Activated Carbon Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Type (Powdered, Granular), By Application (Water Treatment, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Air & Gas Purification, Others) and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Activated Carbon Market Size

The global Activated Carbon Market size was valued at USD 4,311.0 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 6,343.9 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.03% from 2024 to 2031. In the scope of work, the report includes products offered by companies such as Calgon Carbon Corporation, Kuraray Co., Ltd., Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd., Carbon Activated Corporation., Jacobi Carbons AB, Kureha Corporation, Donau Carbon GmbH, Boyce Carbon, Puragen Activated Carbons, ADA Carbon Solutions and Others.

The activated carbon market is experiencing robust growth globally, driven by increasing awareness about environmental pollution, stringent regulations on water and air quality, and expanding industrial applications. Activated carbon, renowned for its exceptional adsorption properties and versatility, finds extensive use across various industries, including water treatment, air purification, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and more.

In the water treatment industry, activated carbon is widely used for removing organic contaminants, disinfection by-products, and heavy metals from water sources. Its ability to effectively adsorb these pollutants makes it an essential component in the treatment process, ensuring clean and safe drinking water for communities worldwide. Additionally, in the air purification sector, activated carbon plays a crucial role in filtering out volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and harmful gases, improving indoor air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Moreover, the implementation of stringent regulations regarding air and water quality by governments worldwide is creating a favorable environment for market expansion. As governments aim to reduce emissions and enforce strict pollution control measures, the adoption of activated carbon in automotive emission control systems is expected to witness significant growth.

The high efficacy of activated carbon plays a vital role in capturing and eliminating detrimental pollutants from vehicle emissions, consequently aiding in mitigating air pollution levels. Additionally, the increasing awareness among consumers of the importance of clean water sources has led to a rising demand for activated carbon in water treatment applications. As a result, the market for activated carbon is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years.

Analyst’s Review 

There is a growing trend toward prioritizing sustainability in purchasing decisions, which is leading to a rise in demand for eco-friendly activated carbon products. In response, producers are exploring alternative sources of carbon and adopting environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impacts associated with traditional activated carbon production, often involving the combustion of non-renewable resources.

Consequently, they are actively seeking products made from renewable resources and manufactured sustainably. Manufacturers are currently investing heavily in research and development to discover innovative approaches to activated carbon production, aiming to meet performance standards while also aligning with consumers' rising sustainability expectations.

Market Definition

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon characterized by a vast internal surface area and a network of microscopic pores. It is produced by heating carbonaceous materials such as coal, wood, coconut shells, or agricultural waste to high temperatures in the absence of air, followed by a process of chemical or physical activation.

The activation process creates a highly porous structure with an extensive surface area, typically ranging from 500 to 1500 square meters per gram. This porous structure allows activated carbon to effectively adsorb a wide range of molecules and contaminants from gases, liquids, and solutions.

Activated carbon is used across various industries and applications, including water treatment, air purification, gas purification, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive emission control, among others. Its ability to remove impurities, pollutants, odors, and contaminants makes it a versatile and indispensable material for environmental remediation, purification processes, and pollution control.

Activated Carbon Market Dynamics

Growing concerns regarding water scarcity and deteriorating water quality are propelling the demand for activated carbon in water treatment applications. Activated carbon is used to remove contaminants, organic pollutants, and impurities from drinking water sources, ensuring a safe and clean water supply for municipalities and industries.

In addition, activated carbon is highly effective in removing chlorine, taste, and odor from water, improving its overall quality and palatability. Its porous structure allows for the adsorption of a wide range of pollutants and toxins, making it an essential component in the purification process. Furthermore, the versatility of activated carbon enables its use in various water treatment systems, including filtration units, water softeners, and reverse osmosis systems, making it a valuable tool in addressing the global water crisis.

Adhering to evolving environmental regulations and quality standards poses a challenge for manufacturers and users of activated carbon. Compliance with regulations governing emissions, wastewater discharge, and product quality requires ongoing investment in technology and process improvements.

For instance, a manufacturer of activated carbon may need to invest in advanced air pollution control systems to ensure compliance with emissions regulations. Additionally, they may need to implement sophisticated wastewater treatment processes to meet stringent discharge standards. These investments not only help the manufacturer maintain regulatory compliance but also contribute to the overall improvement of product quality and environmental sustainability.

Segmentation Analysis

The global activated carbon market is segmented based on type, application, and geography.

By Type

By type, the activated carbon market is bifurcated into powdered and granular. The powdered segment registered a significant revenue share of 51.25% in 2023. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the extensive use of powdered activated carbon in various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and water treatment. The fine particle size of powdered activated carbon allows for a larger surface area, resulting in better adsorption capabilities.

Additionally, the ease of handling and dosing makes it a preferred choice for several applications. On the other hand, the granular segment is expected to witness steady growth due to its longer lifespan and higher mechanical strength, making it suitable for applications that require continuous operation.

By Application

By application, the activated carbon market is bifurcated into water treatment, food & beverage, pharmaceutical & healthcare, air & gas purification & others. The water treatment segment generated a substantial revenue share of 37.58% in 2023. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for clean and safe drinking water across the globe.

Additionally, stringent government regulations regarding water pollution and the need to comply with these regulations have fueled the demand for water treatment solutions. With advancements in technology and the development of innovative water treatment systems, the water treatment segment is expected to retain its dominance in the market in the coming years.

Activated Carbon Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global activated carbon market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

The Asia Pacific Activated Carbon Market share stood around 36.21% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 1561 million. The region is witnessing notable growth as a result of rapid industrialization and strict environmental regulations in countries such as China and India,. These factors have increased the demand for activated carbon in various industries such as water treatment, air purification, and food processing. Additionally, the region's growing population and rising awareness of the importance of clean air and water have contributed to the dominance of Asia Pacific in the activated carbon industry.

However, North America is projected to experience rapid growth at a rate of 6.49% over the forecast period. This growth can be propelled by the increasing adoption of activated carbon in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and automotive. The stringent regulations regarding air and water pollution control in the region have further contributed to the demand for activated carbon. Moreover, rising awareness regarding the harmful effects of pollutants and the growing need for sustainable solutions have further fueled market growth in North America.

Competitive Landscape

The global activated carbon market report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the consolidated nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions.

List of Key Companies in Activated Carbon Market

• Calgon Carbon Corporation
• Kuraray Co., Ltd.
• Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.
• Carbon Activated Corporation.
• Jacobi Carbons AB
• Kureha Corporation
• Donau Carbon GmbH
• Boyce Carbon
• Puragen Activated Carbons
• ADA Carbon Solutions

Key Industry Developments 

• January 2024 (Acquisition) - Calgon Carbon Corporation, a company specializing in the production of activated carbon for air and water filtration, extended its operations to Bloomfield, New Mexico. As per the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), Calgon Carbon Corporation acquired two established businesses in the area with plans to retain all their employees. This expansion was aligned with the company's commitment to growth and development in the region.

The Global Activated Carbon Market is Segmented as:

By Type

• Powdered
• Granular

By Application

• Water Treatment
• Food & Beverage
• Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
• Air & Gas Purification
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America.