What Is an Antimicrobial Plastic?
An antimicrobial plastic is a synthetic polymer material containing an integrated active ingredient which makes it effective against microbial growth.
Create High-Performing Antimicrobial Plastic Products with Microban®
Microban® is widely recognised as the world leader in built-in antimicrobial technologies. Our portfolio of antimicrobial additives helps keep plastic products and surfaces cleaner by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew. Microban's customised chemistries are incorporated into plastic products at the point of manufacture and provide ongoing protection for the expected lifetime of the product.
Adding Antimicrobial Agents to Plastics
Microban® has over 25 approved antimicrobial technologies that can be formulated into polymer pellets, powders, or liquids. For injection molded or extruded thermoplastic polymers, an extensive set of specialized pellet-based masterbatches are available to ensure seamless incorporation. These masterbatches are designed to be used in a manner similar to color masterbatches and are safe to handle, accurate to add via a variety of methods, and fully compatible with your manufacturing method and material without requiring process changes.
Microban® also offers a variety of powder and liquid-based masterbatches for other processes such as powder coating, reaction injection molding, cross-linked liquid applied coatings, roto-molding, and foaming. All of our antimicrobial technologies for plastics can be integrated without affecting gloss or matte surfaces, color, durability, and resistance to cleaning solvents.
The world-class research & development team at Microban® includes experienced polymer engineers who work directly with partners to identify the best antimicrobial agents for their plastic products. More than 30,000 tests are conducted annually at our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and our team stands behind the efficacy of each application.
Common Applications for Antimicrobial Plastic Additives
Microban® technologies are implemented by plastic product manufacturers around the globe, in a variety of different industries. Consumer, commercial, healthcare and building products all benefit from the added layer of protection provided by our portfolio of solutions. Examples include coolers, food storage containers, high chairs, water filters, catheters and more.
Microban® antimicrobial plastic additives can be integrated into a wide range of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Compatible plastic materials include:
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Polyethylene (PE/LDPE)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
The Benefits of Microban® Antimicrobial Plastic Protection
Active 24/7
Microban® antimicrobial protection is a permanent, cost-effective solution that remains active for your plastic product's expected lifetime.
Redefines Clean
Microban® antimicrobial plastic additives create inherently cleaner and more durable plastic products. These invaluable features make antimicrobial plastics perfect for use in hygiene critical, high-traffic environments such as hospitals, food processing facilities and schools.
Effective Against Harmful Bacteria*
Microban® antimicrobial plastic additives have been proven to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria on plastics. Tested strains include E. coli, Campylobacter, and antibiotic-resistant MRSA.
Breaks the Mold*
Microban® antimicrobial plastic additives help your plastic product resist the growth of unsightly mold and mildew.
Stops the Stink
Microban® preserves the aesthetics of your plastic product by minimizing the presence of stain and odor-causing bacteria.
Increases Product Longevity
Microban actively inhibits the growth of microbes that will prematurely degrade plastics. This means your antimicrobial plastic product will benefit from an increased life expectancy and is less likely to end up as plastic waste.
Safe to Use
Microban® antimicrobial plastic additives have undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and have a long history of safe use. The biocidal active components of Microban® antimicrobial plastic additives are notified with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Food Contact Approved*
Selected Microban® antimicrobial plastic technologies are food contact approved, being listed on EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and registered with the EPA. They are also FDA approved.
Trusted by Leading Manufacturers
Microban® antimicrobial plastic additives are used and trusted by some of the world's leading plastic product manufacturers. Brand partners include Speck, Rubbermaid, GE Appliances, JCP Plastic and Whirlpool.
Get in touch!
If you are interested in developing an antimicrobial plastic product, contact the Microban® team today to discuss your project initiatives.
*Subject to the performance properties of the specific antimicrobial plastic additive manufactured into your product. Treated product efficacy claims against specific microbes are dependant on the results of laboratory testing.
