MicroFresh
Micro-Fresh is a UK biotechnology company that licenses an invisible silver-ion antimicrobial treatment to global manufacturers and brands for integration into footwear, home textiles, sportswear, healthcare workwear, and aerospace materials across 44+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersLeicester, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What MicroFresh does
Micro-Fresh Limited is a UK-based biotechnology company founded in 2006 by Byron Dixon OBE and headquartered in Leicester, England. The company develops and licenses an antimicrobial treatment technology branded Micro-Fresh®, which uses an ion-exchange mechanism with silver-based active ingredients to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould, and viruses on treated surfaces. Its core product line consists of invisible treatment modules applied during the manufacturing process for footwear, home textiles, sportswear, healthcare workwear, automotive and aerospace materials, and surface/facility treatments (including the Sanitaze fogging machine, hand sanitiser spray, and a handheld Detector Pen for quality-assurance verification). Micro-Fresh reports preventing up to 99.99% of bacterial growth, remaining effective beyond 50 washes, and reducing coronavirus survival on treated leather from 24-48 hours to approximately 2 hours in independent university testing.
The company operates a B2B technology-licensing and OEM-embedded business model, embedding its treatment into partner products at the manufacturing stage and earning royalties or licensing fees. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Micro-Fresh works with global manufacturers and brands including Adidas, John Lewis, M&S, Next, Primark, Tesco F&F, Asda, Sainsbury's, Emirates, Schroth, Grahame Gardner, Clarks Australia, and Deichmann, with technology present in 500+ products across 44+ countries via 50+ retailers. Distribution is managed through regional offices and country managers in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Portugal, Turkey, and UAE, with an active US-market push supported by UK Government export programs.
Micro-Fresh is a privately held company (Companies House No. 4799159), has not disclosed external venture or private-equity funding, and has 11-50 employees. It holds multiple certifications including OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Eco Passport, BPR, ZDHC, bluesign System Partner, and Allergy UK, plus EPA registered treated article status. Recent strategic moves include aerospace partnerships (Emirates pillows, Schroth seatbelts), a healthcare extension through Grahame Gardner, a fabric-stage integration deal with Regis Fabrics, and a US expansion effort via UK Department for International Trade missions.
MicroFresh firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MicroFresh
- Legal name
- Micro-Fresh Limited
- Website
- https://microfresh.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Micro-Fresh is a UK biotechnology company that licenses an invisible silver-ion antimicrobial treatment to global manufacturers and brands for integration into footwear, home textiles, sportswear, healthcare workwear, and aerospace materials across 44+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MicroFresh industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Antimicrobial Chemicals
- NAICS
- Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)
- SIC
- Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Microbiome Modulating Small Molecules & Antibiotic Alternatives (HLAAAFAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Microbiome Manufacturing, Formulation & Delivery Technologies (encapsulation, spores, oral delivery) (HLAAAFAJ), Hand Sanitizers & Antibacterial Personal Care (CRADANAI)
Keywords
Where MicroFresh is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Leicester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices8 records
Markets served
MicroFresh business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing: Micro-Fresh licenses its antimicrobial technology to manufacturers and brands for incorporation into their products during production. The technology is applied at the manufacturing stage and adds value to the end products by providing freshness, antibacterial protection, and extended product life.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
MicroFresh product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Micro-Fresh develops and licenses a British-made invisible antimicrobial technology based on an ion-exchange mechanism with silver-based active ingredients. The technology is applied at the manufacturing stage to footwear, textiles, leather goods, healthcare workwear, sportswear, and other materials to prevent bacteria (up to 99.99%), mold, odors, and cross-contamination of viruses, extending product life and reducing washing requirements.
