Unwanted bacteria and microbes land on surfaces in exponential form and according to an article published by the U.S. Department of Energy, bacteria can double every four to twenty minutes and is one of the fastest reproducing organisms in the world. High touch surfaces in public places, offices, and homes experience an immense burden of microbial loads which prove almost impossible to clean and disinfect. These surfaces pose a health risk to anyone who happens to come into contact with what appears to be a harmless handrail, door knob, or any other commonplace surface.
Furthermore, these microbes cause degradation of the surface in the form of stains, odors and reduce product life expectancy, decreasing the value of these products. As soon as microbes contaminate a surface coating, it can be extremely difficult to contain the spread of harmful bacteria.
Increased Awareness of the Value of Antimicrobial Coatings
According to a recent report by Grand View Research, the antimicrobial coatings market is valued at $9 billion globally and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8% during the period of 2022 to 2030. This reflects a rapid development of antimicrobial coating technology in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing demand for disinfectants and sanitizers. A growing concern for sanitary environments and cleanliness exists in every industry and environment.
What are Antimicrobial Coatings?
Antimicrobial coatings contain an additive that prevents the buildup and growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and harmful microbes. Antimicrobial coatings add value to the products they are applied to by protecting the surface against harmful microbial buildup and preventing early degradation of material. These protective coatings are desirable in many environments and include solvent based and water based coatings that protect and increase the cleanliness of products.
Where are Antimicrobial Coatings Most Beneficial?
Antimicrobial coatings and paints have many uses in broad market applications, anywhere that protecting surfaces against microbial buildup is desirable and provides benefits to the public. These protective coatings are also used to prolong the life of products by preventing early staining and degradation in a wide range of industries. Antimicrobial coatings enhance regular cleaning procedures to improve safety and reduce maintenance requirements.
Common applications where antimicrobial coatings are typically used include in the food industry, the healthcare industry, and building materials, among others.
Antimicrobial Protection in Food Service
Applications that require sanitary surfaces such as commercial kitchens and food preparation areas present an opportunity for antimicrobial coatings to add value. High touch surfaces like counters, refrigerators, sinks, food processing areas and common places in restaurants all benefit from antimicrobial coatings.
Sanitary Solutions for Healthcare Settings
Hospitals and healthcare settings are an ideal environment to realize the benefits of antimicrobial coatings. Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) are an infection that a patient acquires during a hospital stay related directly to the hospital care and may lead to serious and urgent health conditions. HAIs often cause antibiotic resistant illnesses that may lead to sepsis or death, and According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, affect 1 in 25 hospital patients. Protecting hospitals with antimicrobial coatings is an important tool to fight the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare environments.
Safer Construction and Building Materials
Protecting building materials and high-touch surfaces against microbial buildup enhances public safety and protects materials against premature degradation. Antimicrobial coatings improve the longevity of surface coatings, elongating product life span and ensuring quality coatings without premature staining, odor, mold, and mildew.
UNICHEM uniCLER Antimicrobial Coating Technology
Universal Chemicals and Coatings,Inc., UNICHEM, offers uniCLER antimicrobial coating technology for paints and coatings that creates a surface that is resistant to bacterial and fungal growth. This improves the durability, corrosion resistance, appearance, and safety of surfaces.
UNICHEM is a leading custom coatings and adhesives manufacturer with more than 50 years of experience. Our high-tech team of resin and polymer engineers redefine the possibilities in your market with high-quality, custom designed paints, coatings, and adhesives. Contact us to learn more about improving the safety and longevity of your products or high-touch surfaces with uniCLER antimicrobial coating technology.