Antimicrobial Plastic Market: A Boon for Healthcare, Food, and Beyond

Antimicrobial Plastic Industry Overview

The global antimicrobial plastic market size was valued at 37.87 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2022 to 2030. Antimicrobial plastic is a synthetic polymeric material containing an integrated active ingredient (antimicrobial additive) that makes it effective against the growth of microbes such as algae, fungi, and mold. These microbes tend to shorten the life of plastic products; thus, the use of antimicrobial plastics has increased in recent years in various end-use industries such as food and beverage, packaging, and healthcare, which are expected to be the main drivers of the global market during the forecast period.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Antimicrobial Plastic Market

Antimicrobial plastics are now increasingly being used as a substitute for conventional materials in the healthcare sector for manufacturing medical instruments such as ventilators and anesthesia machines due to their pathogen-inhibiting properties. This plastic helps to minimize the growth of pathogens such as algae, bacteria, and fungi and has excellent moisture resistance, which also increases its acceptance as an effective food packaging solution in the food and beverage industry.

These plastics are produced by infusing antimicrobial additives such as arsenic-based oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA) and organometallic biocides into the material to provide long-lasting protection against microbes and pathogens. These additives help increase the functional life of the plastic and inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause the plastic to degrade more quickly, making it stronger, rust-proof, odorless, and highly suitable for medical device applications.

Moreover, the U.S. automotive and transportation industry is dominated by well-established players including General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Toyota Motor Corporation. Rising demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, coupled with the presence of a well-established automotive industry and growing automotive aftermarkets in the country, is expected to drive the building and construction and automotive and transportation industries. This, in turn, is expected to fuel the consumption of antimicrobial plastics in the automotive and transportation industry over the forecast period.

Browse through Grand View Research's Plastics, Polymers & Resins Industry Research Reports.

• The global wood pallets market size was estimated to be USD 13.12 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2030. The growth in global trade influences the demand for wooden pallets used in logistics & transportation. According to World Trade Organization the demand for traded goods is expected to grow in 2024 and 2025 compared to previous contraction in 2023, resulting in growth in global merchandise trade volume by 2.6% and 3.3% respectively.

• The global food wrap market size was estimated at USD 5.15 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2030. The food wrap market is driven by rising consumer demand for convenience, sustainability, and food safety. Besides, increased awareness of eco-friendly packaging, growing online food delivery market, and advancements in materials that extend shelf life are also contributing to the food wrap market growth.

Antimicrobial Plastic Market Segmentation

Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2019 - 2030)

• Commodity Plastics

  • Polyethylene (PE)

  • Polypropylene (PP)

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  • Polystyrene (PS)

  • Acrylonitrile Butadiene Systems (ABS)

  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

• Engineering Plastics

  • Polyamide (PA)

  • Polycarbonate (PC)

  • Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

  • Others

• High-performance Plastics

• End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2019 - 2030)

  • Building & Construction

  • Automotive & Transportation

  • Healthcare

  • Packaging

  • Food & Beverage

  • Textile

  • Consumer Goods

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2019 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central and South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • GCC Countries

    • South Africa

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Key Companies profiled:

• BASF SE• Parx Materials N.V.• Ray Products Company Inc.• COVESTRO AG• King Plastic Corporation• Palram Industries Ltd.• Clariant AG• SANITIZED AG• RTP Company• Lonza• INEOS Styrolution Group GmbH• Milliken Chemical• BioCote Limited• Microban International• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.