Product overview
Micro-Fresh® is a British-made invisible antimicrobial technology platform that contains natural active ingredients to block growth and spread of pathogenic and odour-causing bacteria. The core offering is the Micro-Fresh® antimicrobial treatment technology, which is applied during manufacturing to various products including footwear, home textiles, sportswear, and healthcare workwear. Supporting products include the Sanitaze portable fogging machine for facility sanitisation, hand sanitiser sprays, and the Micro-Fresh Detector Pen for quality assurance verification. The technology prolongs product life, reduces need for intensive cleaning, and is compliant with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and BPR regulations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Micro-Fresh Antimicrobial Technology British-made invisible antimicrobial treatment containing natural active ingredients that blocks growth and spread of pathogenic and odour-causing bacteria. Applied during the manufacturing process to footwear, textiles, and other products to prevent mould, bacteria, and extend product life. Licensed to manufacturers and brands globally.
- Sanitaze Fogging Machine Portable sanitising fog generator that kills viruses and bacteria in the air while depositing a layer of Micro-Fresh technology over every surface in enclosed areas. Designed for large spaces where hygiene is paramount, distributed to hospitals, care homes, and commercial facilities.
- Micro-Fresh Hand Sanitiser Hand and surface sanitiser spray containing Micro-Fresh technology. Distributed to hospitals, care homes, and charities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and used by Goldman Sachs in their offices to support workforce return.
- Micro-Fresh Detector Pen State-of-the-art quality assurance device that uses a green laser to verify the presence of Micro-Fresh treatment on products. A tracer ingredient added during manufacturing is identified using this detector pen, ensuring every product is fully protected and bacteria resistant.
Quantifiable outcome
- Prevents 99.99% of bacteria growth
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use MicroFresh
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
MicroFresh technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
MicroFresh partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Regis FabricscoreNew partnership with leading family-owned textile manufacturer. Micro-Fresh technology incorporated into fabrics during production process for activewear, medical, healthcare, and automotive textiles. Results in fabrics resistant to bacterial growth, odor, and fungi.
- Vision LinenscoreVision Linens Martex baby range filled with Micro-Fresh technology. Partnership with Mamas and Papas for nationwide distribution. Products effective against bacteria and dust mites, durable through 20+ washes.
- Grahame GardnercorePartnership for healthcare scrub workwear range. Micro-Fresh technology incorporated into scrub tops, trousers, and surgery caps for hospitals, vets' practices, and dental surgeries. Technology proven to kill 99.9% bacteria, effective beyond 50 washes, reduces coronavirus cross-contamination risk.
- SchrothcoreSchroth safety restraints (seatbelts for aerospace to racing) incorporate Micro-Fresh technology. Seatbelts proven to accumulate up to 230 CFU per square inch; technology offers airlines and passengers fresher flights and protection from pathogens including coronavirus.
- AdidasflagshipAdidas golf tops incorporate Micro-Fresh technology launched in South Korea in 2021. Technology prevents odor-causing bacteria so golf tops stay fresher for longer during and after workouts.
- PrimarkcorePrimark sports socks incorporating Micro-Fresh technology launched in 2021 to prevent bacteria growth by up to 99.9%, keeping feet fresher even after workouts.
- De Montfort UniversitycoreResearch partnership led by Dr Katie Laird (microbiologist) and Dr Maitreyi Shivkumar (virologist) testing coronavirus survival on leather with and without Micro-Fresh treatment. Study found treatment reduces COVID-19 survival from 24-48 hours to 2 hours.
- British Footwear AssociationcorePartnership with BFA for coronavirus on leather research study. BFA brings industry perspective to help footwear sector recover from pandemic and provide actionable guidance for manufacturers.
- EmiratesflagshipWorld-first deal incorporating Micro-Fresh technology into Emirates airline pillows on first and business class flights worldwide. Technology inhibits bacteria, odors, and dust mites; 100% natural, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.
- F&F (Tesco)coreF&F school shoe range with Micro-Fresh technology for over five years. Technology keeps school shoes fresher for longer, preventing odor despite heavy daily use.
- John LewisflagshipJohn Lewis bedding range incorporating Micro-Fresh Technology since 2014. Baby and Nursery range added in 2015, bathmats in 2017. Technology protects babies against micro-organisms, prevents allergens such as dust mites, inhibits bacteria up to 99.9%.
