Antimicrobials
Prevention and Protection
Microbial growth on textiles is a persistent challenge across apparel, home furnishings, medical, and industrial applications. Antimicrobial technologies provide targeted protection against bacteria, mold, and mildew that can compromise product quality, performance, and consumer experience. At AGS, we focus on scientifically validated, fit-for-purpose solutions that align with evolving regulatory frameworks and real-world performance expectations.
The Differentiation Factor
Microorganisms thrive in warm, humid environments created by everyday wear and use. Apparel, bedding, footwear, and other textile goods often retain moisture, oils, and nutrients that promote bacterial growth, leading to persistent odor, biofilm formation, and premature material breakdown. Without adequate protection, these issues can shorten product life, increase laundering frequency, and reduce user satisfaction. Antimicrobials help maintain textile freshness, improve performance, and support longer product lifespans; an important factor in both sustainability outcomes and consumer value.
Antimicrobials work by disrupting microbial activity through mechanisms such as membrane destabilization, protein denaturation, or interference with cellular metabolism. These processes prevent microorganisms from multiplying or surviving on the textile surface. For durable performance, the antimicrobial agent must be uniformly applied, properly fixed, and compatible with the fabric substrate and finishing process. AGS ensures that treatments maintain integrity through routine laundering, environmental exposure, and performance testing aligned with recognized standards.
The Added Value
Antimicrobial finishes provide measurable technical and commercial value across the supply chain. For mills, they expand product functionality while providing material protection without altering handle, color, or core textile characteristics. For brands and retailers, they support clear and defensible performance claims backed by third-party testing, enabling differentiation in competitive markets. For consumers, antimicrobials deliver lasting freshness, prevent bacterial growth, and extended usability, reducing the need for frequent washing while also prolonging garment life. When the technology is responsibly selected, correctly applied, and validated with accurate test methods, antimicrobial treatments offer a dependable and sustainable enhancement to textile performance.
Available Technologies
The AGS Advantage
Antimicrobial treatments are applied to textiles to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that can cause odor, discoloration, degradation, or reduced material integrity. These treatments are based on various active ingredients, which includes: quaternary ammonium compounds, silver, zinc, copper, and other established actives. Each active operates through specific modes of action that target the microbial structure or function. When applied correctly, an antimicrobial becomes an integral part of the textile, contributing to long-lasting protection throughout the product’s intended life.
At AGS, we develop and support antimicrobial technologies that are non-leaching, responsibly manufactured, and are safe to use and apply to textiles. We provide technologies that are safe for wearers, workers, and the environment.
You may also be interested in the following technology features:
Odor Control
Moisture Management
Crosslinkers, Resins
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