ANTIMICROBIAL | ADDITIVES
Additive and compound suppliers discuss regulatory issues and environmental performance, along with protecting plastics from microorganism growth. Jennifer Markarian reports
Fighting microbes to make plastics last longer
Biocidal and antimicrobial additives find use in flexible PVC and other thermoplastics where they are needed to protect the material from growth of microorganisms that can cause odour, discolora- tion, degradation or other problems on the surface of a plastic part. “The global antimicrobial plastics market is
experiencing robust growth, driven by heightened awareness of hygiene and product durability. In Europe alone, stringent environmental regulations and concerns over antimicrobial resistance are prompting a shift towards greener chemistries, with countries like France and Germany investing in sustainable solutions,” said Jonathan Clapp, Senior International Technical Manager at Microban. “Novel ‘inspired-by-nature’ innovations, such as Microban’s Ascera, are working to improve the environmental profile of antimicrobial technologies without compromising performance. Although regulatory complexity and production costs remain key challenges, growing demand for safer, longer- lasting materials continues to fuel market growth and drive further innovation.” Ascera was recently awarded a Silver Edison
Award in the Materials Science category of the Edison Awards, a global competition recognising
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excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centred design, and innovation. The patent-pending antimicrobial inhibits microbial growth by interfering with the cell membrane perme- ability of microorganisms. It is currently undergoing trials in polymers such as olefins, EVA, and TPU, with a focus on food-contact applications. Microban also recently launched the AkoTech multifunctional coating platform that it says combines antimicrobial, water and oil repellency, and UV and chemical resistance, for coating application on polymeric products. Clapp said that a growing use is in antimicrobials
to help extend the useable life of plastic products, to meet the needs of the shift toward reusable products. “Products that are prone to mould growth, such as shampoo bottles or other bathroom plastics, are often prematurely discarded rather than reused. Microban’s antimicrobial technologies help protect these surfaces, extending their usable life and supporting a more sustainable lifecycle,” he said. He pointed to a survey of UK consumers that indicated increasing openness to investing in premium product features of added cleanliness, durability, and long-term value. Microban’s antimicrobial additives in recycled
July 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 13
Main image: Microbes can cause odour, discoloration, degradation or other problems on the surface of a plastic part
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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