- ScruffscoreAward-winning workwear and safety footwear brand. Working with Micro-Fresh for approximately 8 years on safety boots and trainers to prevent mold and reduce odors. Planning to expand range.
- NextflagshipNext stores treated with Micro-Fresh technology; homeware and children's shoes incorporate the technology. Technology protects customers and staff from bacteria and cross-contamination.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MicroFresh competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Microban International: Global leader in antimicrobial and odor-control technologies built into consumer products. Most direct comparable by name and category, with overlapping retail and OEM customer base.
- Sciessent: US-based provider of antimicrobial and odor-control technologies (Agion, Sciessent Lava) licensed to textile, footwear, and apparel manufacturers. Strong overlap in customer base and OEM licensing GTM.
- BioCote: UK-based antimicrobial technology company offering silver-ion and additive solutions to product manufacturers. Direct geographic and product overlap with Micro-Fresh.
- Polygiene Group AB: Swedish-listed company providing odor-control and antimicrobial treatments for textiles, footwear, and hard surfaces via OEM licensing. Closely comparable business model and end markets.
- SteriTouch: UK-based antimicrobial additive supplier offering silver-ion and other technologies to plastics, textiles, and coatings manufacturers. Similar size, geography, and OEM licensing model.
- Applied Silver: US developer of silver-ion antimicrobial technology (SilvaClean) targeted at textiles and healthcare. Direct competitor in silver-based antimicrobial platform with healthcare/footwear applications.
- Sanitized AG: Swiss provider of antimicrobial hygiene function and material protection for textiles and polymers. Direct competitor in licensing silver and other antimicrobial actives to textile/footwear brands.
- HeiQ Materials AG: Swiss-listed material science company specializing in antimicrobial, antiviral, and freshness technologies for textiles. Direct competitor in branded antimicrobial textile finishes with similar licensing-to-brands model.
Emerging players
- Resil Chemicals: India-based specialty chemical supplier of antimicrobial and functional finishes for textiles. Comparable product category and emerging-market manufacturer footprint overlapping with Micro-Fresh's Asian licensee base.
Broad incumbents
- Lonza Group AG: Swiss specialty chemicals and biotechnology giant whose Microbial Control division supplies broad-spectrum antimicrobial actives to industrial and consumer applications. Larger incumbent with overlapping active-ingredient IP.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MicroFresh social profiles
Digital presenceMicroFresh compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
MicroFresh financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MicroFresh leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
MicroFresh funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MicroFresh M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MicroFresh
What does MicroFresh do?
Micro-Fresh develops and licenses a British-made invisible antimicrobial technology based on an ion-exchange mechanism with silver-based active ingredients. The technology is applied at the manufacturing stage to footwear, textiles, leather goods, healthcare workwear, sportswear, and other materials to prevent bacteria (up to 99.99%), mold, odors, and cross-contamination of viruses, extending product life and reducing washing requirements.
Is MicroFresh a public or private company?
MicroFresh is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MicroFresh founded?
MicroFresh was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MicroFresh based?
MicroFresh is headquartered in Leicester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does MicroFresh make money?
One revenue line is on record: technology Licensing.
Who are MicroFresh's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Microban International, Sciessent, BioCote, Polygiene Group AB, SteriTouch, Applied Silver, Sanitized AG and HeiQ Materials AG. Resil Chemicals is listed as an emerging player. Lonza Group AG is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does MicroFresh have an API?
No public API is recorded for MicroFresh.
What industry is MicroFresh in?
MicroFresh's product category is Specialty Antimicrobial Chemicals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAAAFAG, Microbiome Modulating Small Molecules & Antibiotic Alternatives, with a secondary code of HLAAAFAJ, Microbiome Manufacturing, Formulation & Delivery Technologies (encapsulation, spores, oral delivery). Its NAICS code is 3391 and its SIC code is 2836.