Antimicrobial and biocidal additives can provide important protection for durable plastic applications that need to resist degradation, fouling and health risks caused by the growth of bacteria, fungi, or algae. A range of chemistries is used, depending on the microbe of concern and the application, which can include outdoor products such as tents or pool liners, kitchen and food-contact products such as cutting boards, and plastic products in healthcare or hospital environments, to name just a few. With the trend toward reusable consumer products, antimicrobials could also find a place in durable or reusable products that have previously been intended for single or limited use, such as drink cups or shopping bags. However, regulatory pressure continues to intensify in the EU on many traditional biocidal chemistries.

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