Hospital, Hospitality, Consumer Markets Driving Market for Antimicrobial Textiles

Antimicrobial Technologies Group (ATG) reports that it is reviewing potential sites in the Winston-Salem, N.C. area for establishment of its textile manufacturing facilties for fabrics, fibers and paint products that provide antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-odor properties.

According to Stan Cruitt of Grande Peak Technologies, a specialty healthcare marketing company, the market potential for ATG's products is significant. "There are five very large textile related markets where ATG products can make a difference and gain substantial market share. The first is the hospitality and home linen market for sheets and pillow cases. Hotels and motels that provide odor free, bacteria free linens, which may also be prophylactic against bedbugs, will generate considerable demand and market presence. The second is the hospital specialty market which includes masks, scrubs, towels and linens," Cruitt continues. "With more than 6,000 hospitals and 35 million patient discharges annually, the potential for high market share is driven by cost savings that hospitals can achieve. The third is the diabetic market for foot ulcer prevention. Nearly 23 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and ATG's socks for diabetics can help prevent the infections that often lead to slow healing wounds, and even amputations. No other product is available in U.S. healthcare that provides continued control of the bacteria and fungi that lead to these problems. The fourth major market is the military for the supply of antimicrobial and antifungal socks and underwear. And lastly, the fifth is the sportswear market for sport bras, sport socks and more. Odor control, antibacterial, and antifungal are features that consumers will pay for."

"We are enthusiastic about the possibilities and are looking forward to pulling together the necessary partners for creative planning," says Mark Fulk of Meridian Realty Group. "The opportunity that ATG brings could make Winston-Salem a primary incubator for specialty and medical textile manufacturing in the U.S. and a major contributor for new jobs in our city."

ATG's CEO Simon Johnston says, "All of our products have the potential for international distribution which could lead to substantial exports from our North Carolina facility. Our technology is lower cost than other antimicrobials and longer lasting due to the re-chargeability feature. We prefer to manage all finishing and dying in the U.S. but we're also looking into the possibility of including the cutting, weaving, sewing in the facility for some of our more specialized products."