Global Activated Carbon Market Size

Activated Carbon – A Global Market Overview

Published Date: Feb 2025

Report Code: CHM031

Pages: 364

Charts: 266

Activated Carbon Market Trends and Outlook

Commonly referred to as activated charcoal, Activated Carbon is a highly porous and high-purity form of carbon having a large surface area and microscopic pores. The material is recognized for its outstanding adsorption properties that enable it to be used in a variety of application areas, including water & wastewater treatment, air purification, processing of foods & beverages, pharmaceuticals, mining & metal extraction and automotive canisters. Activated Carbon is highly effective in adsorbing dissolved organic contaminants and removing flavors and odor-changing chemicals. Activated carbon injection (ACI) is a technology that is being employed as an economic option in purification processes. Whereas the material can be made using a variety of carbonaceous sources, such as coconut shells, coal, wood and peat, these usually involve carbonization and activation that can have a detrimental environmental impact.

Global Activated Carbon Market Size, Outlook 2024-2030

Worldwide, volume consumption of Activated Carbon is estimated at 3.7 million metric tons in 2024 and is likely to maintain a 2024-2030 CAGR of about 8% in reaching a projected 5.8 million metric tons by 2030. In terms of value, the global market for Activated Carbon is projected to reach US$13 billion by 2030 from an estimated US$8.3 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 7.8% between the two years. Some of the factors driving demand for Activated Carbon include growing application of this versatile material across a range of sectors, including water treatment, medical & pharmaceuticals, automotive, food & beverages and air purification, among others. Increase in concerns regarding the importance of pure water for personal, as well as industrial, uses provide further impetus for Activated Carbon. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has emphasized the importance of Activated Carbon in controlling synthetic organic chemicals in drinking water, for which a filter with granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely employed. Stringent rules regarding maintenance of water purity to ensure public health safety and rigorous air quality regulations aimed at reducing air pollution levels are also factors contributing to growing demand for Activated Carbon. The use of this innovative material in air filtration and purification systems has grown considerably for adhering to regulatory policies, thereby highlighting the need for environmental sustainability.

Activated Carbon's applications across several industries has been well known, one instance of which is the chemical sector, where its use in the purification and separation processes is invaluable. The pharmaceutical industry is also a significant consumer of Activated Carbon as a decolorizing agent and an adsorption agent to remove unwanted pigments and dyes in the manufacture of medicines, which makes sure that the final products stick to safety and quality standards. In the food & beverage industry, Activated Carbon plays a major part in eliminating impurities and enhancing product integrity. Automotive applications of the material include control of emissions, removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and enhance cabin air quality. Automotive cabin air filters comprising granular activated carbon (GAC) or activated air filter pads purify air, with coconut shell activated carbon having mechanical hardness and high microporosity being the preferred material. In automotive evaporative emission control canisters, the Activated Carbon used typically has low density and high mesopore volume, making it ideal for consistent adsorption and release of gasoline vapors in the fuel system.

Activated Carbon Regional Market Analysis

Asia-Pacific is the leading global market for Activated Carbon in terms of both volume and value, as also forecast growth. Rapid industrialization and economic development in countries, such as China and India, are contributing to growing demand for the material. The demand for Activated Carbon in various sectors, such as manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food & beverages for various purification and filtration processes is considerably high in the region. Added to this is the growing need for safe drinking water that is being fueled by an increasing population and urbanization. Moreover, governments across the region have enacted stringent regulations for minimizing air and water pollution, thereby further boosting the market for Activated Carbon which is widely used for the same. In the United States, the EPA's crackdown on mercury emissions is expected to propel demand for Activated Carbon in North America, given that the US is the region's largest market for the material. Strict government policies aimed at reducing toxic gas emissions and promoting the reuse of industrial water are driving the European demand for Activated Carbon.

