Recent events with a global pandemic have increased awareness of antimicrobial coatings technology, although this is not a new concept. According to a recent report published by Grand View Research, the antimicrobial coatings market was estimated at a value of $8.1 billion during 2020 and is expected to increase with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1% during the period of 2021 to 2028. Increasing concern about cleanliness in many industries have caused an increased product demand with rapid development in a global market.
How Antimicrobial Coatings Work
Everyday products can be affected by microbes such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew which can cause foul odors, stains and material degradation while housing harmful pathogens that can then be spread to others. This is causing an increase in demand for products that contain integrated antimicrobial technology to greatly reduce the growth and spread of a wide range of microbes.
Antimicrobial coatings or paints are created by integrating antimicrobial technology directly into the product during the manufacturing process. The active antimicrobial ingredients are typically silver ion which is very effective and provides high efficacy in various types of coatings and paints for a wide range of applications. Other additives may include copper or additional specific application solutions. Antimicrobial additives make product surfaces inhospitable to microbes by causing oxidative damage to the cell membrane or by interfering with the cell DNA. A cell that cannot reproduce is no longer harmful.
Increasing Demand for Antimicrobial Surfaces in Many Industries
The increasing demand for antimicrobial coatings is occurring across many industries, especially in the healthcare segment but many others as well.
Antimicrobial Technology in Healthcare
In the healthcare industry, there is a high demand for antimicrobial technology in surgical instruments as well as surfaces in hospitals. Medical implants and devices are another area of high concern where patients run the risk of acquiring an infection from an implanted device. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, healthcare acquired infections are a serious concern for patients as approximately 1 in every 31 patients in a hospital acquires at least one healthcare acquired infection (HAI). By better protecting surfaces, hospitals can better protect patients.
Antimicrobial Products in Automobiles
You know that ‘new car smell’ that is due to off-gassing when new components are releasing chemical vapors? This is most noticeable during the first six months of a new car’s purchase. After a while, we might begin to notice a musty smell and that’s when we go purchase some automobile air fresheners. It is always better to identify and tackle the source than to cover up a foul odor, although sometimes that may not be possible with an automobile.
Must odors in your car can come from something spilled on the carpet that can easily be cleaned to foul odors coming from the HVAC system, which is much harder to get to, if not impossible. Auto manufacturers are taking notice with antimicrobial technology, a game-changer in auto manufacturing. For OEMs that want to improve their end products and consumer experience, work with an experienced chemical and coatings provider like Universal Chemicals & Coatings, UNICHEM, for custom designed antimicrobial technology that can be added to various coatings and adhesives to prevent the build up of microbes.
HVAC and Antimicrobial Technology
Antimicrobial technology incorporated into HVAC and ducting systems whether in autos, homes or commercial properties provide many benefits with cleaner air and longer equipment operating life. Preventing the buildup of mold and mildew which can occur in the tight quarters of an HVAC system especially when the air condenser can produce dampness, enhances equipment operation and useful life while reducing required maintenance.
Antimicrobial Technology Supplier
UNICHEM is a leading provider of antimicrobial technology along with custom coatings, adhesives, and paints. We provide antimicrobial surfaces to a wide range of applications with custom product development to meet your specific needs. uniCLER is proven antimicrobial technology that helps to protect surfaces from degradation and mitigates risk of spreading infection through cleaner surfaces free from the buildup of harmful pathogens.
UNICHEM is a leading provider of custom chemistries and coatings offering a wide product range of adhesives, paints, and coatings. We offer more than 50 years of experience and the most high-tech engineers in the industry to custom develop the adhesive bonding or coating solution to meet your needs. Protect your products and consumers with the antimicrobial technology in uniCLER.