Antimicrobial Textiles Market Size - By Fabric (Polyester, Polyamide, Cotton), By Application (Healthcare, Apparels, Home Textile), By Active Agents (Metal & Metallic Salts, Synthetic Organic Compounds, Biobased Agents), & Global Forecast, 2024- 2032

Antimicrobial Textiles Market Size

Antimicrobial textiles Market was valued at over USD 16 billion in 2023 and is set to record 6.9% CAGR during 2024 to 2032, due to the increasing awareness and demand for hygiene and health safety. With the growing incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and global health concerns, there has been a strong focus on preventing the spread of pathogens. As per WHO, around 136 million people suffer from HAIs globally.
 

Antimicrobial textiles prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses and are essential for good hygiene, sportswear, and everyday clothing. The growing aging population and rising healthcare costs are further emphasizing the demand for antimicrobial clothing in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, where infection prevention is important.
 

The development of new disinfectants and treatments, such as silver nanoparticles, quaternary ammonium compounds and copper ions is improving the efficacy and durability of antimicrobial textiles. The preference for multifunctional clothing is rising as it not only satisfies consumer preferences for comfort and style but also offers health benefits, further promoting the product use in the fashion and sports industries. The emerging sustainability trends are pushing manufacturers to focus on eco-friendly antimicrobial treatments to meet the demand for sustainable and safe textile products.
 

However, the high production costs and potential health concerns may deter the product uptake. The addition of antimicrobial chemicals, such as silver nanoparticles, copper ions and other therapeutic agents is significantly increasing the manufacturing costs, making these textiles more expensive than conventional fabrics. There are also ongoing concerns about the potential toxicity and environmental impacts of these textiles, which may leach during washing or disposal, posing threats to human health and ecosystems. Regulatory challenges in various industries as well as standards may further limit the market expansion to some degree.
 

Antimicrobial Textiles Market Trends

Strong advancements in sustainable and eco-friendly antimicrobial treatments coupled with the surge in demand for antimicrobial textiles in various sectors will favor the market growth. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on antimicrobial compounds based on naturally occurring organic compounds, such as chitosan, tea tree oil and eucalyptus, to meet environmental concerns. Innovations in smart fabrics with antimicrobial additives and other features, including water absorption and UV protection are also on the rise.
 

Antimicrobial Textiles Market Analysis

Based on fabrics, the cotton segment recorded more than USD 7.5 billion in 2023 and will generate over USD 13.8 billion by 2032, due to its widespread use, natural properties, and enhanced appeal when combined with antimicrobial treatments. Cotton is a popular fabric for its comfort, breathability, and flexibility, making it a desirable choice for a wide range of applications from clothing to homewear. When combined with antimicrobials, cotton fabrics offer the added benefit of preventing germs, fungi, and odors while greatly enhancing healthcare.
 

Based on application, the healthcare segment is likely to exceed USD 14.2 billion by 2032, due to its critical need for hygiene and infection control. Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities are increasingly adopting antimicrobial textiles for multiple uses, such as bedding, clothing, blankets, and surgical gowns to reduce the risk of health-related incidents (HAIs). These garments also help prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi for providing additional protection for patients and healthcare professionals.
 

North America antimicrobial textiles market size was worth over USD 5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach over USD 9.2 billion by 2032, owing to the combination of advanced healthcare infrastructure and heightened awareness of hygiene and infection control. The increasing incidence of chronic diseases and the aging population is necessitating improvements in health care solutions. The sports and fitness industry is also fueling the product demand, as consumers are seeking active clothing with improved hygiene features. Strict infection prevention and security laws and standards in the U.S. and Canada are also forcing manufacturers to adopt antimicrobial technology, subsequently driving the regional market expansion.
 

Antimicrobial Textiles Market Share

These firms are investing heavily in R&D activities to create advanced and sustainable antimicrobial agents, such as natural biocides and nanoparticles, to offer effective and eco-friendly solutions. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with healthcare organizations and sports apparel companies are expanding their market reach and credibility. They are also focusing on product diversification by adding antibacterial properties to fabrics, ranging from medical textiles to everyday clothing.
 

Antimicrobial Textiles Market Companies

Major players operating in the antimicrobial textiles industry include:

• Herculite Inc
• Lifethread LLC
• Unitika Limited
• HeiQ Materials AG
• INNOVA TEX
• PurThread Technologies Inc
• Kolon Industries Inc
• TOYOBO Inc.
• MediTEX Technology
• Trevira GmbH
• Milliken & Company
• Thai Acrylic Fibre Co., Ltd
• Sinterama S.p.A
• Suzhou Chunshen Environment Protection Fiber Co. Ltd
• Smartfiber AG
• Miti Spa
   

Antimicrobial Textiles Industry News

• In February 2024, Herculite® Products Inc. launched a new e-commerce website that featured a comprehensive range of its Sure-Chek® antimicrobial healthcare fabrics.
   
• In February 2022, Xiaomi launched a full-sleeve sports T-shirt for sports enthusiasts with anti-viral protection and UV protection in addition to activewear for both outdoor contact and indoor sports.
   

This antimicrobial textiles market includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue and volume (USD Million) (Tons) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By Fabric

• Polyester
• Polyamide
• Cotton
• Others

By Application

• Healthcare
  • Apparels 
  • Sportswear/Active Wear
  • Others
  • Home Textile
  • Others

By Active Agents

• Metal & Metallic Salts 
  • Silver & Silver Salts
  • Others
  • Synthetic Organic Compounds
  • Biobased Agents

The above information is provided on a regional and country basis for the following:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia

Asia Pacific

• China
• India
• Australia
• Japan
• South Korea
• New Zealand

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• South Africa