Activated Carbon Market Size & Forecast

The 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 due to contaminated water. 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.

Activated Carbon Market Growth Drivers

Growing Water Pollution Across the Globe

Water pollution is a significant global concern and has adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. According to the report published by UNESCO, globally, 2 billion people (26% of the population) do not have access to safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion (46%) lack access to safely managed sanitation. Water pollution stems from various sources, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, improper waste disposal, sewage and wastewater discharge, oil spills, and plastic pollution. These pollutants contaminate freshwater sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, as well as marine environments. Activated carbon is highly effective in adsorbing these contaminants, thus becoming an essential component in water treatment processes. It also mitigates the impact of urban wastewater by effectively adsorbing pollutants, thereby facilitating the reuse or safe disposal of treated water.

The growing adoption of activated carbon extends beyond traditional water treatment sectors like municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. It is increasingly being utilized in niche applications such as point-of-use and point-of-entry water purification systems for residential and commercial purposes, further driving market growth.

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Stringent Water Treatment Regulations

Stringent water treatment regulations drive the activated carbon market by increasing the demand for effective water purification solutions. Stringent regulations mandate industries, municipalities, and other entities to comply with specific water quality standards. Activated carbon is highly effective in removing a wide range of pollutants, including organic compounds, chemicals, and heavy metals, from water. As a result, industries and water treatment facilities invest in activated carbon-based treatment systems to meet regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with water quality standards. The increasing stringency of water treatment regulations worldwide creates a favorable market environment for activated carbon suppliers and manufacturers. As demand for activated carbon-based water treatment solutions rises, the market for activated carbon products expands, driving innovation, investment, and technological advancements in the industry. Such factors help to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Activated Carbon Market Opportunity

Technological Advancements and Product Innovation

Technological advancements and product innovation in the activated carbon market have significantly enhanced the efficiency, versatility, and sustainability of activated carbon products. Advanced manufacturing techniques enable the production of activated carbon with tailored pore structures, including micropores, mesopores, and macropores. These tailored pore structures enhance the adsorption capacity and selectivity of activated carbon for specific pollutants, improving overall performance in water treatment, air purification, and other applications. Advances in carbonization techniques, including hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, and chemical vapor deposition, enable the production of activated carbon from a wide range of renewable biomass feedstocks, agricultural residues, and waste materials.

Additionally, composite materials incorporating activated carbon nanoparticles or fibers within polymeric matrices or other substrates offer enhanced mechanical strength, durability, and regeneration capabilities. These composite materials expand the range of applications for activated carbon, including filtration membranes, adsorbent cartridges, and sustainable packaging materials. Such factors provide lucrative growth opportunities in the development of the market.

Activated Carbon Market Challenges

Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions can pose significant challenges in the activated carbon market, impacting the production, distribution, and availability of activated carbon products. Activated carbon is primarily produced from raw materials such as coal, coconut shells, wood, and other carbonaceous substances. Disruptions in the supply of these raw materials due to factors like weather events, geopolitical tensions, or regulatory changes can lead to shortages and price fluctuations in the activated carbon market. Manufacturing activated carbon involves several processing steps, including carbonization, activation, and post-treatment. Disruptions in production facilities, equipment breakdowns, or workforce shortages can cause delays in production schedules, affecting supply chain reliability and fulfillment of customer orders. Such factors create challenges in the development of the market.

Activated Carbon Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: In 2024, the Powdered Activated Carbon Segment to Dominate the Activated Carbon Market

Based on type, the 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 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.

By Application: In 2024, the Water Treatment Segment to Dominate the Activated Carbon Market

Based on application, the 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 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.

By End User: In 2024, the Municipal Segment to Dominate the Activated Carbon Market

Based on end user, the 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 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.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Activated Carbon Market

In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of above 47.0% of the activated carbon market. The region’s large share can be attributed to the rapid industrialization and economic development in countries like China and India and Southeast Asian nations contributing to the 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.

Activated Carbon Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the product portfolios and geographic presence of leading market players and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the activated carbon market are 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).

Activated Carbon Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In February 2023, Evoqua Water Technologies (U.S.), an industry leader in mission-critical water treatment solutions, acquired the Texas-based industrial water treatment service business Kemco Systems, further strengthening Evoqua's service footprint in the Texas market.
• In August 2022, Ingevity Corporation (U.S.) announced that it invested USD 60 million to acquire an equity stake in Nexeon Limited (U.K.), a strategic move to establish the company’s presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market and expand opportunities to grow its activated carbon business.
• In January 2021, Tantech Holdings Ltd (China), a clean energy company in China, launched Variety Combination Honeycomb Activated Carbon, a new activated carbon product.

Activated Carbon Market Research Summary:

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