MATERIALS PUTTING THE BRAKES ON
BACTERIA O
ur hands touch multiple surfaces throughout the day, accumulating microbes that can be easily transferred to
the insides of our vehicles. Automotive interiors are generally washed far less frequently than other surfaces and, with carpooling becoming increasingly common, even regular cleaning may be insufficient to prevent microbial growth that can cause odours and staining. As a result, there is rising consumer demand for automotive brands to incorporate built-in antimicrobial solutions into car interiors, offering 24/7 product protection and helping prevent the growth of microbes between cleans.
How passenger health and safety can be improved with antimicrobial automotive interiors
THE DIRTY TRUTH Research has revealed that car interiors
can act as significant reservoirs of pathogens that are a threat to human health, with evidence of methicillin- resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus colonies in shared vehicles. According to one study, the typical steering wheel harbours more bacteria than a public toilet, indicating that there is a big cause for concern. However, despite awareness of how unclean vehicles can be, automotive interiors are rarely cleaned, making them susceptible to the accumulation of dirt, food crumbs and debris. This can create the perfect conditions for microbes to thrive and
grow, resulting in odours, staining and premature product deterioration, affecting both the aesthetics and value of a vehicle. Even for individuals who clean often, the use of standard disinfectants is only a short-term solution that offers limited residual activity against microorganisms.
GROWING CONCERN Built-in antimicrobial technologies can help to address damaging microbial growth on automotive surfaces, and a rise in hygiene awareness following the pandemic has sparked increasing customer demand for added surface protection. A recent consumer survey
How built-in antimicrobial technologies are applied to automotive interiors 14
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