What Biocote does

BioCote Limited is a privately held UK-based antimicrobial additive supplier founded in 1997 and headquartered in Coventry. The company develops and supplies silver ion, zeolite, IPBC, and quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) additives that are integrated into plastics and polymers, paints and coatings, and textiles and fabrics during manufacturing (moulding, extrusion, coating, textile treatment). Its core technology works through multiple modes of action — protein damage, cell membrane disruption, oxidative damage, and DNA interference — making it difficult for microbes to develop resistance, with internally validated performance of 95%+ microbial reduction (versus an industry norm of roughly 1%) and demonstrated efficacy against multi-drug resistant organisms including MRSA, E. coli, CRE, CRO, CPE, and VRE.

The company operates a B2B OEM-embedded / licensing business model under its Brand Partnership Program, selling concentrated powder or masterbatch additives to manufacturers under multi-year contracts. Products carrying the BioCote trademark have been tested and certified, and BioCote retains 98% of additive SKUs ex-stock at its Coventry warehouse. The company holds HACCP International Certification (the first and only antimicrobial solutions provider globally to do so), ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and Responsible Care Certification, and its silver glass technology is fully compliant with EU BPR and GB BPR regulations. Named enterprise customers span AkzoNobel, ABB, Polypipe, Air Products, Chilly's, Tommee Tippee, Formica, SALTO Systems, Mediclinics, Hodgson Sealants, Armstrong Medical, Gainsborough Healthcare Group, and Waterlogic/Culligan, with end applications across healthcare, food and beverage, construction, education, home and leisure, components, and transportation.

BioCote sells into six primary verticals — Healthcare, Construction, Education, Food & Beverage, Home & Leisure, and Components — through direct manufacturer engagement, a partner portal, and OEM-embedded distribution. The company employs 11–50 people, was founded with backing from Oxford Technology Management, and is led by Managing Director David Hall (appointed 2020) with a stated growth mandate. Its customer base spans the UK, Italy, Finland, Spain, and the USA, and the firm is a founding member of the Finnish Hygtech Alliance consortium.

Name

Biocote

Legal name

Biocote Limited

Website

https://biocote.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BioCote supplies antimicrobial additives (silver ion, zeolite, IPBC, QAC) that manufacturers integrate into plastics, coatings, and textiles, serving healthcare, food and beverage, education, construction, home, and transportation customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Antimicrobial Additives

NAICS

Custom Compounding of Purchased Resins (325991), Chemical Manufacturing (325), All Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing (32599)

SIC

Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Chemicals & Allied Products (2800)

akta.pro primary industry

Coating & Adhesive Raw Materials (Resins, Additives, Solvents) (IMAEAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sustainable Additives & Plasticizers (bio-plasticizers, stabilizers, compatibilizers) (IMANANAH)

Keywords

• Antimicrobial additives
• Silver ion technology
• Antimicrobial coatings
• Polymer additives
• Textile antimicrobial treatment

Headquarters

HQ city

Coventry

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Antimicrobial additive sales: BioCote sells premium-quality antimicrobial additives to manufacturers who incorporate them into their products during production. Additives are supplied in concentrated powder or masterbatch pellet form. The additives are compatible with a wide range of manufacturing processes (moulding, extrusion, coating, textile treatment) and materials (polymers, paints, coatings, textiles).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

BioCote supplies antimicrobial additives (silver ion, zeolite, IPBC antifungal, and QAC compounds) that manufacturers integrate into plastics, polymers, paints, coatings, and textiles during production. The additives deliver continuous 24/7 microbial reduction of up to 99.99% via multi-modal action. Through its Brand Partnership Program, BioCote licenses the technology to OEMs and supports them with additive specification, validation testing, and co-branded marketing of treated products.

