction equipment

Indoor air / HVAC

Mold remediation

Medical devices

Textiles

Food & beverages equipment

Others

By Type of coating

The global market can be segmented on the basis of type of coatings into the following:

Silver

Copper

Others

Antimicrobial Coatings Market Outlook- Asia Pacific is expected to highlight potential market for the key players operating in the global antimicrobial coatings market

North America accounts for the highest demand for antimicrobial coatings owing to the booming end-user industries such as healthcare institutes, manufacturing units and others in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry in the country is estimated to witness a rapid growth over the following eight years. This is mainly attributed to the growing aging population coupled with increasing number of people suffering with physical and mental illness. This in turn, is expected to drive growth of the antimicrobial coatings industry. The growth in antimicrobial coatings is driven by the increased demand from the indoor air / HVAC and medical application. Apart from medical applications, food & beverages and textiles industry especially in the U.S. and Canada also contribute to the market demand of antimicrobial coatings in North America.

APAC, led by China and India is expected to witness a significant growth during the forecast period owing to the increasing construction projects for commercial and corporate infrastructure along with residential buildings, growing food industry and expanding medical industry wherein, antimicrobial coatings are used in various applications to ensure safety and minimizing infections.

Key Developments

In 2016, BASF launched MasterLife AMA 100, an integral admixture for protection of concrete structures. The product protects concrete structures by destroying micro-organisms & bacteria that cause corrosion.

In 2015, Sherwin-Williams Company launched its new microbicidal paint, Paint Shield. The paint kills infection causing bacteria after two hours of exposure on painted surfaces. The paint can be applied on ceilings, walls, and doors.

Major players operating in the global antimicrobial coatings market include AkzoNobel Coatings Inc., BASF, RPM International, Dow Chemicals, PPG Industries, Diamond Vogel, RPM International Inc., PPG Industries Inc., Royal DSM, and Sherwin-Williams Company.

Based on silver as an active antimicrobial ingredient, AgION has been developed by AK Coatings Inc. Carbon and rolled flat stainless steels are few products that are coated with AgION antimicrobial component.