Global inorganic antimicrobial additive market generated revenue of US$ 6,082.6 million in 2021 and it is estimated to reach valuation of US$ 10,933.5 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.01% during the forecast period, 2022–2030.

As the world becomes more and more populated, the need for antimicrobial products increases. Antimicrobial additives are needed to help protect people and animals from harmful infections. However, there is a growing demand for inorganic antimicrobial additives, which have fewer environmental impacts than traditional antimicrobial chemicals. Inorganic antimicrobial additives can be used in many different products, such as paints, detergents, plastics, and grain storage products. They are also being investigated as potential replacements for traditional antimicrobial chemicals. The main benefits of using inorganic antimicrobial additives include their safe use and low environmental impact. 

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Key Dynamics of Inorganic Antimicrobial Additives Market

Drivers

Growing Awareness About Health-Related Issues Among Consumers

The first factor is certainly true – as awareness of food-borne illnesses has increased, so too has the demand for IMA. This is especially true among consumers who are more conscientious about their health and hygiene, as well as those who want to protect themselves and their families from potential illness. In addition, many consumers are starting to see the benefits of using IMA in food and beverage products – specifically, that they can help reduce the number and severity of food, improve preservation yields, and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.

The increasing demand for antimicrobial additives is also driven by the ubiquity of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and products. The delivery of effective antimicrobial activity needs to be localized and sustained, which is why additives are a necessary component of antimicrobial product formulations. Additives are also important to reduce the pro-compliance time required for disinfection processes, making them important tools in food industry hygiene. 

Strong Demand from Paints and Coating Manufacturers

There is a great need for antimicrobial additives that are reasonably priced and follow the minimum standards or regulations established by the quality monitoring bodies such as FDA. From the last few years, the global market has been witnessing a significant growth in the demand for non-toxic polymers for their enhanced qualities such as potent antibacterial activity, durability, hardness, and transparency. Many large-scale plastics and paint & coating manufacturers utilize antimicrobial chemicals in products like medical bottles, equipment, and food packaging. As a result, their is rising demand for imaginative and novel products that further stimulates technological development and product innovation. 

Restraint

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices

The prices of raw material inputs for the production of inorganic antimicrobial additives have been on a roller coaster ride in recent years due to numerous environmental and economic uncertainties. Inorganic antimicrobial additive producers are forced to deal with price fluctuations on a daily basis, which makes it difficult to budget for future projects. Recent price changes for key raw material inputs will have a significant impact on the profitability of some companies that produce these additives.

Inorganic antimicrobial products are made from basic materials like silver and zinc, which are actively traded commodities with volatile pricing. These modifications leave a strong impact on the final cost of antimicrobial compounds. For instance, despite silver's excellent antibacterial properties, its price has recently skyrocketed, prompting manufacturers to look for alternatives. The high cost of producing silver-based antibacterial additives has an effect on companies' profit margins by increasing the entire cost of the products. 

Trend

Shift Towards Sustainable Antimicrobial Additives

Due to stringent government regulations such as Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) EU 528/2012 and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, suppliers of inorganic antimicrobial additives have been forced to create new formulations that adhere to the requirements for secure administration and antibacterial properties (FIFRA).

As a result of stricter restrictions and increasing public awareness, major producers of antimicrobial additives now offer non-hazardous, environmentally friendly, and sustainable antimicrobial chemicals. For instance, Henkel AG & Co. KGAA offers formaldehyde-free sustainable polyurethane adhesives for bonding purposes in construction materials. In order to stay up with emerging trends in sustainability, Sika AG, a leading manufacturer of antimicrobial chemicals, is also investigating sustainable options for its structural adhesive solutions. 

Covid-19 Impact on Inorganic Antibacterial Additives Market

In the recent years, inorganic antibacterial compounds have gained popularity, mostly as a result of the growing emphasis on hygiene and sanitation. The current COVID-19 epidemic has only raised demand because scientists discovered that the coronavirus may stay active on various surfaces for up to 48 hours after exposure. 

On the other hand, the growth of the inorganic antimicrobial additives market strongly affected as demand from the construction and automotive industries experienced significant decline. This was mainly resulted due to government-imposed lockdown and limitations brought by a protracted halt to production activity around the world. In fact, the global market witnessed significant impact on small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chain. Some of them also ran out of business or compelled to merge with one another due to cash crunch.

However, the scenario has started changing and the demand for the product as almost returned to pre-Covid situation as of September 2022. As per our estimates, capacity utilization will gradually increase as the economy returns to pre-pandemic levels. Antimicrobial additive demand is still significant and is anticipated to progressively increase over the coming years.

Market Segmentation

Type Analysis:

By type, global inorganic antibacterial additives market is segmented into silver, copper, and zinc. Wherein, Zinc is holding the largest market share and is projected to continuing the momentum and its dominance in the years to come. Thanks to its superior antibacterial resistance, zinc pyridine is added to materials that are prone wither when comes in contact with mould and fungus. Paints, coatings, and polymers act as the underlying substrates or layers, with zinc salts acting as antimicrobial protection in sterilizing and preserving applications.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have permitted addition of Zinc in food up to 1000ppm.  Moreover, FDA has also allowed the application of zinc in treating dandruff and fungal diseases. In addition, the application of zinc is also regulated in Europe Under Biocidal Products Regulation.