Global Activated Carbon Market by Region

Activated Carbon Market Analysis by Type

Based on type, the global market for Activated Carbon is segmented into Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Powdered Activated Carbon and Other Activated Carbon Types (including Extruded/Pelleted Activated Carbon and Cloth-Based Activated Carbon). Among these, the demand for PAC is the largest, since the material's fine particle size and high surface area make it well-suited for water treatment, air purification and food processing applications through enhanced adsorption efficiency. However, the global market for GAC is likely to register the fastest growth over the analysis period, owing to its wider use for large-scale applications, such as treating industrial air and water. The Other Activated Carbon Types category comprising Extruded/Pelleted and Cloth-Based Activated Carbons are primarily used in niche applications, such as mercury removal and personal protective equipment. All things considered, industry-specific needs finally dictate the demand trends for the various types of Activated Carbons, since each has its own set of properties and benefits with regard to efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ease of use.

Global Activated Carbon Market by Type

Activated Carbon Market Analysis by Raw Material

Coal, Coconut Shells, Peat and Wood are the primary raw materials used for deriving Activated Carbon. Within these, Coal-based Activated Carbon accounts for the largest share, since its excessive hardness and capacity to adsorb a variety of contaminants is ideal for industrial applications. However, the demand for Coconut Shell-based Activated Carbon is anticipated to maintain the fastest growth, as this variety is most extensively utilized for water purification and air filtration because of a high adsorption capability and micropore structure. In applications where lower hardness is acceptable, such as in food & beverages, Wood- and Peat-based Activated Carbons are preferred.

Activated Carbon Market Analysis by Application

Gas Phase and Liquid Phase are the two applications via which Activated Carbon is used, of which the former has a larger share. This can be attributed to the wide use of Gas Phase Activated Carbon in pellet, powder or granule form in air filters for purifying air by removing pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone and other gases. Activated Carbon in this phase adsorbs these pollutants as they pass through the filters to clean the air. HEPA filters are typically combined with Activated Carbon filters for capturing additional microscopic particles, such as dust, lint, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. Liquid Phase applications of Activated Carbon, though, are likely to post a faster growth, since water & wastewater treatment is one of the major uses for the same. The need for safe drinking water, in addition to pure water for pharmaceutical & medical and industrial applications, are the major factors propelling growth for this application area.

Activated Carbon Market Analysis by End-Use Sector

Among the various end-use sectors for Activated Carbon, the market for Water & Wastewater Treatment is the largest. Here, the material’s adsorption capacity enables in binding impurities chemically on an activated carbon filter’s surface, as against physically absorbing them. Water filters based on Activated Carbon are highly effective in eliminating virtually all toxins from water and decolorizing it, even while retaining the important minerals and salts. This helps in treating potable, as well as industrial water to make it pure for consumption and various manufacturing activities where purified water is needed. The Pharmaceutical & Medical sector is another key area for Activated Carbon, where the requirement for exceptional purity all through the processing activities is non-negotiable. An important application of Activated Carbon in Pharmaceuticals is treating intermediates to eliminated unwanted byproducts without modifying any important chemical inputs. In the Medical field, the material is used to treat certain kinds of drug overdose and metal poisonings by binding toxins through adsorption. Capsules or tablets containing Activated Carbon are also suggested to treat gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to these reasons, it is expected that the demand for Activated Carbon in the Pharmaceutical & Medical sector will record the fastest growth during the analysis period. Other important end-use sectors for the material include Air Purification, Automotive, Food & Beverages and Industrial.

Activated Carbon Market Report Scope

This global report on Activated Carbon analyzes the global and regional markets based on technology, product type, application and end-user for the period 2021-2030 with projections from 2024 to 2030 in terms of volume in metric tons and value in US$. In addition to providing profiles of major companies operating in this space, the latest corporate and industrial developments have been covered to offer a clear panorama of how and where the market is progressing.

