Antimicrobial Textiles Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Active Agents (Synthetic Organic Compounds, Bio-Based Compounds, Metal & Metallic Salts and Others), By Fabric (Cotton, Polyester, and Others), By Application (Home, Commercial, Medical, Apparel, Industrial, and Others) and Regional Forecasts, 2021-2028

The global antimicrobial textiles market size was USD 9.04 billion in 2020 and market is projected to grow from USD 9.45 billion in 2021 to USD 13.63 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.2% during the 2021-2028 period. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with antimicrobial textiles witnessing a negative demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 0.12% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. 

Antimicrobial agents are used on fabrics in the textile industry to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the fabric material. These agents are the additives used on the fabric during the production or finishing process. These additives can be introduced into fabric through inks & dyes during extrusion or spinning. The method through which the antimicrobial agents are introduced depends upon the end-use of the fabric. There are various applications of antimicrobial textiles, such as in medical devices, food storage, automotive textiles, air and water filters, and others.

The absorption properties are responsible for the growth and breeding of microbes on the fabric that leads to adverse effects on the health of humans or can lead to corrosion of the surface product that the fabric is covered with. The rising demand for hygiene and applications in various sectors is expected to surge the demand for antimicrobial textiles.

LATEST TRENDS

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High Demand for Masks, Gloves, and Gowns amid COVID-19 is a Vital Trend

The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused a rather big impact on the textile industry, leading to a rather rapid slowdown in the market. While the economy is slowing down, this market is growing at a fast pace. Antimicrobial agents are being used for the making of masks and gloves to prevent the spread of the virus among the population. Consumers are shifting towards every antimicrobial fabric for daily use activities. Many companies are shifting towards providing antimicrobial and sterilized fabrics for the manufacturing of masks & gloves, gowns, bedspreads, and others. These products are being provided to hospitals and medical shops. The growing demand for antimicrobial fabrics to help prevent transmission during the pandemic is supporting the market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Demand from the Healthcare Industry to Propel Market

The expanding healthcare industry is supporting the market growth. The healthcare industry is the major consumer of antimicrobial fabrics as it is required to maintain high hygiene standards. Products, such as curtains, bed & linens, dressing & bandages, and surgical gowns are to be maintained at all times to prevent the growth of microbes. The use of antimicrobial textiles prevents the spread of hospital-acquired infections. These agents are used to provide protection from a wide variety of bacteria & germs and help patients from getting further infected. This textile prevents microbial growth on the surface of products by having direct contact of material with the latter. Agents, such as biocides, are used on fabrics to control the growth of microbes. Moreover, the expansion of the medical industry due to the improving lifestyle of consumers and the high demand for healthcare hygiene is leading to market growth.

Increasing Demand for Sportswear from Apparel Segment is Set to Drive the Market

The demand for antimicrobial fabrics is growing as consumers are getting more aware of health and hygiene in addition to the adverse effects of microbes on the human body. Antimicrobial textile is used for lowering down the discomfort accompanying the foul odor in fabrics due to the microbial growth that can cause skin infections. This is important during sports activity as a weighty amount of sweat is produced due to the increased temperature, which is a much more favorable environment for microbial growth. The antimicrobial fabric helps in the reduction of cross-infection by preventing microbial growth and increases performance.

The rapid growth in nanoscience and technology has helped in various metal nanoparticle synthesis, as well as in synthetic textiles that impart non-durable to durable antimicrobial functionality. Growth in the sports industry and shift of consumers towards a healthy regime are supporting the antimicrobial textiles market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuating Prices of Raw Material to Restrain Market Growth

The restraining factor affecting the growth of the market is the fluctuating raw materials prices. The products that act as raw materials for these textiles are fabrics and antimicrobial agents, such as silver, zinc, and copper. Prices of these materials fluctuate on a daily basis as they are traded on the stock exchange. These fluctuations lead to high manufacturing costs. Moreover, some chemicals used as antimicrobial agents are harmful and cause skin irritation when they come in contact with the skin. These chemicals, when exposed to the atmosphere, also affect the environment. The rising governmental regulations over these issues may risk market growth. These factors together are limiting the demand for antimicrobial textiles.

SEGMENTATION

By Active Agent Analysis

Synthetic Organic Compounds Segment to Gain Impetus during the Forecast Period

Based on active agents, the market is classified into synthetic organic compounds, bio-based agents, metal & metallic salts, and others. Among these, the synthetic organic compounds segment is the largest segment due to their high efficiency on a large number of microbes that can affect the fabric’s condition. Bio-based agents have applications in the commercial textile as for the inhibition of microbe’s growth. They are classified as extracts and chitosan, where they are extracted from the skeleton of marine animals, such as shellfishes. They act as a natural antimicrobial agent and have major applications in the residential sector.

On the other hand, metal & metallic salts have a strong biocidal effect due to their metal reduction property. They attack the microbes on the cellular level and damage the protein structure, thereby preventing microbial attacks. They have applications in the automotive and industrial sectors, where there are high chances of corrosion through microbes. The expansion of the automobile sector is leading to the growth of the segment.

