Activated Carbon Market to be Worth $8.3 Billion by 2031

Activated Carbon Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Powdered Activated Carbon, Granular Activated Carbon), Application (Water Treatment, Gas Purification, F&B Processing), and End User (Municipal and Industrial) - Global Forecast to 2031

Meticulous Research^®—a leading global market research company, published a research report titled, ‘Activated Carbon Market by Type (Powdered Activated Carbon, Granular Activated Carbon), Application (Water Treatment, Gas Purification, F&B Processing), and End User (Municipal and Industrial), and Geography—Global Forecast to 2031.’

According to this latest publication from Meticulous Research^®, the global activated carbon market is expected to reach $8.3 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024–2031, while in terms of volume, the market is expected to reach 8.2 million metric tons by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2024–2031. The growth of the activated carbon market is driven by the growing water pollution across the globe, stringent water treatment regulations, and health issues caused by contaminated water. However, volatility in raw material prices and high production costs may restrain the growth of this market.

Furthermore, a focus on sustainable and renewable materials, technological advancements, and product innovation are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players operating in the activated carbon market. However, the stringent government regulations and supply chain disruptions may hinder the growth of this market.

Rising demand for granular activated carbon (GAC) and increasing use of activated carbon in energy storage applications are prominent trends in this market.

The global activated carbon market is segmented into type (powdered activated carbon, granular activated carbon, extruded activated carbon, and other types), application (water treatment, gas purification, food and beverage processing, medical and pharmaceutical, personal care, and other applications), and end user (municipal and industrial {food & beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, mining, oil & gas, electronics, and other industries}). The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the market at the regional and country levels.

Based on type, the global activated carbon market is segmented into powdered activated carbon, granular activated carbon, extruded activated carbon, and other types. In 2024, the powdered activated carbon segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 48.0% of the global activated carbon market. The growth of this segment is attributed to its extensive usage in water treatment processes, including municipal water treatment plants and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, to remove contaminants such as organic compounds, color, taste, and odor. Increasing awareness among consumers regarding water and air quality, coupled with concerns about health risks associated with pollutants, fuels the demand for PAC-based filtration and purification systems for residential and commercial use.

However, the granular activated carbon segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. GAC is extensively used in water and wastewater treatment processes to remove organic contaminants, chemicals, taste, and odor compounds. GAC is utilized in air purification systems to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and airborne contaminants. With growing concerns about indoor and outdoor air quality, there is a rising demand for GAC-based filtration solutions in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Various industries, including chemical manufacturing, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, rely on GAC for purification, decolorization, and contaminant removal purposes. Such factors help to drive the growth of the granular activated carbon market during the forecast period.

Based on application, the global activated carbon market is segmented into water treatment, gas purification, food and beverage processing, medical and pharmaceutical, personal care, and other applications. In 2024, the water treatment segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 60.0% of the global activated carbon market. The growth of this segment is attributed to various factors, as activated carbon is highly effective in adsorbing a wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants, making it a preferred water treatment option. Various industries, including chemical manufacturing, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and pulp and paper production, use activated carbon for process water treatment, wastewater treatment, and contaminant removal. Industrial water treatment applications represent a significant portion of the activated carbon market. Moreover, activated carbon is used in groundwater treatment and remediation efforts to remove organic contaminants, petroleum hydrocarbons, and other pollutants resulting from industrial activities, agriculture, or accidental spills.

However, the medical and pharmaceutical segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed as it is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for purification and filtration processes. It is utilized to remove impurities, odors, colors, and undesirable substances from pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and final products, ensuring high product quality and safety.

Activated carbon is employed in medical applications, such as in the treatment of poisonings and drug overdoses. It acts as an adsorbent to absorb and neutralize toxins and drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream and reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, activated carbon is utilized in biomedical research for various applications, including cell culture, chromatography, and purification of biomolecules. Its high surface area and adsorption capacity make it suitable for removing contaminants and impurities from biological samples and culture media.

Based on end user, the global activated carbon market is segmented into municipal and industrial. Further, the activated carbon market for industrial end users is segmented into food & beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, mining, oil & gas, electronics, and other industries. In 2024, the municipal segment is expected to account for the larger share of above 53.0% of the global activated carbon market. The growth of this segment is attributed to its high usage in municipal water supplies, as activated carbon is highly effective in removing a wide range of contaminants commonly found in municipal water supplies, including organic compounds, disinfection by-products (DBPs), pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. As water treatment facilities strive to address emerging contaminants and improve water quality, the demand for activated carbon increases. The adoption of advanced water treatment technologies, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, powdered activated carbon (PAC) dosing, and biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration, drives the demand for activated carbon in municipal water treatment. These technologies offer improved contaminant removal and water quality enhancement compared to conventional treatment methods. Chlorination and other disinfection methods used in water treatment can produce harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) when reacting with organic matter in water. Activated carbon is employed to remove these DBPs, reducing health risks associated with long-term exposure to chlorinated water.

However, the industrial segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the various factors as activated carbon is widely used for the purification and filtration of pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and final products. It helps remove impurities, odors, colors, and other undesirable substances, ensuring high product quality and safety for various industrial end users.

In the food and beverage industry, activated carbon is utilized for decolorization, purification, and removal of contaminants from liquids such as fruit juices, sugar syrups, alcoholic beverages, and edible oils. It helps improve product quality and meets regulatory standards. It is also used in chemical processing industries for the purification, separation, and recovery of various chemicals. It can adsorb impurities, colorants, and unwanted by-products from chemical streams, ensuring the quality and purity of the final products. Moreover, activated carbon is employed in environmental remediation projects for the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater which is contaminated by industrial wastewater. It adsorbs and traps organic pollutants, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, facilitating their removal from the environment.

Based on geography, the activated carbon market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of above 47.0% of the global activated carbon market. Asia-Pacific significant market share can be attributed to the rapid industrialization and economic development in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations contributed to increased demand for activated carbon. Industries such as manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages require activated carbon for various purification and filtration processes. Also, with growing urbanization and population, there is a rising demand for clean water in the Asia-Pacific region.

Increasing environmental awareness and stricter regulations concerning water and air pollution drive the demand for activated carbon in compliance with regulatory standards. Governments in the Asia-Pacific region also impose regulations to control emissions, protect water sources, and ensure public health, thereby boosting the market for activated carbon products.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific is also projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period.

Key Players

The key players operating in the global activated carbon market include CLARIMEX, S. A. de C. V. (Mexico), Carbon Activated Corporation (U.S.), Cabot Corporation (U.S.), Calgon Carbon Corporation (U.S.), Carbo Tech AC GmbH (Germany), Donau Carbon GmbH (Germany), Kuraray Co., Ltd (Japan), Jacobi Carbons AB (Sweden), Norit Nederland B.V. (Netherlands), Haycarb PLC (Sri Lanka), Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH (Germany), Ingevity Corporation (U.S.), Tronox Holdings plc (U.S.), ARQ, Inc. (U.S.), and Kureha Corporation (Japan).

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Key Questions Answered in the Report:

What are the high-growth market segments in terms of type, application, and end user?
What is the historical market size for the global activated carbon market?
What are the market forecasts and estimates for 2024–2031?
What are the major drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and trends in the global activated carbon market?
Who are the major players in the global activated carbon market, and what are their market shares?
What is the competitive landscape like?
What are the recent developments in the global activated carbon market?
What are the different strategies adopted by major market players?
What are the trends and high-growth countries?
Who are the local emerging players in the global activated carbon market, and how do they compete with other players?

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