Certified Global Research Member
Isomar fd.webp Wcrc 57.webp
Key Questions Answered
  • Global Market Outlook
  • In-depth analysis of global and regional trends
  • Analyze and identify the major players in the market, their market share, key developments, etc.
  • To understand the capability of the major players based on products offered, financials, and strategies.
  • Identify disrupting products, companies, and trends.
  • To identify opportunities in the market.
  • Analyze the key challenges in the market.
  • Analyze the regional penetration of players, products, and services in the market.
  • Comparison of major players’ financial performance.
  • Evaluate strategies adopted by major players.
  • Recommendations
Why Choose Market Research Future?
  • Vigorous research methodologies for specific market.
  • Knowledge partners across the globe
  • Large network of partner consultants.
  • Ever-increasing/ Escalating data base with quarterly monitoring of various markets
  • Trusted by fortune 500 companies/startups/ universities/organizations
  • Large database of 5000+ markets reports.
  • Effective and prompt pre- and post-sales support.

Antimicrobial Textile Additive Market Size

ID: MRFR//6869-HCR | 111 Pages | Author: Anshula Mandaokar| April 2024

The Antimicrobial Textile Additive Market Size is affected by a range of factors which collectively define its growth dynamics. A crucial driver is the rapidly increasing awareness about hygiene and health particularly in light of global health challenges. This is because antimicrobial textile additives are utilized as materials that can stop bacteria, viruses, and fungi thereby making the environment safe from them. In healthcare sector there are rising cases of demand for antimicrobial textile additives used in beddings, uniforms and medical textiles.

Healthcare also need antibacterial textile chemicals. Hospitals need antimicrobial fabrics to prevent infections and preserve sterility. Medical scrubs, drapes, bed sheets, and other health care textiles are antimicrobial. To improve infection control and patient safety, medical textiles should include antimicrobials.

Further advancement in textile technology and development of new innovative antimicrobial formulations stimulate the market growth. For instance they invest heavily in research and development where they introduce advanced formulation having specific features within their products range through this method companies within this market segment compete effectively with each other while differentiating themselves on technology front. These changes could include more efficient anti-microbials or even ones that can withstand multiple washes without affecting other characteristics found only on certain materials. This kind of continuous innovation addresses end-users’ changing needs hence fosters wider adoption of these textiles than ever before.

Geographical factors also play a role in shaping the antimicrobial textile additive market. The demand for antimicrobial textiles for use in medical applications is significantly higher in North America and Europe given their strong health care infrastructures compared to other regions thus it has been observed that most medical facilities like using them. On the other hand Asia-Pacific is an emerging market for such textiles due to its large population base coupled with increased consciousness about cleanliness especially in this era of infectious diseases. Hence, the use of antimicrobial textiles is governed by culture and preferences resulting in different market dynamics within a given region.

Antimicrobial Textile Additive Market Synopsis


According to MRFR analysis, the Antimicrobial Textile Additive Market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.7% to reach USD 13.1 Billion by the end of 2027.


Antimicrobial textile additives are active agents that can be applied to the fabrics at any stage of the production process to change their surface characteristics. These additives inhibit the growth and proliferation of microorganisms and alter the physio-chemical characteristics of the fabric. Thus, the fabrics showcase high degrees of performances in terms of longevity and durability when compared to conventional natural or synthetic fabrics. Owing to the aforementioned properties the antimicrobial textile additives are widely used in the manufacturing of sportswear, intimates, technical textiles and other range of textile products. Due to the potential resistance to pathogens, the antimicrobial textile additives are majorly used in foray of healthcare and hospital applications such as wound textile, medical masks, hospital gloves, and beddings. In the market, some of the popular antimicrobial textile additive trade names: AlphaSan, Silvadur, Cosmocil CQ, Saraguard-5700, Irgaguard, Silpure, and SmartSilver.


