Increasing demand for antimicrobials from end-user applications is boosting the antimicrobial coatings market in Asia-Pacific. The need to minimise infection and in turn, the cost of treatment has spurred the use of antimicrobial coatings on hospital window frames, door knobs and other areas where hygiene is mandatory, thereby sustaining investments in the market.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, finds that the market earned revenues of more than US$70 million in 2012 and estimates this to reach US$123 million in 2018. The main end-user segments covered in the research are medical devices, the food and beverage industry, building and construction as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
The analysis also finds, however, that the lack of standard testing procedures to verify the effectiveness of an antimicrobial coating has allowed several fake products to enter the market, reducing overall market value. The researchers say that some manufacturers provide false claims regarding the functional attributes of their coatings or offer coatings with an extremely low concentration of biocide, creating a trust deficit with customers and reducing sale volumes.
Low awareness about the benefits of antimicrobials among most users in Asia-Pacific, along with the rise in the cost of a paint or coating when an antimicrobial is added, also deters adoption.
To encourage uptake, coating manufacturers need to create new, cost-effective antimicrobial additives which are efficient even with a low biocide concentration. Increasing consumer awareness will add to market opportunities across segments in the region.