Anti-microbial plastics

Anti-microbial plastics are in high demand, especially in medical devices, consumer products, and packaging. But there’s also a lot of misinformation out there about what anti-microbial masterbatch can achieve. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

What Anti-Microbial Masterbatch Can Do

✔ Inhibit bacterial growth – Additives like silver ions disrupt bacterial cell walls, reducing growth rates.
✔ Extend product life – Less microbial build-up means materials stay cleaner for longer.
✔ Enhance hygiene perception – End-users associate anti-microbial products with safety and cleanliness.
✔ Support compliance – Many industries now require enhanced microbial resistance.

What Anti-Microbial Masterbatch Cannot Do

✘ Replace cleaning protocols – It slows growth but doesn’t sterilise surfaces.
✘ Kill viruses – Anti-microbial ≠ anti-viral. The two are different.
✘ Work forever – Effectiveness depends on formulation, environment, and exposure levels.
✘ Be one-size-fits-all – Different industries (e.g., healthcare vs. packaging) require different formulations.

Common Applications

• Medical devices – Catheters, hospital equipment casings

• Consumer goods – Phones, laptops, kitchen tools

• Packaging – Food-contact materials with enhanced shelf life

Key Considerations Before Choosing

• Is the product for direct human contact?

• What are the regulatory standards in your sector?

• Do you need long-term protection or just short-term hygiene benefits?

At Eclipse Colours, we formulate anti-microbial masterbatch tailored to your exact application, balancing performance with compliance, and ensuring you know exactly what it can (and can’t)