The major factor driving the growth of the market is rising demand for antimicrobial textile for multifarious industrial and household textile applications owing to their effective performance and durability. The most prominent among all the industrial applications is the surging demand for healthcare and medical textiles in the developing economies across the globe. The expanding healthcare industry in developing countries such as China and India offer a huge scope for the utilization of antimicrobial textiles. The latter thus create lucrative opportunities for the players operating in antimicrobial textile additives. For instance, according to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian hospital industry is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 16-17% and is expected to reach USD 132.84 billion by 2022 from 61.79 billion in 2017.


Furthermore, the up-surging interest to produce high-performance automobile textiles, and sports clothing coupled with rising awareness of general sanitation and prevention against Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) is further expected to drive the market growth for antimicrobial textile additives during the review period.


However, the fluctuating raw material prices and stringent regulations pertaining to the use of certain antimicrobial additives such as PHMB and Triclosan in certain regions are likely to hamper the global antimicrobial textile additive market in the foreseen period.


Pricing and Regulatory Analysis


In 2018, the antimicrobial textile additives market was priced around USD 1800 to USD 2400 per ton across the globe. The product has witnessed a gradual rise of USD 0.15 to USD 0.40 in its price from 2016 till 2018 and this trend is likely to continue during the forecast period owing to fluctuating raw material prices.


The stringent standards for evaluating antimicrobial finishes on textiles are likely to boost the demand for antimicrobial textile additives during the forecast period. Some of the standards are the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Standards- AATCC 147-2004 for “Quantitative Assessment by Parallel Streak Method”, AATCC 100-2004 for “Quantitative Assessment by Percentage Reduction Test”, AATCC 174 for “Antimicrobial activity assessment of carpets”; Swiss Norm - SN 195920-1992 for “Quantitative Assessment by Agar Diffusion Method”; International Standard -ISO 20743 for “Determination of Antibacterial Activity of Antibacterial Finished Products”; Japanese Industrial Standards- JIS L 1902-2002 for “Testing for antibacterial activity and efficacy on textile products”


Market Drivers



  • High demand for eco-friendly, hygienic and non-toxic textiles in medical and healthcare applications.

  • Surging demand for high moisture-retaining and skin-friendly apparels is likely to fuel the demand for antimicrobial textile additives in the textile industry.

  • Growing awareness related to pathogenic effects and health risks associated with some microorganisms.


Market Restraints



  • Fluctuating raw material prices

  • Stringent governmental regulations pertaining to the use of certain antimicrobial additives such as PHMB and Triclosan in Europe.


Segmentation

By Active Agents



  • Synthetic Organic Compounds: The segment accounted for the largest share of the antimicrobial textile additive market in 2018 and is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period on the account of its cost-effectiveness and activeness against a wide range of microorganisms. Among the synthetic active agents, quaternary ammonium compounds



  •  are likely to showcase higher growth during the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to its excellent antibacterial efficiency against a broad spectrum of bacteria.

    • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

    • Triclosan

    • Poly hexamethylene Biguanides (PHMB)

    • N-halamines

    • Others





  • Metal & Metallic Salts: Among all the metals, silver is widely used as an active antimicrobial ingredient owing to its high antibacterial effectiveness.

    • Silver

    • Copper

    • Zinc

    • Others





  • Bio-based: These are naturally occurring antimicrobial agents. Terpenoids, quinones, and tannins polypeptides are derived from plants and chitosan, cyclodextrin, and sericin are some natural antimicrobial agents extracted from animals.

    • Plant-Based

    • Animal-Based




By Fabric



  • Cotton: The antimicrobial cotton fabric segment accounted for the largest market share in 2018. This is primarily attributed to the high susceptibility of microbial attack on natural fibers rather than synthetic fabrics.

  • Polyester: Polyester fabrics used in healthcare applications such as aprons, masks, and gloves are incorporated with antimicrobial additives.

  • Polyamide: Antimicrobial additives are blended with synthetic polyamide fabrics that are used in artificial tendons, sutures, and other applications.

