# Antimicrobial Extension Companies are eliminating unnecessary contact with portable gadgets. By [Amy Duong](https://www.trendhunter.com/amyduong), Trend and Research Writer | Published Jun 2, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/antimicrobial-extension ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Antimicrobial Extension trend? **Antimicrobial Extension:** With the COVID-19 outbreak, brands are launching antimicrobial designs that help consumers eliminate unnecessary contact. These designs act as an extensions of the hand to limit contact with any lingering bacteria on public surfaces such as door handles and shopping carts. ## The consumer insight behind the Antimicrobial Extension trend The global threat of COVID-19 raises concerns for hygiene and sanitation more than ever before. Consumers are more conscious of what they come in contact with and are mindfully eliminating any germs from spreading. As a result, they turn to products that prioritize hygiene in ways that seamlessly blend into daily life. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 30 to May 28, 2020 - Published: Jun 2, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Antimicrobial Extension trend ### Antimicrobial Designs Due to the increase in global hygiene concerns, brands are launching antimicrobial designs and fashionably hygienic tools to help consumers prioritize hygiene in their daily lives. ### Multipurpose Hand Gadgets As consumers are more conscious of what they come in contact with, the demand for versatile and sustainable hand gadgets, is on the rise. ### Anti-Contact Keychains The use of anti-contact keychains that are made from naturally antimicrobial materials such as copper and zinc, has increased due to the level of awareness on the spread of pathogens in public spaces. ## What the Antimicrobial Extension trend means for industry ### For Consumer Electronics The consumer electronics industry has been impacted by the rise of antimicrobial and hygienic designs to limit contact with pathogens on public surfaces and gadgets. ### For Fashion The fashion industry has an opportunity to create versatile and fashionably hygienic accessories, such as multi-purpose gadgets and keychains, that seamlessly blend into everyday life. ### For Retail As consumers avoid public surfaces, the retail industry has an opportunity to adopt contactless payment options and install door handles that are easily accessible using multipurpose gadgets. ## Workshop question How can your company develop products that adapt to life after COVID-19? ## Trend signals for Antimicrobial Extension Trend score 6.2 out of 10, from popularity 88%, activity 88%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 88% - Activity: 88% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Antimicrobial Extension trend 5 featured examples from Apr 30 to May 28, 2020. - [Stylish Multi-Purpose Hygiene Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pleasures-and-safetouch): PLEASURES and SafeTouch Released a Claw-Like Multi-Tool (Category: Tech) Implication: Fashion companies can create sustainable, reusable, and fashionable hygienic tools and accessories for their customers. - [Antimicrobial Multipurpose Hand Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corohook): The Corohook Helps Users Avoid Contact With Public Surface (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The health and safety industry can leverage the trend of antimicrobial hand gadgets to create innovative products that promote hygiene and limit the spread of germs. - [Anti-Contact Keychains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keysmart-cleankey): The KeySmart 'CleanKey' is Made from Antimicrobial Copper Alloy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Integrate antimicrobial materials and self-sanitizing mechanisms into keychain designs to cater to health-conscious consumers. - [Slim Copper Door Openers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antibacterial-hygiene-card): The 'SANITAS' Antibacterial Hygiene Card Can be Stored Easily in a Wallet (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The health and hygiene industry can capitalize on the trend of antimicrobial door openers and hygiene cards by developing innovative solutions to help individuals reduce contact w… - [Hygienic EDC Keychains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stay-safe-carabiner): The 'Stay Safe Carabiner' Opens Doors, Presses Buttons and More (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Potential to innovate and capture market share in the consumer goods industry, specifically in the EDC market. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)