What is an antimicrobial plastic?
An antimicrobial plastic is a synthetic polymer material containing a built-in active ingredient that makes it resistant to microbial growth.
Creating antimicrobial plastics
Microban is widely recognized as the world leader in built-in antimicrobial technologies. Our portfolio of antimicrobial additives helps keep polymer products and surfaces cleaner by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Microban's customized chemistries are incorporated into plastic products at the point of manufacture and provide ongoing protection for the expected lifetime of the product.
Proven technologies
SilverShield® is a range of silver-based antibacterial technologies for plastics. The proven formulations operate a multi-modal attack, eliminating up to 99.9% of bacterial growth.
ZPTech® is a range of zinc-based, multi-modal antimicrobial technologies for plastics. The formulations are proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on plastic articles.
AEGIS® is a full spectrum liquid antimicrobial suitable for use in a wide range of urethane cross-linked chemistries including urethane foams and Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) processes.
Transportation
High-traffic surfaces on buses, trains, and airplanes, often serve as a breeding ground for microbes. Microban technology provides proactive protection against harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew growth to deliver added peace of mind in the transportation industry.
Food Service
Built-in antimicrobial technology for food contact surfaces enables food industry professionals to maintain cleaner environments for the storage, delivery, processing, preparation and serving of food consumed by both people and animals.
Construction
Building materials often contain starches, organic adhesives, and cellulose sugars, which are ideal nutrient sources for microbial growth. Microban technology can be integrated into polymeric building materials to help deliver permanent surface protection.
Key benefits
Active 24/7
Microban protection is a permanent, cost-effective solution that remains active for your plastic product's expected lifetime.
Redefines clean
Microban protection creates inherently cleaner and more durable plastic products that work to complement regular cleaning.
Antibacterial*
Microban protection has been proven to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria on plastics. Tested strains include E. coli and MRSA.
Antifungal*
Microban protection works to prevent the growth of unsightly mold and mildew, helping improve product longevity and performance.
Stops the stink
Microban protection preserves the aesthetics of your plastic product by minimizing the presence of stain and odor-causing bacteria.
Sustainable
Microban protection actively inhibits the growth of microbes that will prematurely degrade plastics, helping extend product lifespan.
Safe to use
Microban protection has undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and has a long history of safe use in a plethora of plastic products.
Food contact*
Selected Microban technologies are food contact approved, being listed on EFSA, registered with the EPA, and permitted for use by the FDA.
Tried & trusted
Microban protection is used and trusted by some of the world's leading product manufacturers, including Speck and GE Appliances.
Microban partners in the plastic products industry
MacDermid: Polyester Films
A leading player in metal and plastics finishings, MacDermid Enthone partners with Microban to achieve built-in antimicrobial protection on their hard-coated polyester film, Autotex AM. This unique application is an ideal solution for communal surfaces including door hardware, POS equipment, and touchscreen kiosks.
Great Dane: Trailer Liners
Supporting compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) guidelines, Great Dane incorporates Microban antimicrobial product protection into the polymer film liners of their refrigerated reefers. This added layer of protection is designed to hinder invisible threats and contribute to a cleaner transportation system.
Poly: Workplace Communications
Poly, a global leader in unified communications devices, offers select product lines enhanced with built-in Microban antimicrobial technology. Bringing peace of mind back to the office, treated Poly Rove and VVX x50 Desktop Phones are manufactured with an antimicrobial additive to create an inherently cleaner product.