Microban International

What is Microban?

Microban is the world's leading antimicrobial and odor control ingredient brand. Part of the Microban International family of brands, Microban develops innovative technologies that facilitate the creation of cleaner, fresher and more durable product lines.

Who is Microban International?

Microban International is home to the world's leading antimicrobial ingredient brands - Microban® and Ultra-Fresh®. Our unique formulations are engineered into thousands of substrates worldwide, empowering brands, manufacturers and innovators to deliver meaningful product features that address the needs of their customers.

Backed by scientific data, Microban technologies provide 24/7 surface protection against bacteria, mold, mildew, and some virus strains. Our built-in solutions become a permanent feature of your product and will not wash off, wear away, or leach out.

Microban's extensive technology portfolio represents the world's biggest range of antimicrobial additives, offering a choice of both metal-based and metal-free chemistries. These solutions are utilized across various sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, construction, food service, home appliances, packaging, and healthcare. Our unrivaled expertise means we can develop customized antimicrobial solutions that will not disrupt your manufacturing process or affect the final finish of your product.

What is the Microban vision?

At Microban International, our vision is to be the most trusted brand in ultimate cleanliness and product protection.

As the global leader in antimicrobial, odor control, and continuously active surface disinfection and sanitization technologies, we’re accomplishing our mission by addressing the most common cleanliness concern: product-degrading and odor-causing microbial growth on products and surfaces.

We have the knowledge and capability to optimize global supply logistics, work with every manufacturing process, and are proud of our capability to treat ‘any substrate, any surface’. Our portfolio of solutions allows us to incorporate the right technology, in the right form, at the right place, and in a compliant manner, to have a lasting impact on your treated products. The Microban approach to partnership centers on collaborative transformations, product differentiation, and tangible benefits to end-users.

Consumers and business decision-makers worldwide associate our brands with a true clean and enhanced product performance they can rely on. Our expertise and technologies provide a clean that delivers added peace of mind and encourages more sustainable consumer behaviors.

How was Microban established?

Microban was founded in 1984 to solve antimicrobial problems associated with orthopaedic devices and specialty medical products. In the decades since the organization has expanded into many different and diverse product categories and every international territory.

In 2011, Barr Brands International purchased Microban as part of its strategic direction to provide an expanded range of products targeted to care of home, property, and person intersect. Barr Brands International is home to leading brands such as Damp Rid, Mold Armor, and Goof Off.

Microban International acquired Thomson Research Associates (TRA) in 2016 to broaden its technology base and brand offerings. Established in 1955 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, TRA developed a range of antibacterial, antifungal, antialgal, and anti-dust mite technologies, providing antimicrobial protection under the Ultra-Fresh brand for over 65 years.

Recognizing that we can support our partners more effectively when we bring our capabilities together, Microban International and TRA are now becoming one company – one Microban.

Which ingredient brands are linked to Microban International?

Microban International is now home to the most trusted and well-known global brands in the antimicrobial, odor control, and sanitization/disinfection markets - Microban^® and Ultra-Fresh^®. Our organization has experienced over 100 years of growth and revolutionized the industry.

Under our premier brand and Trustmark, Microban provides Protection that Lives On™ with incorporated antimicrobial and odor control solutions and Continuously Active Disinfectants and Sanitizers. For our partners utilizing our emergent ingredient brand, Ultra-Fresh, we help deliver improved freshness to products from a broad portfolio of solutions.

The Microban and Ultra-Fresh brands are honored to have over a thousand partnerships with leading brands and manufacturers worldwide to protect thousands of products in the Consumer, Building Products, Textiles, Commercial, and Healthcare sector

Which territories does Microban support?

Microban International is headquartered in the area of Charlotte, North Carolina. We have regional offices in multiple locations in the EMEA and Asia geographies and operate some of the world's largest and most advanced antimicrobial laboratories. Our expanded and combined global footprint allows us to work in more locations and more efficiently with our partners to c

What are available Microban technologies?

Our use of science and innovation has led us to develop the most diverse portfolio of antimicrobial, odor control, and continuously active surface disinfection and sanitization technologies worldwide. As consumers look for smarter products that stay cleaner and last longer, our groundbreaking technologies work on any substrate to provide lasting protection against degrading and odor-causing microbial growth.

Utilizing our turnkey support services, Microban International works with each partner to ensure the most appropriate solutions are deployed for each specific product, manufacturing, regulatory, and legal landscape in consideration.

What is the Microban mission?

The emergence of the global pandemic, combined with a call for greater environmental responsibility, is shaping the future of plastic products. 72% of consumers admit they now worry about exposure to bacteria, while 85% actively make choices to protect the environment (Multi-sponsor Surveys, 2020). That’s why manufacturers worldwide want to create smarter products that address cleanliness and sustainability concerns.

This engineering shift towards designing for durability will require manufacturers to utilize higher-quality materials and disruptive technologies. This includes antimicrobial innovations that support environmentally friendly product designs and address growing consumer anxieties around cleanliness.

Microban antimicrobial technologies work 24/7 to prevent material degradation, visual discoloration and odors that may otherwise lead to diminished product performance. In addition, embedded antimicrobials actively support regular cleaning routines by keeping products cleaner. This presents countless benefits for both consumers and manufacturers alike.

Microban’s employee-owners are proud of our history and excited about our future. We see a world where innovative antimicrobial product protection helps to provide Protection That Lives On™ for superior surface cleanliness and extended product lifetime, where odor control technologies enhance wearer experience and minimize environmental impact, and where advantaged cleaning and disinfection solutions help to redefine clean in the home, professional, and healthcare environments.

Innovation is the legacy and lifeblood of Microban International. We will continue to invest in the development of breakthrough technologies and deliver on our mission to solve real-world problems through the power of our trusted brands.

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