Product overview

BioCote® is a market-leading antimicrobial additive supplier with over 30 years of expertise. Their core offering consists of antimicrobial additives (silver ion, zeolites, antifungal IPBC, and quaternary ammonium compounds) that can be integrated into plastics & polymers, paints & coatings, and textiles & fabrics during manufacturing. The additives work 24/7 to reduce microbes by up to 99.99% through multiple modes of action including protein damage, cell membrane damage, oxidative damage, and DNA interference. BioCote® operates a Brand Partnership Program through which manufacturers can license their technology for integration into finished products. The company also offers taggant additives for visual verification and masterbatch formulations to simplify manufacturing integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Plastics & Polymer Additives BioCote antimicrobial additives integrated into polymer materials and blends during manufacturing, available in concentrated powder or masterbatch pellets to suit moulding or extrusion processes. Targeted at plastic product manufacturers.
• Paint & Coating Additives BioCote antimicrobial additives manufactured into all types of solvent, water-based, liquid, oil or powder paints and coatings. Supplied to coating manufacturers and specifiers.
• Textile & Fabric Additives Globally recognised antimicrobial treatment suitable for natural and synthetic textiles and fabrics, protecting against microbes that cause foul odours, staining, and material degradation. Sold to textile mills and product manufacturers.
• Silver Ion Additives Composite silver compounds (Silver form 1 & 2) providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy for paints, coatings, textiles, polymers and other material types. EU BPR and GB BPR compliant.
• Zeolite Additives Porous ceramic-based antimicrobial additives containing ions such as Zinc, suitable for products with 5-10 year lifespan and providing anti-odour properties.
• Antifungal IPBC Additives Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) organic antifungal additive used in paints and wood treatment to protect against fungal attack and prevent rot.
• Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QAC) Additives Diverse antimicrobial compounds suitable for disinfectant formulations and antimicrobial surface treatments.
• Brand Partnership Program BioCote brand partnership program allowing manufacturers to incorporate antimicrobial technology into their products with co-branding, validation testing, additive specification support, and regulatory guidance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduce microbes by up to 99.99%
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ABBcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerABB partnered with BioCote to introduce antimicrobial protection into its Adaptaflex liquid-tight flexible conduit range for food & beverage applications. BioCote technology reduces up to 99.9% of microbes on the conduit surface, preventing odours, staining, and material degradation. The technology does not wear off and survives the product lifetime.
• AkzoNobelcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAkzoNobel expanded its Interpon brand to create Interpon AM antimicrobial powder coatings, incorporating BioCote technology. The range includes Interpon AM for general applications and Interpon D AM for architects and specifiers, reducing up to 99.99% of microbes on coated surfaces.
• PolypipecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPolypipe, one of Europe's largest piping manufacturers, launched the world's first antimicrobial range of traps, connectors and waste pipes using BioCote technology. The partnership has been active since 2017. Polypipe's WP46 bottle trap is Kitemark accredited and Polypipe donates 79p per sale to Help for Heroes.
• Air ProductscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAir Products partnered with BioCote to produce Freshline Plus antimicrobial gas cylinders for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). Every cylinder is fitted with an integrated bacterial filter and externally protected by BioCote antimicrobial coatings, reducing up to 99.99% of bacteria on the cylinder surface.
• Stuart (Cole-Parmer)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCole-Parmer's Stuart brand has exclusively offered BioCote antimicrobial protection on its laboratory equipment for over 10 years. The Stuart range includes shakers, incubators, water baths, rotators, and melting point apparatus. BioCote reduces bacteria by over 86% in 15 minutes and more than 99% in 2 hours on treated surfaces.
• Gainsborough Specialist Bathing (Gainsborough Healthcare Group)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGainsborough Healthcare Group incorporates BioCote technology across its four brands — Gainsborough Specialist Bathing, Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, Access Walk-in Baths, and G360 Bathrooms — covering specialist care baths for healthcare establishments and domestic accessible settings. BioCote reduces microbes by up to 99.99% and prevents biofilm formation.
• SALTO SystemscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSALTO integrated BioCote silver ion technology into its escutcheons and door knobs for healthcare and high-traffic environments. Up to 99.99% of bacteria on SALTO touch surfaces are reduced, helping prevent the spread of microbes through buildings.
• MediclinicscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMediclinics, a Spanish manufacturer of public washroom accessories, integrates BioCote technology into its U-flow and DualFlow Plus hand dryers, BabyMedi baby changing station, and soap dispensers. BioCote reduces microbial growth by up to 99.9% on treated surfaces, complementing HEPA filtration and Ion Hygienic Technology.
• Matchstick MonkeycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMatchstick Monkey incorporates BioCote technology into its award-winning teething toys, feeding spoons, bowls, plates, and bath toys for babies. The technology reduces 99.99% of microbes within 2 hours on product surfaces. Products are available in over 40 countries and won Mother & Baby Awards in 2019 and 2020.
• Chilly'scoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerChilly's introduced BioCote antimicrobial technology across all plastic components in its Series 2 bottle and cup range, including the new Switch Cup. The technology reduces microbes by up to 99.9% on drinking surfaces, resisting staining, odours, and material degradation.
• PosturitecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPosturite, the UK's largest independent ergonomics company, integrated BioCote technology into its ergonomic keyboards, computer mice, and other workplace equipment for shared office environments. BioCote provides around-the-clock protection against up to 99.99% of bacteria and mould.
