Microban International

What Microban International does

Microban International, Ltd. is a private technology and ingredient-branding company headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, that develops proprietary antimicrobial and odor-control chemistries embedded into partner products during manufacturing. The company operates a portfolio of 22+ branded technologies spanning silver-based (SilverShield), zinc-based (ZPTech), nature-inspired (Ascera), heavy-metal-free water-based coatings (LapisShield), antifungal (MicroGuard), concrete corrosion control (Excalibur/Quaternary Silanes), and PFAS-free water-repellent (H2O Shield) chemistries, supported by in-house testing operations including BBI Test Labs and Microban Test Labs that conduct more than 40,000 tests annually. These technologies are engineered for integration into diverse substrates—plastics, coatings, textiles, ceramics, foam, paper, and concrete—and the company maintains regulatory and sustainability certifications including OEKO-TEX, bluesign, USDA Certified Biobased, EPA registration, and EU REACH compliance.

The company monetizes through three primary streams: (1) technology licensing and royalties for use of the Microban trustmark and proprietary chemistries, (2) sales of custom-engineered antimicrobial compound formulations to manufacturing partners, and (3) regulatory and marketing support services. Commercial relationships are structured as multi-year B2B contracts under quote-based pricing, with 800+ active partnerships globally and licensed product presence in over 60 countries. Customer concentration is broad across seven primary verticals—consumer products, healthcare, food service, building materials, textiles, automotive, and commercial/institutional—with named enterprise partners including Kwikset, GE Appliances, Sherwin-Williams, Procter & Gamble, Rubbermaid, Mannington Mills, Daltile, WIX Filters, Florida Tile/Panariagroup, Li Ning, and Samsonite. The company is owned privately (no parent entity disclosed), has 51-100 employees, and operates from offices in Huntersville (US HQ), Melton Mowbray (UK/Europe), North Carolina R&D operations, and Shenzhen (Asia-Pacific). Notable M&A history includes the 2021 combination with Ultra-Fresh, and the company appointed Shermon McMillan (formerly Clorox and Sanofi) as President in October 2025 to drive growth, strategy, and innovation.

Name

Microban International

Legal name

Microban International, Ltd.

Website

https://microban.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Microban International is a private ingredient-branding company that develops and licenses proprietary antimicrobial and odor-control chemistries to manufacturers across consumer products, healthcare, building materials, textiles, and food service, operating 800+ global partnerships through multi-year B2B licensing agreements.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Antimicrobial Chemicals

NAICS

Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Biocides & Disinfection Chemicals (Non-Agricultural) (IMAEAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Hand Hygiene & Skin Antisepsis (Soaps, Sanitizers, Surgical Scrubs, CHG Prep) (HLAHANAE)

Keywords

• Antimicrobial technology licensing
• Odor control solutions
• Built-in product protection
• Antimicrobial additive formulations
• Ingredient brand partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Huntersville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Technology Licensing: Microban licenses its antimicrobial and odor-control technologies to manufacturers. Partners incorporate Microban technologies into their products during manufacturing. The license allows partners to use the Microban brand name and trustmark on their products.
2. Custom-Engineered Compounds: Microban sells custom-engineered antimicrobial compounds and additive formulations that manufacturers integrate into their production processes.
3. Regulatory and Marketing Services: Microban provides regulatory support and marketing services to help partners navigate compliance requirements and effectively market their Microban-protected products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Microban International is a global ingredient brand that develops and licenses proprietary antimicrobial and odor-control technologies to manufacturers. Its technologies (AEGIS Microbe Shield, SilverShield, ZPTech, Ascera, LapisShield, MicroGuard, EcoFresh, Scentry, etc.) are embedded into partner products during the manufacturing process to deliver continuous 24/7 protection against bacterial growth, mold, mildew, and odors across plastics, coatings, textiles, ceramics, foam, paper, and concrete substrates. The company works with 800+ brand partners across consumer products, healthcare, food service, building materials, textiles, automotive, and filtration.