Key Metrics

Historical Period:2021-2023
Base Year: 2024
Forecast Period:2024-2030
Units:Value market in US$
Companies Mentioned: 40+

Activated Carbon Market by Geographic Region

  • North America (The United States, Canada and Mexico)
  • Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, The United Kingdom and Rest of Europe)
  • Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
  • South America (Argentina, Brazil and Rest of South America)
  • Middle East & Africa

Activated Carbon Market by Type

  • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
  • Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
  • Other Activated Carbon Types (including Extruded/Pelleted Activated Carbon & Cloth-Based Activated Carbon)

Activated Carbon Market by Raw Material

  • Coal
  • Coconut Shell
  • Peat
  • Wood

Activated Carbon Market by Application

  • Gas Phase Applications
  • Liquid Phase Applications

Activated Carbon Market by End-Use Sector

  • Air Purification
  • Automotive
  • Food & Beverages
  • Industrial
  • Pharmaceutical & Medical
  • Water & Wastewater Treatment
  • Other End-Use Sectors (incl. Electronics, Mining and Oil & Gas)

Activated Carbon Market Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The global Activated Carbon market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8% in terms of volume and 7.8% in terms of value during the 2024-2030 analysis period.

Asia-Pacific forms the largest global market for Activated Carbon with regard to both volume and value.

Asia-Pacific is also expected to be the fastest growing region for Activated Carbon in terms of volume and value.

Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) accounts for the largest share of the Activated Carbon market.

Pharmaceutical & Medical is the fastest growing application in the Activated Carbon market.

The global demand for Activated Carbon technology is being driven by several key factors, which mainly include growing application of this versatile material across a range of sectors, including water treatment, medical & pharmaceuticals, automotive, food & beverages and air purification, among others.

PART A: GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
1. Introduction

  • Activated Carbon Types Outline
  • Activated Carbon Defined
    • Activated Carbon Market by Type
      • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
      • Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
      • Other Activated Carbon Types (including Extruded/Pelleted Activated Carbon & Cloth-Based Activated Carbon)
    • Activated Carbon Market by Raw Material
      • Coal
      • Coconut Shell
      • Peat
      • Wood
    • Activated Carbon Market by Application
      • Gas Phase Applications
      • Liquid Phase Applications
    • Activated Carbon Market by End-Use Sector
      • Air Purification
      • Automotive
      • Food & Beverages
      • Industrial
      • Pharmaceutical & Medical
      • Water & Wastewater Treatment
      • Other End-Use Sectors (incl. Electronics, Mining and Oil & Gas)

2. Key Market Trends
3. Key Global Players

  • Activated Carbon Technologies Pty Ltd
  • Active Char Products
  • Ada Carbon Solution LLC
  • Adsorbent Carbons Pvt Ltd
  • Advanced Emission Solutions, Inc.
  • Albemarle Corp
  • BASF SE
  • Boyce Carbon
  • Cabot Corp
  • Calgon Carbon Corp
  • Carb USA LLC
  • Carbo Tech AC GmbH
  • Carbon Activated Corporation
  • CarbPure Technologies
  • Chemviron Carbon
  • Clarimex SA de CV
  • CPL/Puragen Activated Carbons
  • Daigas Group
  • Datong Coal Jinding Activated Carbon Co.
  • DESOTEC Activated Carbon
  • Donau Carbon GmbH
  • Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
  • Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon Co Ltd
  • General Carbon Corporation
  • Genuine Shell Carb Pvt Ltd
  • Hangzhou Nature Technology Co Ltd
  • Haycarb Plc
  • Iluka Resources Ltd
  • Indo German Carbon Ltd
  • Ingevity Corporation
  • Jacobi Carbons AB (Osaka Gas Chemical Co. Ltd.)
  • James Cumming & Sons Pty Ltd
  • Karbonous, Inc.
  • Kuraray Co Ltd
  • Kureha Corporation
  • Lenntech B.V.
  • Norit Nederland BV
  • Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC
  • Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
  • Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH
  • Sorbent JSC
  • Tronox Holdings Plc
  • Universal Carbons India