• Hodgson SealantscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHodgson Sealants, the UK's largest independent sealant manufacturer, developed Hygieneseal AG and other antimicrobial sealant formulations using BioCote technology for applications in cold storage, food transportation, healthcare facilities, and HVAC systems. Hodgson holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 accreditations.
• Tommee TippeecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerTommee Tippee introduced BioCote antimicrobial technology into its cutlery range as the BACSHIELD feature, providing antimicrobial protection for infant feeding products.
• Armstrong MedicalcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerArmstrong Medical partnered with BioCote for its AquaVENT and NeoFlow respiratory solutions. Silver ion technology achieves up to 96% reduction in bacterial presence on respiratory devices, enhancing hygiene and extending device lifespan.
• Euro-MaticcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerEuro-Matic successfully applied BioCote technology to play equipment, ensuring cleaner and longer-lasting play environments by minimising microbial growth, reducing odours, stains, and preserving materials in high-traffic play areas.
• John LordcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerJohn Lord partnered with BioCote for antimicrobial flooring solutions used in hospitals and commercial kitchens. Microbes are reduced by up to 99.99% on treated flooring surfaces.
• LojercoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLojer, Finland's biggest manufacturer of hospital and care equipment (operating tables, beds, accessories), incorporates BioCote technology across its product range. Lojer is part of the Finnish Hygtech Alliance, a group of BioCote partners committed to hygiene solutions.
• ISKU InteriorcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerISKU Interior, a Finnish company providing comprehensive interior design solutions, integrates BioCote antimicrobial technology into its work, office, care, and public space furniture for hygiene-conscious environments.
• Silvergate (referenced in silver additive context)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSilvergate (mentioned in silver glass context) — relationship characterisation incomplete in available sources.
• KorpinencoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerKorpinen, a Finnish pioneer in accessibility solutions, partnered with BioCote to integrate antimicrobial technology into accessible bathroom fixtures, addressing hygiene priorities in accessibility-focused environments.
• Eco FinishcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerEco Finish partnered with BioCote for pool maintenance solutions. BioCote technology provides antimicrobial protection for pool environments, delivering cleaner and more hygienic pool maintenance.
• Rosewood PetsminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerRosewood Pets developed antimicrobial pet toys using BioCote technology to support good hygiene for pets, helping address the approximately 10x bacterial count found in and on pets versus human cells.
• KarricominorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerKarrico Inc., a second-generation family business, creates antimicrobial lunch bags and bento boxes with BioCote protection for the consumer market.
• Waterlogic (Culligan)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerWaterlogic has partnered with BioCote for over 10 years, integrating antimicrobial technology into its water dispensers and coolers. The long-standing relationship is built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect, with BioCote becoming a partner in the truest sense.
• FormicacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFormica incorporates BioCote antimicrobial technology into its laminate surface products, enhancing hygiene for worktops and surfaces in various settings.
• Finnish Hygtech AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Finnish Hygtech Alliance is a group of BioCote partners including Lojer, ISKU, Oras, Korpinen, Abloy, and Teknos, all committed to creating ultimate hygiene solutions in healthcare and care environments. BioCote is featured in the annual stakeholder magazine of member companies.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Microban International: Microban International is the largest direct competitor in antimicrobial additives, offering silver, zinc, and quaternary ammonium-based technologies integrated into plastics, coatings, and textiles. Microban and BioCote compete head-to-head in OEM licensing partnerships across healthcare, consumer goods, and building products.
• Sciessent (formerly Agion Technologies): Sciessent provides silver-ion based antimicrobial additives for textiles, plastics, and coatings under the Agion brand. It competes with BioCote in OEM licensing for healthcare, apparel, and consumer products with comparable active-ingredient technology.
• Addmaster (UK): Addmaster is a UK-based direct competitor supplying Biomaster antimicrobial additives to plastics, paints, and textile manufacturers. It is the closest geographic and product-positioning competitor to BioCote and competes for the same OEM partnerships.
• SteriTouch: SteriTouch is a UK-based antimicrobial additive supplier offering silver-ion and other active-ingredient technologies integrated into plastics, coatings, and paints. It competes with BioCote in OEM licensing for consumer goods and building products.
• Sanitized AG: Sanitized AG is a Swiss specialty chemical company supplying antimicrobial and hygiene function additives for textiles, plastics, and coatings. It is a long-established direct competitor to BioCote in antimicrobial fabric and polymer treatments.
• Polygiene Group: Polygiene provides silver-based and other antimicrobial treatments primarily for textiles and consumer products. It competes with BioCote's textile additives business in apparel, sporting goods, and consumer goods licensing.

Broad incumbents

• Lonza Group: Lonza is a large Swiss specialty chemicals incumbent with a microbial control solutions business that supplies antimicrobial actives and formulations. It competes with BioCote at the broader ingredient/formulation level rather than in OEM licensing partnerships.
• Avient (formerly PolyOne): Avient is a large specialty polymer materials supplier offering antimicrobial masterbatches and compounded materials. It competes with BioCote in the polymer additive space with broader portfolio offerings.
• BASF: BASF is a global chemical incumbent offering antimicrobial additives and biocidal formulations as part of its broad specialty chemicals portfolio. It is not focused on OEM licensing the way BioCote is, but it competes at the additive level.

Emerging players

• Troy Corporation: Troy Corporation supplies antimicrobial additives and preservatives (including IPBC and QAC-based products) for paints, coatings, and industrial materials. It overlaps with BioCote's IPBC and QAC active-ingredient offerings, primarily in coatings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/biocote-ltd

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Biocote