Product overview

Microban International is a global technology and ingredient branding company specializing in built-in antimicrobial and odor-control technologies. The company operates a portfolio-based model offering 22+ distinct technologies across three core categories: antimicrobial technologies (AEGIS Microbe Shield®, SilverShield®, ZPTech®, Ascera™, LapisShield™, MicroGuard™, Excalibur®), coatings technologies (AkoTech™, H₂O Shield™), and odor-control technologies (EcoFresh™, Freshology™, Scentry®, Scentry Revive®). These technologies are licensed to manufacturing partners who integrate them into products during production, providing 24/7 built-in protection for the product's lifetime. The company also operates testing laboratories (BBI Test Labs, Microban Test Labs, Odor Testing Services) and applies these technologies across diverse substrates including plastics, coatings, textiles, ceramics, foam, and paper. Microban serves industries including healthcare, food service, commercial, consumer, education, transportation, and building materials.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AEGIS Microbe Shield: Renowned antimicrobial technology for various substrates
• SilverShield
• Ascera
• EcoFresh
• Scentry
• Freshology
• ZPTech
• LapisShield
• MicroGuard
• Akotech
• H2O Shield
• Excalibur

Products and services

• AEGIS Microbe Shield Renowned antimicrobial technology that provides durable, continuous protection against bacteria, mold, and mildew on treated surfaces; licensed to manufacturers for embedding during production.
• SilverShield Silver-based antimicrobial formulation that reacts 8x faster than other leading antimicrobial technologies through unique geometry and efficient release mechanism; EPA registered for food contact applications.
• ZPTech Wide-spectrum zinc-based antimicrobial additive effective against bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae; durable through 50+ home launderings and bluesign approved for apparel, footwear, and home textiles.
• Ascera Patent-pending, next-generation antimicrobial technology inspired by nature, providing sustainable product protection for partner manufacturers.
• LapisShield Non-heavy-metal antimicrobial technology for water-based coatings, providing sustainable protection without traditional metal-based actives.
• MicroGuard Novel antifungal solution providing protection against mold and mildew growth on various substrates for partner manufacturers.
• Excalibur Concrete corrosion solution using quaternary ammonium compounds (QAS) that target corrosive bacteria like Thiobacillus species, preventing sulfuric acid production in sewer and wastewater infrastructure.
• Akotech Multifunctional coating technology providing antimicrobial and protective properties for various coating applications across partner manufacturers.
• H2O Shield PFAS-free water-repellent technology for textiles, providing durable water resistance without perfluorinated compounds; for partner textile and apparel manufacturers.
• EcoFresh Environmental odor-control technology designed for active and outdoor apparel, textiles, and gear; captures broad spectrum of odors in real time; water-based; USDA Certified Biobased Product (ER1000 62%, EH1000 43%).
• Freshology Odor-neutralizing technology that targets and neutralizes four key odorants to keep textiles fresher for longer; for partner textile manufacturers.
• Scentry Proven odor capture technology for textiles providing long-lasting freshness; ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certified and bluesign approved for partner textile and apparel manufacturers.
• Scentry Revive Advanced odor capture technology that keeps clothing fresh for up to 5 wears without washing; ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certified; for partner apparel manufacturers.
• BBI Test Labs Microbiology testing services providing comprehensive antimicrobial and microbial efficacy testing for partner manufacturers validating product protection claims.
• Microban Test Labs In-house laboratory facilities conducting 40,000+ antimicrobial and odor efficacy tests annually with ISO certification; supports partner product validation.
• Odor Testing Services Specialized odor testing services evaluating and validating odor-control performance of treated textiles and materials for partner manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• SilverShield technology reacts 8x faster than other leading antimicrobial technologies
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature13 records