4. Key Business & Product Trends
5. Global Market Overview

  • Global Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
    • Activated Carbon Type Market Overview by Global Region
      • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
      • Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
      • Other Activated Carbon Types (including Extruded/Pelleted Activated Carbon & Cloth-Based Activated Carbon)
    • Global Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Coal
      • Coconut Shell
      • Peat
      • Wood
    • Activated Carbon Market by Application
      • Gas Phase Applications
      • Liquid Phase Applications
    • Global Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
      • Air Purification
      • Automotive
      • Food & Beverages
      • Industrial
      • Pharmaceutical & Medical
      • Water & Wastewater Treatment
      • Other End-Use Sectors (incl. Electronics, Mining and Oil & Gas)

PART B: REGIONAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

  • Global Activated Carbon Market Overview by Geographic Region

REGIONAL MARKET OVERVIEW
6. North America

  • North American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Geographic Region
  • North American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
  • North American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
  • North American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
  • North American Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
  • Country-wise Analysis of North American Activated Carbon Market
    • The United States
      • United States Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • United States Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • United States Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • United States Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Canada
      • Canadian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Canadian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Canadian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Canadian Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Mexico
      • Mexican Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Mexican Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Mexican Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Mexican Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector

7. Europe

  • European Activated Carbon Market Overview by Geographic Region
  • European Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
  • European Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
  • European Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
  • European Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
  • Country-wise Analysis of European Activated Carbon Market
    • France
      • French Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • French Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • French Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • French Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Germany
    • Italy
      • Italian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Italian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Italian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Italian Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Russia
      • Russian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Russian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Russian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Russian Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Spain
      • Spanish Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Spanish Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Spanish Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Spanish Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • The United Kingdom
      • United Kingdom Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • United Kingdon Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • United Kingdom Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • United Kingdom Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Rest of Europe
      • Rest of Europe Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Rest of Europe Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • United Kingdom Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Rest of Europe Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector

8. Asia-Pacific

  • Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by Geographic Region
  • Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
  • Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
  • Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
  • Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
  • Country-wise Analysis of Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market
    • China
      • Chinese Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Chinese Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Chinese Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Chinese Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • India
      • Indian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Indian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Indian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Indian Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Japan
      • Japanese Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Japanese Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Japanese Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Japanese Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • South Korea
      • South Korean Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • South Korean Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • South Korean Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • South Korean Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
      • Rest of Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Rest of Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Rest of Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Rest of Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector

9. South America

  • South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Geographic Region
  • South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
  • North American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
  • South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
  • South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
  • Country-wise Analysis of South American Activated Carbon Market
    • Argentina
      • Argentine Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Argentine Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Argentine Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Argentine Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Brazil
      • Brazilian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Brazilian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Brazilian Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Brazilian Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector
    • Rest of South America
      • Rest of South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
      • Rest of South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
      • Rest of South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
      • Rest of South American Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector

10. Middle East & Africa

  • Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Overview by Type
  • Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Overview by Raw Material
  • Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Overview by Application
  • Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Overview by End-Use Sector

PART C: GUIDE TO THE INDUSTRY
PART D: ANNEXURE
1. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2. FEEDBACK

Activated Carbon Technologies Pty Ltd
Active Char Products
Ada Carbon Solution LLC
Adsorbent Carbons Pvt Ltd
Advanced Emission Solutions, Inc.
Albemarle Corp
BASF SE
Boyce Carbon
Cabot Corp
Calgon Carbon Corp
Carb USA LLC
Carbo Tech AC GmbH
Carbon Activated Corporation
CarbPure Technologies
Chemviron Carbon
Clarimex SA de CV
CPL/Puragen Activated Carbons
Daigas Group
Datong Coal Jinding Activated Carbon Co.
DESOTEC Activated Carbon
Donau Carbon GmbH
Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon Co Ltd
General Carbon Corporation
Genuine Shell Carb Pvt Ltd
Hangzhou Nature Technology Co Ltd
Haycarb Plc
Iluka Resources Ltd
Indo German Carbon Ltd
Ingevity Corporation
Jacobi Carbons AB (Osaka Gas Chemical Co. Ltd.)
James Cumming & Sons Pty Ltd
Karbonous, Inc.
Kuraray Co Ltd
Kureha Corporation
Lenntech B.V.
Norit Nederland BV
Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC
Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH
Sorbent JSC
Tronox Holdings Plc
Universal Carbons India

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