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Antimicrobial & antibacterial additives for polymers and plastics

Plastics and polymers are at the core of countless products, from packaging and consumer goods to healthcare equipment and building materials. Incorporating antimicrobial technology into these materials helps protect surfaces from microbial growth, reducing odors, staining, and degradation over the lifetime of the product.

At Addmaster, we bring over two decades of expertise in developing antimicrobial additives tailored to polymers and plastics. Our solutions are designed for compatibility, performance, and regulatory compliance, giving you confidence in both manufacturing and product claims.

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Key benefits of antimicrobial plastics

  • Ongoing product protection against bacteria
  • Reduction of odours, discoloration, and material breakdown
  • Extended product lifetime and improved durability
  • Cleaner surfaces between cleaning cycles
  • Brand differentiation with a proven performance feature
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How Antimicrobial Plastics Work

Antimicrobial additives are incorporated directly into the polymer during manufacturing. Once in place, the active agents:

  • Disrupt microbial cell walls or metabolic functions
  • Suppress bacterial and fungal growth at the surface
  • Remain effective for the lifetime of the product
  • Do not wash off, wear out, or reduce effectiveness after cleaning

This ensures long-lasting protection that supports, but never replaces, normal cleaning practices.

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Polymers we support

Our antimicrobial masterbatches and additives are highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of polymers. This includes:

  • Commodity polymers: PE, PP, PVC, ABS, PS, PET
  • Engineering polymers: PA6, PA66, PBT, PC, PC/ABS blends
  • Specialist materials: TPU, POM, composites, elastomers, and medical-grade resins

Addmaster technology can also be tailored for recycled plastics and bio-based polymers, helping manufacturers meet both performance and sustainability goals. This flexibility ensures antimicrobial protection can be built into products across packaging, healthcare, consumer goods, electronics, automotive, and construction.

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Regulatory confidence

Choosing Addmaster means choosing a partner with deep regulatory expertise. Our technologies are developed in line with:

  • EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)
  • US EPA requirements
  • REACH and CLP compliance
  • RoHS and food-contact approvals (where required)

We provide full technical documentation, safety data, and support for global market entry.

Our antimicrobial polymers and plastics technologies

  • Biomaster is easily incorporated into any plastic, textile, paper, paint or coating.

    Biomaster guarantees fast, effective antimicrobial protection for the effective lifetime of the product, helps to keep surfaces clean and hygienic and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

  • Verimaster Technology offers a fail-safe solution to your brand protection and product verification requirements.

    Invisible to the naked eye and lasting the lifetime of your product, Verimaster additives are detectable only by our sensory or optical detectors.

  • Scentmaster Masterbatches present a wide range of fragrances for introduction into a variety of product materials.

    Due to its high fragrance concentration, Scentmaster introduction rates are typically 1% or lower - making it a cost-effective, as well as appealing addition to your product.

  • Masterpiece Technology is available to any customer whose product specification demands the creation of a bespoke additive solution.

    Masterpiece will research, develop and implement your additive – even offering ongoing technical support throughout product manufacture.

Antimicrobial Polymers & Plastics case studies

View our case studies
  • Brinsea
    • Biomaster
    Brinsea
  • Hillbrush
    • Biomaster
    Hillbrush
  • Mocom
    • Biomaster
    Mocom

Find out how Addmaster can add value and performance to your products

Get in Touch