Partnerships

68 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• MarMac Applied Infrastructure SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop quaternary silane (QAS) antimicrobial solutions for microbially-induced concrete corrosion (MICC) in sewer systems. Technologies target acid-producing bacteria like Thiobacillus species to prevent structural failure in wastewater infrastructure.
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)coreOthersUSDA certified EcoFresh ER1000 and EH1000 products as biobased, with 62% and 43% biobased content respectively.
• Li Ning Company LimitedflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFirst-time licensing of Microban branded technologies by an apparel brand supplying national team uniforms. Chinese table tennis and shooting teams wore ZPTech-treated sports shirts at Rio 2016 Olympics.
• Shermon McMillan (Executive)coreOthersShermon McMillan appointed as President in October 2025, bringing experience from Clorox and Sanofi to lead company's growth, strategy, and innovation efforts.
• OEKO-TEXcoreOthersEcoFresh technology undergoing OEKO-TEX certification. Scentry and Scentry Revive have earned ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification.
• DaltileflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerDEFEND powered by Microban antimicrobial tile range. 24/7 protection against bacteria, mold, and odors on ceramic tile products.
• Mannington MillsflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership for carpet and Adura flooring products with Microban antimicrobial protection. Over 70% consumer brand recognition in flooring segment helps drive sales growth.
• KwiksetflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFirst residential lock manufacturer to offer Microban antimicrobial protection. 10-year partnership marked during Kwikset's 80th anniversary. Select Signature Series products feature antimicrobial finish starting Spring 2016.
• GE AppliancesflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerUltraFresh front load washers with Microban antimicrobial protection won Best of KBIS 2020. Partnership expanded to include laundry appliances and dishwashers helping prevent bacteria growth.
• Jack WolfskincoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerDevelopment of odor-resistant apparel and gear for active and outdoor lifestyles.
• RubbermaidcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerEasyFindLids food storage containers featuring SilverShield antimicrobial protection.
• Sherwin-WilliamscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership for antimicrobial paint additives and coatings in architectural paints.
• ALDIcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerConsumer products partnership featuring Microban-protected products.
• Reebok InternationalcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAthletic footwear and apparel partnerships with Microban technology.
• WIX FiltersflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCategory exclusive partnership for cabin air filters. Lifetime Microban protection against odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew for automotive and light-truck applications. Aegis technology with rapid charge disruption mode of action.
• Florida Tile/PanariagroupflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCeramic tile lines with Microban technology built into tile glaze during manufacturing. Protection for lifetime of product against growth and buildup of microbes. Panariagroup operates in over 60 countries.
• Polylast SystemscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSeamless 100% recycled rubber flooring for hospitality industry with Microban antimicrobial protection. Prevents bacterial growth, mold, and mildew while reducing noise and providing cushioned comfort.
• MenuWorkscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExclusive partnership to incorporate Microban silver ion technologies into restaurant menus. Addresses high bacteria levels found on menus.
• TORLYSflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCategory exclusive partnership for North America for EverWood and EverTile luxury vinyl floors. Microban protection built into CorkPlus attached underlay to inhibit mold and mildew in moisture-prone areas.
• Davis-Frost PaintcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExpansion of partnership to include entire line of Weatherhide premium exterior paints and deck stains with Microban antimicrobial protection. FreshDeck deck and concrete restoration coating also featured.
• CintascoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership to freshen public restrooms with antimicrobial solutions.
• Journey Health & LifestylecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPartnership to enhance bath and shower safety products with antimicrobial technology.
• Curie CocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership to enhance solutions for cleaning, paints, and coatings industries.
• CiCLO TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership to enhance functionality and sustainability in textiles through combined technologies.
• QEP (ROBERTS)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExpansion of 15-year partnership to include ROBERTS flooring adhesives with Microban's exclusive antimicrobial technology for North America.
• Fibergrate Composite StructurescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerNew line of antimicrobial fiberglass reinforced plastic products.
• Cleanwaste MedicalcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerNew partnership for medical products with antimicrobial protection.
• Nyco Products CompanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerNovel restoration and remediation solution partnership.
• SFX SleepcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMicroban Fresh and Clean 360 antimicrobial treated fiber-filled pillow.
• Berry GlobalcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerNew line of Color Scents scented trash bags with antimicrobial technology.
• Pas ReformcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExpanded partnership for North American egg hatcheries with antimicrobial solutions for incubation equipment.
• Tanatex ChemicalscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic distributor agreement for European expansion of textile technologies.
• CrodacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew commercial arrangement with Croda expanding services in Asia.
• bluesigncoreOthersBluesign approval for AEGIS odor control solution for apparel, footwear and home textiles, and Scentry BC100 odor capture treatment.
• Manchester MillscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerProtect360 antimicrobial shower curtains and hospitality textiles.
• Bradford WhitecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExclusive partnership for enhanced product protection in water heaters.
• FellowescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial staplers and expansion of partnership products.
• LATICRETEcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExpansion of Microban product protection into STONETECH surface care products.
• Scapa IndustrialcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIntegrated antimicrobial protection in sticky mats and rollers.
• Soft-Tex InternationalcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExpanded antimicrobial product protection offerings in bedding and home textiles.
• Procter & GambleflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMicroban 24 antibacterial cleaning products launched in UK and US markets.
• SamsonitecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial travel essentials collection with Microban technology.
• American TouristercoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerATCare travel accessories enhanced with Microban protection.
• PhifercoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial textile products for outdoor and performance fabrics.
• LibbeycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGlassware and tabletop products with antimicrobial technology.
• DongpengcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntibacterial ceramic tile range for Chinese market.
• SmartTurfcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial athletic turf treated with Microban technology.
• GranortecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFlooring products with Microban antimicrobial technology.
• SecurityPoint MediacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExclusive partnership to treat airport security trays with antimicrobial protection.
• Great DanecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial protection standard in Great Dane reefer liners for foodservice.
• Cellularline GroupcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntibacterial smartphone accessories at IFA 2022.
• Poly (Plantronics)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial technology for wireless phone solutions.
• PDI (Professional Disposables International)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPIC 2022 partnership for healthcare disinfection solutions.
• ArmacellcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerArmaFlex closed cell foam insulation chosen for Tocumen Airport expansion.
• Lightning TechnologiescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerTreatment of pallets with antimicrobial protection for logistics.
• FaverocoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial hospital beds at Medica 2018.
• SR InstrumentscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerRenewed exclusivity for antimicrobial product protection on SR scales.
• SR ScalescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerScales infused with Microban antimicrobial protection.
• HMI GlasscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGlass products with Microban technology. C.10 with Microban won Best Glass Component Award.
• Koala KarecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerBaby changing stations and childcare products with antimicrobial protection.
• EverbritecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCrobialCoat antimicrobial clear coating product line.
• Continental AccessorycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFeatured in Today's Grocer for antimicrobial products.
• PotterscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial homeware products.
• Gala BrushcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntiBac toilet brush with antimicrobial protection.
• NannycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAntimicrobial baby products.
• Adams PolishescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCar interior cleaning products with antimicrobial protection.
• HuntworthcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerScent control technology for hunting apparel.
• YunuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership under development for social enterprise applications.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Lonza Microbial Control: Diversified life-sciences and specialty chemicals major with a sizable biocides and antimicrobial actives portfolio serving paints, plastics, textiles and personal care — competes with Microban at the active-ingredient level across multiple verticals.
• Croda International: Specialty chemicals company with antimicrobial and personal-care ingredients and an Asia distribution arrangement with Microban — both partner and partial competitor across consumer-care additives.
• Dow Microbial Control: Large diversified chemical company with a microbial control additives business serving paints, textiles and built-environment applications — overlaps Microban’s antimicrobial coatings and plastics verticals.
• BASF Care Chemicals & Additives: Global chemical major offering antimicrobial and hygiene ingredients as part of a broad additives portfolio for detergents, coatings and personal care — a broad incumbent competing for the same OEM wallet as Microban.