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Application Analysis:

By application, the global inorganic antibacterial additives market is segmented into plastic, pulp & paper, and others. Wherein, the plastic segment is holding the lion’s share due their strong demand for manufacturing of food containers, surgical items, breathing apparatuses, and soap dispensers. They are added to plastic due its vulnerability to support microbiological growth such as biofilm formation and fungal or mold growth and such events can significantly hamper functional lifespan of the final product. As a result, all forms of paints and varnishes, including solvent, water, oil, and powder-based ones are increasingly adding inorganic antimicrobial additives to prolong the shelf life and improve the appearance.

End User Analysis

By end use, the global the healthcare segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the years to come. Antimicrobial additives can help to improve the efficacy and reduce the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Inorganic antimicrobial additives can be a valuable tool in controlling infection.

Due to the increasing rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, inorganic antimicrobial additives are becoming increasingly important in healthcare applications. Inorganic antimicrobial additives have the ability to targets specific forms of bacteria, minimizing the chance for resistance. Organic antimicrobial additives are also available, but recent research suggests that inorganic additive may be more effective at controlling infection-related ware and associated costs. 

One additive that has seen high demand in the healthcare industry is silver nitrate. Silver nitrate is a common antibacterial agent in wound care products and cosmetics, but it has also been used in hospitals to treat MRSA. Silver nitrate has been shown to be effective against a wide variety of bacteria, including MRSA.

Geographical Analysis

Asia Pacific is holding the highest share of the global inorganic antimicrobial additives market and is expected to grow the fastest CAGR over the forecast period thanks to rapid industrial expansion across India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. As a result, the demand for antimicrobial compounds in industrial gear, equipment, and containers is witnessing a significant growth with each passing year. 

Rapidly expanding construction sector in the developing as well as rising infrastructure spending by the Indian governments are adding fuel to the overall market growth. For instance, the Indian government has approved a projected investment of US$ 5.87 billion through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for the automotive industry. The vehicle industry is anticipated to benefit from these activities, which are anticipated to improve product consumption for automotive applications. 

North America is projected to witness a moderate growth during the forecast period. Wherein, the US is projected to stay the largest contributor. As per our findings, the most of the demand for inorganic antimicrobial additives market is coming from healthcare sector. Wherein, the medical devices and equipment are adding a significant revenue to the region market. This is primarily supported by well-developed healthcare infrastructure and better reimbursement coverage program.

Key Industry Players:

BASF SE, DuPont De Nemours, Microban International, Avient Corporation, Dow Inc., Clariant AG, and Lonza are some of the key players in the global market. 

In 2021, the top seven players held around 25%–35% share of the global inorganic antimicrobial additives market. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to call the market monopolistic. However, the market scenario is projected to change in the years to come with the entry of new players and growing market share of existing small and medium size players. 

However, the top players are taking every possible step to keep their dominance in the market by employing a range of tactics and growth strategies. Companies are concentrating on developing their new product developments and enhancements to fulfil the needs of specific consumers while studying new generations of materials with innovative surface effects that are of interest to medical devices and equipment.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• BASF SE
• DuPont De Nemours
• Microban International 
• Sanitized AG
• LyondellBasell
• Avient Corporation
• Biocote
• Milliken Chemical
• Dow Inc.
• Clariant AG 
• Lonza
• Plastics Color Corp.
• Biosafe Inc.
• Other Prominent Players

Key Developments:

• In addition to many light stabilizers and antioxidants, BASF now sells PCFs (product carbon footprints) as a premium product under the VALERAS brand for use as plastic additives in consumer products. Furthermore, BASF is actively pursuing customer satisfaction through digital solutions and wants to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
• Clariant created antibacterial packaging in collaboration with several major edible oil manufacturers, using Remafin and CESA brands of Masterbatches. Additionally, Clariant helped various brands differentiate themselves visually through packaging colour matching.
• In July 2021, Avient launched ColorMatrix Lactra Four. This product offers light-blocking options with TiO2 content for PET dairy, low-inorganic, and dairy-alternative packaging. For mono-layer, PET is one of the most often recycled packaging materials.
• In July 2022, LANXESS, a manufacturer of additives, specialty chemicals, and modern polymers, acquired IFF's microbial control business for US$1.3 billion. With this acquisition, it grown to be among the biggest manufacturers of germ control products around the globe. The advanced materials company is expanding its international reach, particularly in the US, as well as its selection of antimicrobial active compounds and formulations for substance preservation, protection, and disinfectants.

Segmental Overview

(Note*: We also provide granular level reports, made to sub-segment level or only for niche segments. Contact us, if you require more details.)

By Type

• Silver
• Copper
• Zinc

By Application

• Plastic
• Paints & Coatings
• Pulp & Paper
• Others

By End User

• Healthcare
• Packaging
• Food & Beverage
• Construction
• Automotive
• Consumer Goods
• Textiles
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • The U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa