Global Plastic Antimicrobial R&D is in full swing

Not long ago, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) officially released two key standards: "ISO 22196:2007 – Evaluation Method for Surface Antibacterial Properties of Plastic Products" and "ISO 20743:2007 – Determination of Antibacterial Properties of Antibacterial Finished Textiles." These standards marked a significant milestone in the development of the global antibacterial standardization system. Today, the antibacterial industry has grown into a major sector worldwide, driven by the continuous innovation of new organic and silver-based antibacterial agents that have made the market highly dynamic. As the industry expands, companies are investing heavily in research and development to improve their antibacterial technologies. For example, the U.S.-based Millin Chemical Company recently established a microbiology laboratory in Europe to enhance its technical support for customers. The lab is designed specifically for European clients and is equipped with standard microbiological tools such as inoculation devices, colony counters, sterilizers, biosafety cabinets, incubators, and microscopes. This move aims to support the ongoing development of antimicrobial solutions and increase market acceptance. Meanwhile, countries like Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China have all developed their own antibacterial standards. However, these varying regulations often lead to inconsistencies in testing methods and customer requirements across different regions, creating confusion for manufacturers and complicating international trade. To address this, the recent ISO standards were introduced to provide a more unified framework. Many organic antibacterial agents are now available on the market, but not all are suitable for use in plastics. Effective antibacterial agents must be cost-efficient, compatible with plastic materials, and maintain high thermal stability during processing. They also need to migrate to the surface of the plastic to inhibit microbial growth. Among these, organic antibacterial agents are widely used due to their effectiveness and versatility. Toloy has introduced several plastic antibacterial agents under the brand name Micropel. One such agent, 10,10’-oxy diphenoxycarbazone, is a broad-spectrum antibacterial compound effective against fungi, bacteria, algae, and pink mold. It is commonly used in soft PVC and polyurethane applications. Another product, 3-Iodopropynyl Butyl Carbamate, is popular in industrial and personal care products. Toloy is currently optimizing it to meet the thermal stability requirements of PVC, polyolefins, and rubber. Chloro-octyl isothiazolinone is another widely used agent that offers excellent thermal stability for soft PVC and effectively controls fungal growth. Meanwhile, Micro-Chek, developed by Filipino company, is a low-toxicity anti-mildew agent used in PVC and polyurethane. It is ideal for outdoor applications such as roof membranes, doors, windows, canopies, and car accessories. The product has been certified by the EPA and PMRA, ensuring its safety and efficacy. Ecco Chemicals has developed the Intercide series, which integrates active antibacterial components into phthalate plasticizers, epoxy stabilizers, or solid copolymers. Polymer Chemical Alloys' PolySept series provides long-lasting antibacterial protection and can be directly mixed with various plastics like PE, PP, PS, ABS, PA, PET, and PC. Silver-based antibacterial agents are gaining popularity due to their non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, and non-flammable properties. Unlike other agents, they do not lead to bacterial resistance and offer high efficiency. These agents work by releasing silver ions through ion exchange, which interfere with microbial cell functions. Aijin Technology Co., Ltd. has developed a silver-based antibacterial agent used in Logitech’s mouse keyboards. This agent releases silver ions to provide long-term antibacterial protection, allowing the product to self-clean and destroy both existing and new bacteria throughout its lifecycle. The product has been approved by the EPA and FDA for safe contact with food and water. Sanitized AG has created a new silver-based antibacterial agent using glass-ceramics as a carrier. This formulation is twice as efficient as previous versions and can be directly added to plastic materials. When microorganisms thrive, the glass-ceramics release silver ions, which effectively kill them. The agent can withstand temperatures up to 350°C and maintains the optical clarity of transparent plastics, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

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