Direct peers

• Addmaster (UK): UK supplier of antimicrobial additives including Biomaster, marketed into plastics, coatings and textiles under a licensing model closely mirroring Microban’s ingredient-brand approach.
• Sciessent (Agion): US-based provider of silver and other antimicrobial technologies licensed into consumer products, healthcare and building materials — overlaps directly with Microban’s SilverShield and integrated partner model.
• Parx Plastics: Niche European antimicrobial technology provider focused on plastics and polymers using non-heavy-metal chemistry — competes with Microban’s LapisShield and integrated polymer solutions.
• BioCote: UK-based antimicrobial technology company that licenses silver-ion and other additive technologies into plastics, textiles and consumer products — comparable ingredient-brand business model to Microban.
• Sanitized AG: Swiss-headquartered specialist in antimicrobial and odor-control additive technologies for textiles, polymers and coatings, licensing to global brand owners — a directly comparable ingredient-brand peer to Microban.

Emerging players

• RTP Company: US compounder of specialty thermoplastic resins with antimicrobial masterbatch offerings for OEMs — competes with Microban’s polymer additives in plastics and consumer goods applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/microban-international
• Instagraminstagram.com/microban
• Xx.com/microbaneurope
• Facebookfacebook.com/MicrobanEurope

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Microban International