Activated Carbon Market Size

The global activated carbon market size was valued at $4.86 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $8.85 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period.

Activated Carbon Market Overview

Activated carbon is a highly porous form of carbon that is processed to have a large surface area, making it extremely effective at adsorbing and trapping contaminants from gases and liquids. This material is produced from carbonaceous sources like coal, wood, or coconut shells through a process that involves heating in the presence of gases, which creates a network of microscopic pores. These pores increase the surface area available for adsorption, allowing activated carbon to capture a wide range of substances, including organic compounds, odors, and pollutants. Its applications are diverse, spanning water and air purification, industrial processes, food and beverage production, and even medical treatments for poisoning and overdose cases. The versatility and efficacy of activated carbon in removing impurities make it an essential material in various industries focused on environmental protection and health.

Activated Carbon Market Dynamics

• The activated carbon market is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to the increasing regulations on water and air quality standards, growing awareness of environmental pollution and health concerns, and the expansion in industrial applications such as chemical processing and pharmaceuticals.

• Additionally, the rising demand for activated carbon in municipal water treatment and innovations in manufacturing processes improving product efficiency are the prominent factors driving the growth of the market.

• However, the fluctuating prices of raw materials like coal and coconut shells and competition from alternative purification technologies are restraining the market growth.

• On the contrary, the development of activated carbon for emerging contaminants like PFAS and expansion of applications in gas phase adsorption and energy storage are creating opportunities for market growth.

By Type, the Powdered Activated Carbon Segment Constitutes Immense Share with Activated Carbon Market

The powdered activated carbon segment holds a significant share within the activated carbon market owing to its adaptable application across various industries. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is highly effective in water and wastewater treatment due to its large surface area and adsorption capacity. It is extensively used for the removal of contaminants such as organic compounds, pesticides, and heavy metals from both potable water and industrial effluents. PAC's fine particle size and high reactivity make it suitable for rapid adsorption processes, ensuring efficient purification in municipal water treatment plants and industrial facilities. Moreover, its versatility extends to air purification applications, including odor control and gas-phase adsorption in industries like automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance further boosts the demand for PAC, driving innovations in its production processes and expanding its market presence globally.

By Geography, Asia Pacific is Projected to Show Strong Presence in the Activated Carbon Market

The Asia Pacific is anticipated to show a robust presence during the forecast period due to the growing industrialization and urbanization in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. This has led to increased pollution levels, necessitating stringent environmental regulations for air and water quality management. Activated carbon's effectiveness in treating industrial wastewater, purifying drinking water, and controlling air pollutants aligns well with these regulatory requirements. Additionally, the region's expanding industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, rely heavily on activated carbon for purification and filtration processes. The growing awareness of health and environmental concerns further drives the adoption of activated carbon in various applications, from municipal water treatment plants to industrial emissions control systems. As a result, Asia Pacific continues to be a robust market for activated carbon, driven by its vital role in addressing environmental challenges and supporting sustainable development initiatives across the region.

Key Target Audience:

• Environmental Consulting Firms

• Activated Carbon Manufacturers

• Research Institutions and Laboratories

• Air Purification and Filtration Companies

• Waste Management Companies

• Power Generation Plants

• Agriculture and Aquaculture Industries

List of the Key Players Profiled in the Report Includes: 

• Albemarle Inc

• BASF SE

• Diagas Group

• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC

• Haycarb PLC

• Iluka Resources Limited

• Ingevity

• Kuraray Co., Ltd

• Kureha Corporation

• Norit

• Tronox Holdings Plc

• Cabot Corporation

Recent Developments:

• In March 2023, Cabot Corporation introduced the EVOLVE technology program aimed at enhancing sustainable reinforcing carbons. The initiative focuses on reclaiming carbon products from end-of-life stages to regenerate waste and diminish carbon footprints.

Market Segmentation:

The research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with size, share, and forecast for the below segments:

Market by, Raw Material: 

• Wood

• Peat

• Coconut

• Coal

• Other Raw Materials

Market by, Type:

• Granular Activated Carbon

• Powdered Activated Carbon

• Other Types

Market by, Application: 

• Gas Phase Application

• Liquid Phase Application

Market by, End User:

• Automotive

• Food & Beverages

• Industrial

• Pharmaceutical & Medical

• Water Treatment

• Other End Users

Market by, Geography:

The activated carbon market report also analyzes the major geographic regions and countries of the market. The regions and countries covered in the study include:

• North America (The United States, Canada, Mexico), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

Scope of the Report:

The report oGlobal Activated Carbon Market: Industry Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2030o by Diligence Insights provides a detailed analysis of the present market and future outlook with market estimates and forecasts for all specified segments, encompassing both global and regional perspectives as outlined within the research framework. The study includes historical market data for the years 2022, 2023 and offers revenue estimations for 2024, and project forecasts spanning from 2025 to 2030. It places significant emphasis on the examination of market trends, key industry participants, supply chain developments, technological advancements, pivotal milestones, and prospective strategies. Comprehensive market assessments are carried out across major geographic regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. As such, this report constitutes a valuable resource for current industry stakeholders, newcomers to the field, and potential investors.

The study offers an in-depth market analysis, drawing insights from industry experts across the value chain. A special focus has been made on 25 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, among others. The market data has been meticulously collected through extensive primary interviews and comprehensive secondary research. Market size determination is rooted in the revenue generated from sales across all the specified segments and sub-segments as defined within the research scope. The market sizing analysis includes both top-down and bottom-up approaches for data validation and accuracy measures.

The report offers insights into the following aspects:

• Analysis of major market trends, factors driving, restraining, threatening, and providing opportunities for the market.

• Analysis of the market structure by identifying various segments and sub-segments of the market.

• Understand the revenue forecast of the market for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

• Analysis of opportunities by identification of high-growth segments/revenue pockets in the market.

• Understand major player profiles in the market and analyze their business strategies.

• Understand competitive developments such as joint ventures, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches in the market.