The antibacterial glass market is one of the fastest growing segments of architectural glass. In fact, according to the Global Industry Analysts by 2018, it’s expected to reach a valuation of $183.3 million US dollars.
A core reason behind this expected growth is due to the growth in popularity of antibacterial smart glass and of course the benefits that antibacterial smart glass offers medical and hospital infrastructures.
Applications in hospital infrastructure fuels market growth
According to estimated figures released by the World Health Organisation, 10% of patients hospitalized in developing countries, and 7% in developed countries, contract at least one type of hospital acquired infection (HAI) during their medical treatment. As a result, hospitals are embracing preventative health-care, particularly anti-bacterial coatings. For example, medical tools coated in antimicrobial layers are now the first choice of most health-care professionals.
This demand for protective coatings to fight HAI’s is also benefiting the anti-bacterial glass market, as it extends into architecture. Hospitals are choosing to install anti-bacterial glass in windows, door panels, touch screens and dividing partitions to drastically reduce the amount of bacteria found in their premises.
Silver coated antibacterial glass is leading the growth
Currently, the most purchased type of antibacterial glass is silver coated, which deters 99.9% of bacteria by infusing the upper layers of the glass panes with silver ions. This is expected to maintain its number one position, compared to the alternative of glass coated with a mixture of copper, zinc, titanium, etc.
Some markets are developing quicker than others
Europe is currently the leading market for this type of glass, and is expected to continue to dominate as the biggest embracer of antibacterial smart glass technology. The United States are also proving quick to adopt the glass and its benefits. However, the trend is not being adopted as quickly in emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil.
The apparent reason for this is a lack of consumer awareness of the product and its advantages. As a result, established smart glass providers are finding it more difficult to expand into these markets.
Growth will not be limited to the medical industry
As the market continues to grow, the advantages of antibacterial smart glass will become more widely known. Therefore, it may well see a growth of sales in other industries. These include sectors such as food and beverages, military equipment and even domestic designs.
For more information on antibacterial smart glass, and its benefits, contact Smartglass International today. Our team has worked on a range of projects globally and are qualified to advise on the specifications of your design.
Wherever you are in the world one of our team will be in touch to advise on the best smart glass solution for your needs.