Antimicrobial coatings when applied to surfaces inhibit microbial contamination. These coatings are largely utilized in medical devices while its other applications include doors, glass panels, textiles, gloves, etc. These coatings contain active ingredients that make them effective against bacterial and other types of infections. The demand for these coatings is reliant on public awareness regarding its benefits, government regulations and finally the adoption across various industries.
The global antimicrobial coatings market reached a valuation of over USD 3.6 billion by 2019. It is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% from 2020 to 2026. At this growth rate, the market is anticipated to achieve a valuation of nearly USD 7.2 billion by 2026.
The key players operating in the market are:
The antimicrobial coatings market is segmented on the basis of product type into surface modifications and coating and antimicrobial powder coatings. Of these, the former dominated the market in 2019 due to its ability to modify physical, chemical and/or biological characteristics of the surface of a material. In terms of revenue, it garnered over 50% of the market in its segment.
The antimicrobial powder coatings segment is categorized into silver, copper and others. Among these types, the silver-based antimicrobial powder coating segment led the segment. This lead is attributed to its high efficacy, less toxic, long-lasting effect and durability.
Healthcare sector, Air-conditioning and ventilation systems and sanitary sector are the major consumers of antimicrobial coatings. Under the healthcare sector, the medical device application captured more than 40% of the antimicrobial coatings market. This application segment is largely driven by the rising demand due to the coating’s ability to protect surfaces against a variety of microbes.
1. Rising demand from the Healthcare Industry
The rising number of cases of Hospital-Acquired-Infections (HAI) has created an upsurge in the antimicrobial coatings market. The shifting trend from disinfectants to these coatings is expected to further boost the market. The proliferation of these coatings in various other applications within the healthcare sector will result in the expansion of the market.
2. Outbreaks such as COVID-19
To reduce the propagation of the COVID-19, global governments and private industries encouraged the adoption of these coatings. Increased investment by both sectors, positively affected the market.
3. Increased adoption in Construction Industry
The growth of the antimicrobial coatings market in the construction sector is due to several factors such as increased parental concerns and demand for safe environment as schools, adoption of these coatings in public buildings and spaces and rising standard of living.
4. Approval from Regulatory Authorities
The use of silver powder for manufacturing antimicrobial coatings has been approved by the United States EPA. This in turn motivates customers to procure these coatings. Such approvals, initiatives and/or regulations ensure an upsurge of the market.
1. Health concerns
The toxic nature of metal nanoparticles used in these coatings creates hinderance for the antimicrobial coatings market growth. Long-term exposure to silver and copper may induce skin diseases and/or breathing issues.
2. High Cost
Traditional coating products in comparison are much cheaper than antimicrobial coatings. Regions where the purchasing power, per capita income and awareness regarding these products are less, restrict the global growth of the market.
3. Requirement of highly skilled labor
The installation and application of these coatings require skilled manpower. The dearth of skilled laborers is a major restraining factor for the antimicrobial coatings market.
4. Competition from Antimicrobial Films
In certain applications like windows and surfaces, Antimicrobial Coatings are getting competition from antimicrobial films.
The pandemic has had an overall positive effect on the antimicrobial coatings market. The construction as well as the food & beverage industry witnessed a deceleration in their overall growth due to the worldwide lockdowns. Furthermore, the HVAC industry witnessed stagnation due to reduced spending capacities and the closure of various hotels and restaurants. However, the market registered significant growth due to the healthcare industry.
North America led the antimicrobial coatings market in 2019 and is projected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period. Growing population and improved economic conditions is boosting the regional construction and healthcare sectors. This coupled with increasing awareness is propel the market growth. The Affordable Healthcare Act initiated by the U.S. government is triggering the construction of hospitals. Continuous innovation in the healthcare sector and rising demand for antimicrobial coated products is driving the market in the region.
The second-fastest growing regional antimicrobial coating market is Asia – Pacific. Rising coatings application in the packaging industry bolstered by the soaring e-commerce sales and demand for packaged food products is one of the drivers for antimicrobial coatings market in the region. The demand generated by the food & beverage, packaging, construction and healthcare industries is anticipated to augment the regional market growth.
The research report analyses the ecosystem of the antimicrobial coatings market and categorizes it to forecast the revenues and analyse the trends in each of the following below-mentioned market segments.
Priyanka has been writing chemicals & material market research reports for the last 12 years. A post-graduate, her specialization is in the chemicals sector. Preparing end-to-end reports covering minute details for market insights, competitive intelligence and trend analysis in the CMFE sector.
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