By Fabric Analysis

Cotton Segment to Dominate the Market in the Near Future

Based on the fabric, the market is classified into cotton, polyester, and others. Cotton is the largest segment as it is a major fabric used for various applications, such as medical, automobile, apparel, and home. Cotton is a naturally occurring material and is easy to process, which makes it a highly demanded fabric in various sectors. It is easily susceptible to microbial attacks, which is expected to drive the market.

Polyester fabrics are man-made synthetic materials with a high-level design and are used for applications such as sportswear, carpets, tire cords, airbags, & others. The rising awareness among consumers regarding healthy lifestyles has led to many adopting sports and fitness programs. The high shift towards the health & fitness regime has caused an increasing demand for sportswear, and this is expected to further propel the demand for antimicrobial textiles. The others segment includes materials, such as polyamide, which has applications in technical textiles for road construction.

By Application Analysis

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Medical Segment to Maintain Strong Growth in the Upcoming Years

Based on the application, the market is segmented into home, commercial, medical, apparel, industrial, and others. The growing demand for medical applications is causing a surge in the consumption of antimicrobial technologies in the market. Antimicrobial textiles provide benefits, such as protection from microbial activity by being in direct contact with humans and maintaining the hygiene of hospitals and clinics. It is fueling the growth of this segment. The medical industry is the major industry of antimicrobial medical textiles due to the use of antimicrobial fabrics in curtains, uniforms, gowns, gloves, masks, and wipes. The expansion of the medical industry is indirectly causing a high demand for these products, which, in turn, is leading to a high antimicrobial textiles market share.

Apparel applications are growing due to the changing lifestyles of consumers with their highly disposable income. These factors are raising awareness among consumers regarding fine and good quality fabrics, as low-grade fabrics are harmful to the skin and body. These products are easily contaminated, thus causing skin irritation, infections, and other diseases. These antimicrobial fabrics are used for making clothes, socks, and sports clothing. They also provide the odor-control feature.

Home textiles also have the use of antimicrobial fabrics in bedding, towels, curtains, and others. The high demand for better quality products in this segment and the growing lifestyle of consumers is leading to the increasing use of antimicrobial agents for textiles to provide the consumer base with good quality products. These factors, along with the emphasis of regional and national government agencies on sustainable textiles, are further fueling the demand for these textiles globally.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The antimicrobial textiles market size in North America stood at USD 3.24 billion in 2020. The market in North America is the largest market due to the high growth of the healthcare industry. The growing awareness among consumers regarding the spread of various types of diseases is leading to the usage of high-quality fabrics by the medical sector.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to show substantial growth owing to the large-scale demand from developing economies, such as China, India, and South Korea. Moreover, China is the major consumer due to the increasing usage of antimicrobial fabrics for day-to-day activities. These applications are face masks, gloves, napkins, and bags. The high demand for these products from the surging population in the region will further drive the market growth.

The market in Europe is likely to be governed by the usage of antimicrobial materials in apparel and industrial applications. A considerable amount of awareness regarding the applications of fabrics in various sectors in the region, along with the higher use of antimicrobial apparel by the majority of consumers, is supporting the growth of the market.

The market in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are in the growing stage supported by a developing economy. Thus, they would gain a high market share during the forecast period. The healthcare & pharmaceutical industry is supporting growth in both regions. Moreover, the easy availability of raw materials will further show more attractive growth during the forecast period in these regions.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Are Adopting Novel Growth Strategies to Maintain Their Dominance in the Market

The market is consolidated with key players, such as BASF, BioCote Limited, Milliken & Company, and Trevira GmbH operating in the industry. Antimicrobial textile manufacturers have used several strategies, such as investments, acquisitions & mergers, and research & development for the growth of the market. Furthermore, small and medium-scale companies have upgraded and offered improved product portfolios and other related services. This trend is projected to positively impact the global market during the forecast period. For example, Milliken & Company is one of the leading players in the market that are focused on providing high-performance grade textile with vibrant colors to attract consumers. Trevira GmbH provides a wide range of products that includes fibers, yarns, filaments for applications in several end-use industries.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Milliken & Company (U.S.)


• Trevira GmbH (Germany)


• UNITIKA LTD. (Japan)


• PurThread Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)


• Herculite (U.S.)


• BASF SE (Germany)


• The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.)


• Microban International, Ltd. (U.S.)


• Biocote Limited (UK)


• Sanitized AG (Switzerland)


• Other Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2020 – Milliken swivels textile manufacturing into producing advanced medical PPE. The company is leveraging materials science proficiency to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) for the medical industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The product BioSmartTM antimicrobial technology is used in lab coats, scrubs, and hospital curtains. It can kill up to 99.9% of common bacteria on touch.


• May 2019 – Trevira attended the TECHTEXTIL in Germany, where the company presented products of a broad spectrum of technologies and applications in the segment of functional & technical textiles. The company presented at the conference is the sister concern of Indorama Ventures, the parent company.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global antimicrobial textiles market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth over recent years.

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