Antimicrobial Hospital Textiles Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increasing concerns over antibiotic-resistant pathogens: The rising incidence of infections produced by resistant strains is a key concern. In the U.S, antibiotic-resistant bacteria contribute to an estimated 2.8 million infections and 35000 deaths every year, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This underlines the critical requirement for implementing robust infection control protocols in healthcare facilities.
• Strict regulatory standards for healthcare hygiene: Hospitals are bound to maintain high levels of cleanliness to prevent infections or HAIs. According to the WHO, out of every 100 patients in acute-care hospitals, seven patients in developed countries and 15 patients in low and middle-developing countries can acquire at least one HAI during their hospital stay. 1 in every 10 affected patients on an average may die from HAI, making infection control the highest priority for healthcare facilities worldwide. The rising awareness of infection risks and the growing incidence of drug-resistant pathogens has led to stricter regulations around hospital hygiene, directly impacting the demand for antimicrobial textiles.

Challenges

• Durability problem: Antimicrobial agents, such as silver nanoparticles or chemical coatings, can lose their productivity due to mechanical and chemical breakdown caused by the laundering process. Frequent washing, important for maintaining hygiene standards in healthcare settings, helps these textiles to conditions that can lessen their protective properties, such as detergents, high temperatures, and bleach. As a result, hospitals face substantial concerns about the long-term effectiveness of these textiles. If antimicrobials degrade, they may not provide the necessary protection against HAI over time.
• Supply chain disruptions: The availability and pricing of antimicrobial textiles can be affected by multiple factors which include geopolitical tensions, economic fluctuations, and pandemics, all of which can significantly impact the global supply chain for textiles.