  • Others


By Application



  • Medical Textile: It is expected to be the largest application segment. The increasing demand for woven and non-woven textiles in medical devices, hygienic care, and beddings is fueling the growth of the segment. The segment accounted for the largest market share in 2018 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This is attributed to rapidly rising medical and healthcare industries in the emerging markets such as India, China, and Brazil.

  • Apparels: Mainly antimicrobial additives are infused in undergarments, cycling jerseys, and gym shorts.

  • Technical Textiles: Antimicrobial fabrics find a variety of applications in the production of automobile carpets, awnings, tents, and parachutes.

  • Domestic Textiles: Antimicrobial textiles on account of high odor-resistance are used in domestic home furnishings applications such as carpets, drapes, and upholstery.


By Region



  • North America

  • Europe

  • Asia-Pacific

  • Latin America

  • Middle East & Africa


Regional Analysis




  • North America: The regional market held the largest share in 2018. This is primarily due to the high demand for the product in the well-established healthcare industry in the region. In 2018, the US healthcare segment was valued at USD 554.2 million. The US followed by Canada is the leading country in the region on account of improved healthcare facilities.




  • Europe: High automobile production coupled with increasing demand for automotive textiles with anti-odor and antimicrobial properties is driving the regional market growth.




  • Asia-Pacific: The region is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to rapid industrialization and urbanization. This is primarily due to the high demand for the product in the manufacturing of antimicrobial fabrics for the rapidly growing healthcare and textile industries in the region. China is the leading country followed by India and other South-East Asian countries on account of growing demand in the region.




  • Latin America: The rapidly expanding healthcare and textile industries are expected to boost the growth of the antimicrobial textile additive market in the region.




  • Middle East & Africa: The growing healthcare facilities in the region is contributing to regional market


Key Players




  • BASF SE (Germany)—IRGAGUARD

  • Sanitized AG (Switzerland)—Sanitized

  • Merck KGaA (Germany)—Irgasan

  • Lonza (Switzerland)—Cosmocil CQ

  • Thomson Research Associates, Inc (Canada)—Ultra fresh


  • Milliken & Company (US)—AlphaSan

  • DuPont (US)—SILVADUR

  • Sarex (India)—Saraguard 5700

  • Sciessent (US)—Agion

  • BioCote Limited (UK)—BioCote

  • Microban International (US)—AEGIS, Microban

  • F Group Nano (US)—SmartSilver


Recent DevelopmentJul 2021 Devan has been bought by Pulcra Chemicals, a renowned specialty chemicals firm based in Germany. Devan, founded in Belgium, is known for its antibacterial BI-OME and probiotics solutions, a wide spectrum of new bio-based textile finishes, and a long history in thermoregulation and flame retardants. The acquisition of Devan will help the company achieve its goal of being a global leader in sustainable chemistry. Both institutions have long histories of invention, inventiveness, and a similar dedication to community service.Jun 2021 Cleanliness, a new brand under Shadong Cleanliness Biotechnology, has introduced antimicrobial home textiles made of Amicor fiber. Amicor is a specialty antimicrobial fiber developed by Thai Acrylic Fibre (Aditya Birla Group) tested against the SARS-Cov-2 virus and shown to reduce infective virus particles by 99 percent in just 18 seconds. The brand focuses on antimicrobial product research and development and health promotion initiatives.

Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights
client_1 client_2 client_3 client_4 client_5 client_6 client_7 client_8 client_9 client_10
Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report
Please fill in Business Email for Quick Response

We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

Purchase Option
Single User $ 4,950
Multiuser License $ 5,950
Enterprise User $ 7,250
Compare Licenses
Tailored for You
  • Dedicated Research on any specifics segment or region.
  • Focused Research on specific players in the market.
  • Custom Report based only on your requirements.
  • Flexibility to add or subtract any chapter in the study.
  • Historic data from 2014 and forecasts outlook till 2040.
  • Flexibility of providing data/insights in formats (PDF, PPT, Excel).
  • Provide cross segmentation in applicable scenario/markets.