Why is product lifespan important?
Product lifetime or lifespan is just what it sounds like: the time interval from when a product is sold to when it is discarded. In most markets, the longer lifespan a product has, the greater its perceived quality and, in turn, loyalty a consumer will have towards the brand. Gone are the days of consumers seeking the cheapest option. From sustainable fashion to interest in recyclable packaging and electronics, most buyers are looking for products that will last.
In a study published by The European Economic and Social Committee, researchers sought to gain insight on how consumption patterns would change if consumers were informed about product lifespan when they purchased products. It was found that on average, a product’s sales increased by 56% if its lifetime was longer than competing products.
Many consumers are taking it upon themselves to shop smarter – not just for a better personal return on investment, but to make efforts in reducing environmental waste. Sustainability is a significant purchase criteria, with 50% of consumers ranking sustainability as a top 5 value driver. Plastics, textiles, and more with increased durability and longer lifespans are less likely to be thrown away prematurely.
What is an Antimicrobial Additive?
An antimicrobial additive is a specific solution which is infused into a product during the manufacturing process, and has the ability to kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth throughout the useful lifespan of the product. The additive will be comprised of a specific antimicrobial agent, such as silver, and formulated into a masterbatch pellet, powder or liquid based on the target material and desired manufacturing process.
Antimicrobial additives can be built into a plethora of products to help fight against bacteria and fungi. While an antimicrobial additive has many benefits for both consumers and manufacturers alike, one of the biggest advantages to protecting products from microbial growth is that it can help to extend the product’s usable lifetime, enhancing its overall sustainability.
Microban partners with more than 250 companies worldwide, assisting them with everything from the manufacturing of products protected by antimicrobial agents to the creation and execution of sales and marketing strategies.
Strategies for extending the life of your product
Manufacturers can make a variety of efforts to not only enhance the physical lifespan of a product, but also perpetuate a longer life cycle of a product in the market. Keeping the product and brand top-of-mind for consumers through branding, promotion and the right price point will help to sustain a longer market cycle.
Trust and brand recognition are key elements in extending a products market life cycle, both of which can be supported through the enhancement of materials with a built-in antimicrobial technology:
- Material longevity – built-in antimicrobial technologies protect materials from degrading bacteria and mold growth that typically has a negative effect on useable lifetime
- Peace of mind – products with built-in antimicrobial technologies stay inherently cleaner and fresher for longer, increasing positive consumer attitudes and trust towards the product
- Brand Trustmark – the Microban® brand is a globally recognized Trustmark that has become synonymous with quality, durability and cleanliness
- Unique product feature – built-in antimicrobial solutions provide a distinct point of differentiation for consumers and commercial decision makers at the point of purchase
How Can Antimicrobial Technology Extend My Product's Expected Lifetime?
Antimicrobial additives fight against the growth of product-damaging microbes
Product surfaces come into contact with microbes at an alarming rate. Not all microbes can have a negative impact on your product, yet those that create issues such as stains, odors and mold growth can be damaging and cause products to degenerate quickly. Without being regularly disinfected, it takes stain and odor-causing bacteria just 20 minutes to double in number on a surface unprotected by an antimicrobial agent. If left to multiply, the effects of these bacteria can quicken the deterioration of a product, shortening its usable lifetime.
At Microban, we work with our partners to find, test and create the right antimicrobial solution that will work with their product. Through vigorous testing, we ensure that the antimicrobial additive technology integrated into your product is safe and durable, and efficiently fights against product-damaging microbial growth. This supports sustainable product development and minimizes the risk of a product's premature disposal.
Antimicrobial agents get to work immediately
Microban® antimicrobial agents work to disrupt vital life processes of microbes, preventing them microbes from growing and reproducing. Once the antimicrobial additive technology has been incorporated into your product during the manufacturing process, it begins to work as soon as microorganisms come into contact with the product surface.
Antimicrobial product protection is long-lasting and durable
All Microban® antimicrobial agents must pass durability testing to ensure that they hinder the reproduction of damaging microorganisms and provide around-the-clock product protection. Once integrated into your product, the Microban® antimicrobial additive does not wash off or wear away, and will continue to fight against the growth of harmful microbes throughout the product’s usable lifetime.
Antimicrobial agents keep your products fresher and cleaner for longer
While antimicrobial protection does not replace the need for products to be regularly disinfected, it does limit damaging microbial growth and can help products stay fresher between cleanings. As a manufacturer of a treated product, you can satisfy consumer demand for products that resist the growth of damaging microbes, and refer to this feature as a unique selling point within your sales and marketing campaigns.
Discover how Microban® antimicrobial technologies help extend product lifetimes.
Manchester Mills – Antimicrobial Shower Curtains and Liners
Bathroom environments are highly susceptible to unwanted microbial growth, especially in hospitality environments where patrons are continuously cycled through and cleaning regimes struggle to keep up. Plastic shower curtains and liners can often fall victim to unsightly mold growth that leads to premature disposal and replacement, but Manchester Mills now offers hospitality shower curtains with built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection. These technologies resist the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, so curtains and liners can stay in use for longer.
Armacell – Antimicrobial Foam Insulation
Armacell offers commercial foam insulation with built-in Microban antimicrobial technology to tackle the problem of degrading mold and mildew growth in commercial building environments. Foam insulation is typically used in dark, moist environments that provide optimal conditions for microbial growth, but antimicrobial product protection preserves the foam material from attack. Treated foam insulation is the ideal choice in any environment, with longer functional use times and less chance of breaking down.
If you would like to find out more about how Microban antimicrobial additive solutions can enhance one or more of your products, contact us today.
