The Biggest Trend in Textiles: Antimicrobial Benefits
SiShield Technologies • September 1, 2023
Consumer Demand Meets Sustainability
The textile industry has witnessed a significant surge in the demand for antimicrobial textiles, with increased consumer awareness for products that protect their health and hygiene. Here's a comprehensive look at why antimicrobial textiles are becoming increasingly popular:
- Rising Market Value and Growth Projections: The Antimicrobial Textiles Market was valued at USD 10.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 14.7 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2026.[1] This growth is attributed to the rising demand across medical textile and apparel applications.
- Consumer Awareness and Hygiene: Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread awareness campaigns, consumers are becoming more informed about the potential dangers of microorganisms on textiles. Rising disposable income, changing lifestyles, heightened health concerns, and increasing focus on sustainability have all contributed to a heightened demand for antimicrobial textiles. These textiles offer a barrier against odor production, extend product life, and potentially protect against harmful microbes.
- Odor-Control: Beyond Freshness: With projections showing the global sportswear market potentially touching $248.1 billion by 2026[2] the demand for textiles with effective odor-control is clear. Today's consumers, including fitness enthusiasts, demand textiles that guarantee prolonged freshness, and they seek odor-reduction claims in the products they purchase. Cutting-edge non-biocidal odor-capture technologies are stepping up, ensuring odors are neutralized before they become a nuisance.
- Treading the Path of Sustainability: While the spotlight is firmly on antimicrobial and odor-reduction, it's important to recognize that these innovations dovetail with sustainability. Textiles that last longer translate to reduced washing frequencies, culminating in water conservation, diminished energy utilization and carbon reduction. Further, odor-inhibiting technology extends product life and reduces landfill. As the industry forges ahead, these technologies will be instrumental.
- Technological Advancements and Research: Continuous research and technological advancements in the textile industry are creating vast opportunities for the growth of the antimicrobial textiles market. The drive for new product development that is skin-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly is pushing manufacturers to innovate.
SiShield - the innovative leader in safe, effective and durable antimicrobial solutions - has formulations that easily integrate into almost any surface and substrate at the point of manufacture without changing the look or feel of the product. Committed to Sustainable Chemistry, our powerful eco-friendly antimicrobial additives are non-migrating, non-leaching and durable. Read more at SiShield.com.
Resources:
[1.] MarketsandMarkets
[2.] Global Sportswear Market Forecast, 2026.
Last month, The US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of 48,000 mattresses sold exclusively at Costco due to the risk of mold exposure. Mold is a serious matter as it can lead to health risks, as CNN reported, especially “for consumers with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or a mold allergy.” Turns out, mold accumulation on and within mattresses is extremely common. Moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mold spores, and mattresses create a welcoming home for such fungal growth. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that most likely the recalled mattresses were exposed to water during the manufacturing process, but mold and mildew can also grow on and within mattresses in warm and humid conditions, in rooms with poor ventilation, and because of body heat, sweat and liquid spills. The Costco mattress recall dealt with the issue early, but often mold buildup is invisible…until it’s not. Warning signs of mold and mildew mattress contamination include musty and foul smells, stains, dampness, black spots. And these unpleasant microbes could be making you sick, from respiratory issues, congestion, and cough, to rashes, sores, and red, stinging eyes. Antimicrobial formulations that inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and other microbes, are extremely effective solutions for mattresses. But there’s a caveat - with such close proximity to humans, it is essential that the antimicrobials are non-toxic and safe for people. SiShield Technologies is committed to Sustainable Chemistry, and our water-based earth and human-friendly antimicrobial solutions are non-toxic, safe, durable and effective. Our formulations create an invisible protective seal that keeps surfaces cleaner and fresher, inhibiting microbes without harsh chemicals. Talk to us about how we can work with you, so you and your customers can sleep better at night.
Silver ions have long been known to inhibit bacteria growth, and numerous textile manufacturers have incorporated silver-based antimicrobials in their fabrics to protect against odor and keep items fresher. Turns out, however, nanosilver particles have been proven to leach out of fabrics during washing, polluting the environment and potentially harming human health. A powerful article in The Conversation details the dangers of using silver: “Multiple studies have reported that nanosilver leaches out of textiles when they are laundered. Research also reveals that nanosilver may be toxic to humans and aquatic and marine organisms . Although it is widely used, little is understood about its fate or long-term toxic effects in the environment.” SiShield antimicrobial solutions are water-based, earth and human-friendly, and silver and zinc-free. We follow the Principles of Sustainable Chemistry and this focus has guided us since our inception. SiShield's formulations are an effective and innovative alternative to toxic and harmful antimicrobials available on the market today. Talk to us about how we can create a customized – and safe – solution for you today.
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