The antibacterial glass market is expected to grow at a significant pace from 2016 to 2024 owing to rising awareness of healthcare industry. Bacteria and fungi growth is impeded by the coating on antibacterial glasses. It is preferred where a high degree of hygiene is required. Unlike ordinary glass, it prevents the spread of bacteria related diseases.
Processes such as infusion and coatings are used to produce antibacterial glass. They are particularly used in environments which require a high degree of sterility. The antibacterial glass can be segmented on the type of ingredients used. The ingredients used may be zeolite, zinc, titanium, silver, silicon and copper. Silver kills bacteria cells and hence is widely preferred as an ingredient.
Antibacterial glass market is segmented by applications into hospitals, beverages & food, households, and military. Hospitals are sensitive places which require pathogen free environment. Hospital departments such as oncology, geriatric units, maternity wards, burn units and various other surgery departments use antibacterial glass. Due to rising health concerns, the health care sector has grown globally in the recent past and is expected to continue a similar trend over the next eight years. This trend is projected to benefit the global antibacterial glass market growth.
For bacteria-related disease prevention, antibacterial glasses are used in households. Damp places in homes such as bathrooms are prone to bacterial growth. Antibacterial glasses are installed in such places to prevent this bacterial activity. The rising disposable income and standard of living of the urban population has increased the antibacterial glass usage in home care and is further expected to fuel the global market demand.
Antibacterial glass finds usage in smartphones, tablet and laptop screens. A large number of bacteria reside on mobile screens. Innovations such as the Antimicrobial Corning, Gorilla Glass for mobiles contains ionized silver component for bacterial growth prevention have been introduced in the recent past. These changes are driving the sales. Further, due to smartphone benefits; its demand is anticipated to grow during the forecast period resulting in antibacterial glass market growth.
The major players in the antibacterial glass market include Corning Inc., Sprinz, Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd, Nippon Sheet Glass, Essex Safety Glass Ltd., Archello, AGC Glass Europe, and Saint-Gobain. Price sensitivity is a significant characteristic of the industry. The companies strive to maintain the market position by introducing innovations and investing in R&D.
AGC Glass Europe, headquartered in Brussels has more than 100 distribution & processing units across Europe. The patented process of the company entails application of silver to the upper glass layers. The company claims its antibacterial glass kills 99.9% bacteria and fungi. The glass has been extensively tested in university laboratories and adheres to European norms.
Founded in 1665, Saint-Gobain is a French multinational. The company tries to maintain its market position by innovations and is one of the top 100 innovative companies in the world. The company has tied up with several global universities to facilitate research & development. Antibacterial glass produced by Saint-Gobain is used in hospitals & houses.
North America is expected to lead global antibacterial glass market. The strict health care norms and regulations in the U.S are anticipated to cause increased antibacterial glass demand. The housing and smartphone sector is witnessing a growth in the U.S. thus contributing to antibacterial glass sales growth.
Europe is anticipated to see a rise in demand for antibacterial glasses owing to the strict rules for prevention of bacterial diseases in food and health sector. The significant presence of companies, the vast diversity offered and the increased usage in home care are the major contributing factors.
Developing countries such as India and China are expected to lead the regional market of Asia Pacific. The high number of smartphone users in these countries is a major contributing factor. , many global players such as Saint-Gobain have established subsidiaries in these countries to increase market reach.
