U.S. Antimicrobial Plastics Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Additive (Inorganic and Organic), By Type (Commodity Plastics, Engineering Plastics, and High-Performance Plastics), By Application (Medical & Healthcare, Packaging, Consumer Goods, Automotive, Building & Construction, and Others), 2023-2030

The U.S. antimicrobial plastics market size was valued at USD 6.68 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

U.S. has seen a significant rise in product demand with lucrative opportunities for market players with the advancement of modern healthcare infrastructure. The growing demand for antimicrobial plastics medical devices, food packaging, automotive, etc., is attributable to the rapid expansion of the U.S. antimicrobial plastics market. Moreover, the increasing investment in research & development is accelerating their product offering in various end-use industries, i.e., expected to drive the market in the upcoming years.

LATEST TRENDS

Growing Consumer Awareness to Drive the Product Adoption

The onset of COVID-19 and other viral infections raises consumer awareness, creating the significance of antimicrobial polymers. Antimicrobial-infused plastics are used to disinfect medical equipment, medical devices, plastic disposables, hospitals, and COVID-19-specific centers for daily operations, and this increase the demand for antimicrobial plastics in the healthcare segment. The pandemic has raised public health and environmental awareness, whereas food hygiene and improper packaging are significant issues today. Additionally, severe bacterial and viral infections can result from using spoiled packaging for dine-in establishments and online food delivery services. Products with adequate antimicrobial properties extend the food’s shelf life and boost the food packaging industries. Thus these factors make structural changes in the consumer preferences driving product expansion in the market.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand for the Product from the Automotive Segment to Boost Market Growth

Plastics with antimicrobial and self-cleaning properties may be the key to keep occupants safe and healthy in automobile interiors, primarily plastic and composite. Along with developing nano-level structures, important touch-point components could be embedded with nanoparticles of metals such as silver, copper, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide. These nanoparticles could be embedded in seat fabrics and other surfaces to break up and kill particles of bacteria and viruses. These substances may also be embedded in the linings of seat covers that can be removed for cleaning.

U.S. automakers are focusing on developing technology to reduce microbes on the exterior surfaces and parts of the automobiles. Paints and coatings are being developed by suppliers using natural antimicrobial polymers or silver particles. These factors will boost U.S. antimicrobial plastics market growth in the U.S. automotive industry.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental Constraints to Hinder the Market Growth

The government of the U.S. has implemented stringent waste policies and recycling procedures to protect the environment from the harmful chemicals released from manufacturing facilities. The improper disposal of plastic packaging in containers and bags pollutes the waterways, clogs sewage water, and harms marine life. The food chain of marine ecosystems is impacted by the increasing amount of plastic waste dumped into the oceans each year. To lessen the plastic pollution, end users are looking for environmentally friendly ways to use plastics. As a result, environmental organizations collaborate with local authorities to enforce stringent regulations, which may impede U.S. antimicrobial plastics market share over the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION

By Additive Analysis

Based on additive, the market is segmented into inorganic and organic.

The inorganic segment held a larger share in 2022 owing to the increasing prevalence of silver-based additives in the country. To prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that thrives on various surfaces, silver ions, an ideal inorganic antimicrobial plastic compound, can be incorporated into several thermoplastic materials. Antimicrobial polymers can be made from common inorganic materials such as copper, silver, and zinc to make healthy packaging products. The growing preference for hygienic packaging will boost the growth of the market in the upcoming years.

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into commodity plastics, engineering plastics, and high-performance plastics.

Commodity plastics is the leading segment as they have reasonable price and possess excellent mechanical properties. They are made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride and are generally consumed in the polymer business. The demand for common plastics is primarily driven by the growing use of plastics in packaging applications like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages. 

By Application Analysis

By application, the market is segmented into medical & healthcare, packaging, consumer goods, automotive, building & construction, and others.

U.S. market experienced a stable recovery in 2022 owing to sustained demand from the healthcare segment and favorable government policies, and it may continue to experience sturdy growth over the next decade. Through the variety of additives in the market, antimicrobial additives safeguard medical devices by preventing, inhibiting, and resisting the growth of harmful microbes, which may impede the growth of the market over the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts the presence of established and emerging companies. Key players include LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., DuPont de Nemours, Inc, INEOS Group Limited, Avient Corporation, BASF SE, and others. Industry players compete primarily based on the price and application characteristics of the product. Companies are emphasizing product innovation, social marketing, acquisition, and collaborations.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• BASF SE (Germany)


• LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. (Netherlands)


• DuPont de Nemours, Inc (U.S.)


• INEOS Group Limited (U.K.)


• Avient Corporation (U.S.)


• SABIC (Saudi Arabia)


• Palram Industries Ltd. (Israel)


• RTP Company (U.S.)


• Microban International, Ltd. (U.S.)


• King Plastic Corporation (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• November 2021 – Sunbeam Products, Inc. and Microban International have announced a strategic partnership to develop a premium-quality product portfolio under the Calphalon brand to produce knife handles by innovating the Microban silver shield platform, which features product protection against microbes.


• May 2021 – Avient Corporation has launched a new antimicrobial technology by enlarging its product portfolio to protect against bacterial microbes. The new technology GLS TPE is expected to extend the organization's market presence into more extensive applications for gadgets, cars, and air conditioning seals.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It provides a detailed market analysis and focuses on aspects such as additive, type, application, and leading companies. It provides quantitative data in terms of value, research methodology for market size estimation, and insights into the latest market trends. It highlights vital industry developments and the competitive landscape. It focuses on key aspects such as an overview of technological advancements, new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the report also offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In addition to the aforementioned factors, it encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth during the forecast period.

Report Scope & Segmentation