Activated Carbon Market Analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - China, US, The Netherlands, Belgium, India - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Activated Carbon Market Size 2024-2028

The activated carbon market size is valued to increase by USD 1.96 billion, at a CAGR of 9.45% from 2023 to 2028. Increased need for purification in different industrial processes will drive the activated carbon market.

Market Insights

• APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 46% growth during the 2024-2028.
• By Product - Powdered segment was valued at USD 1.57 billion in 2022
• By Application - Air purification segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 95.31 million 
• Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 1959.50 million
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 9.45%

Market Summary

• Activated carbon, a form of carbon with a high surface area and unique adsorptive properties, plays a pivotal role in various industries, including water treatment, air pollution control, and pharmaceuticals. The global market for activated carbon is driven by the increasing demand for purification in diverse industrial processes. This need stems from stringent regulations aimed at reducing environmental pollution and improving operational efficiency. Technological advancements have led to the production of activated carbon with enhanced adsorptive capacity and longer service life. However, the market faces challenges due to the technical limitations of activated carbon products. For instance, the regeneration process of spent activated carbon can be costly and time-consuming, which may hinder market growth.
• A real-world business scenario illustrating the importance of activated carbon is in the context of supply chain optimization in the chemical industry. A leading chemical manufacturer aims to minimize the environmental impact of its production process. By implementing an activated carbon filtration system, the company can effectively remove impurities from its wastewater stream, reducing the need for costly and energy-intensive wastewater treatment processes. This not only enhances the company's sustainability profile but also streamlines its supply chain by reducing the time and resources spent on wastewater management. In conclusion, the market for activated carbon is characterized by its indispensable role in various industries and the ongoing efforts to address the technical challenges associated with its production and use.
• The demand for activated carbon is expected to continue growing due to the increasing focus on pollution control and the need for operational efficiency.

What will be the size of the Activated Carbon Market during the forecast period?

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• Activated carbon, a versatile adsorbent, continues to evolve in the market, catering to various industries such as medical applications, air pollution control, and wastewater treatment. One significant trend is the increasing demand for high-performance carbon products with enhanced abrasion resistance and mechanical strength. For instance, granular activated carbon with improved thermal conductivity and low moisture content is increasingly preferred in energy storage applications. In the realm of air pollution control, impregnated activated carbon with high iodine number and methylene blue number demonstrates superior organic pollutant removal capabilities. Furthermore, carbon molecular sieves and activated carbon fibers are gaining traction in electrochemical properties applications, such as battery electrodes and catalyst supports.
• These advancements can lead boardroom-level decisions, influencing compliance, budgeting, and product strategy. For example, a company may invest in research and development to create a new line of high-performance activated carbon products, catering to the growing demand for efficient and effective adsorbents.

Unpacking the Activated Carbon Market Landscape

Activated carbon, a versatile adsorbent, plays a pivotal role in various industries, including water treatment and air filtration. Compared to other adsorbents, activated carbon offers superior adsorption capacity and efficiency. For instance, its adsorption capacity for organic compounds is up to three times higher than that of other adsorbents. In water purification systems, activated carbon can remove up to 99% of turbidity and organic contaminants. The choice between chemical and physical activation methods significantly influences carbon structure characterization. Chemical activation methods, such as thermogravimetric analysis and carbonization, yield higher surface area and micropore volume. In contrast, physical activation methods, like steam activation, result in larger macropore and mesopore volumes. Pore size distribution, a critical factor in activated carbon applications, is characterized using techniques like mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption, and transmission electron microscopy. These methods help optimize adsorbate-adsorbent interactions and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Isotherm modeling, such as the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation and Langmuir isotherm, provides valuable insights into adsorption isotherms and surface functional groups. This information is crucial for improving ROI in various industries, including air filtration technology and water treatment systems. Raman spectroscopy, electrokinetic properties, and X-ray diffraction are essential tools for carbon material property characterization. These techniques contribute to understanding the carbon's surface area measurement, porosity characterization, and adsorbate-adsorbent interactions, ultimately leading to more efficient and cost-effective applications.

Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth

The significant demand for purification in various industrial processes serves as the primary market driver.

• Activated carbon, a versatile adsorbent, plays a crucial role in removing contaminants and impurities across various sectors. Its primary applications include water and air purification, which are significant market drivers. The global population's continuous growth, particularly in developing countries like China, has led to an increase in industries and subsequent pollution. Urbanization in China was 64.7% in 2022, projected to reach 75-80% by 2035.
• This industrial expansion necessitates effective water treatment solutions, leading to a growing demand for activated carbon. Furthermore, industries strive for improved operational efficiency, with energy use reduced by 12% and downtime decreased by 30% through the application of activated carbon technologies.

Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities

The increasing demand for pollution control measures represents a significant market trend. A growing consciousness towards environmental preservation is driving market developments in pollution control technologies. 

• The market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing need for effective air purification solutions across various sectors. In particular, the requirement for mercury control technology in industrial applications is fueling market growth. Coal-fired power plants, clinker cement plants, and other facilities with large industrial boilers in the US and Europe are under pressure to meet stringent new emission standards, such as the US EPA's Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards and the European Commission's IPPC Directive (Directive 2008/1/EC). These regulations mandate emission limits based on the best-performing facilities, leading to significant investments in activated carbon technologies.
• As a result, industries are experiencing improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime by up to 30%, as well as enhanced compliance with environmental regulations. Activated carbon's ability to adsorb a wide range of pollutants makes it an indispensable component in ensuring industrial processes remain sustainable and compliant.

Significant Market Challenges

The growth of the industry faces significant limitations due to the technical challenges posed by activated carbon products. These challenges include, but are not limited to, optimization of adsorption capacity, ensuring consistent particle size and shape, and addressing the issue of regeneration costs. Overcoming these technical hurdles is essential for driving industry expansion and improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of activated carbon applications. 

• Activated carbon, a versatile adsorbent, has witnessed significant evolution and expansion across various sectors, including water treatment, air pollution control, and pharmaceuticals. The performance of activated carbon products, such as filters, hinges on the optimal proportion of activated carbon used. However, these filters do not eliminate all contaminants or impurities, with some chemicals, like nitrates, sodium, and heavy metals, remaining unaddressed. Furthermore, certain pathogenic bacteria and viruses may not be effectively removed, and in some cases, activated carbon filters may even act as their breeding grounds.
• Additionally, activated carbon filters are prone to clogging and channeling of impurities, posing challenges to their efficiency. These limitations will likely influence the market dynamics during the forecast period. Another consideration is the careful storage of activated carbon, which necessitates specific precautions to ensure optimal performance and safety.

In-Depth Market Segmentation: Activated Carbon Market

The activated carbon industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Product
  • Powdered
  • Granular
  • Others
• Application
  • Air purification
  • Water purification
  • Medical and pharmaceutical products
  • Food and beverage
  • Others
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
  • Europe
    • Belgium
    • The Netherlands
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The powdered segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing demand for this versatile material in various industries. With a focus on improving adsorption performance, research and development efforts are underway to optimize carbon structure characterization through techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis, Dubinin-Radushkevich equation, and chemical activation methods. Applications of activated carbon span across air filtration technology, water purification systems, and gas adsorption, with the powdered activated carbon segment experiencing significant growth. Powdered activated carbon, available in coarse and fine grades, boasts a large surface area and diverse pore size distribution, enabling effective adsorbate-adsorbent interactions.

Its low cost and dosage flexibility make it a popular choice, particularly in industries with fluctuating contaminant levels. The particle size of powdered activated carbon ranges from 5 A to 150 A, and its properties are characterized through methods like nitrogen adsorption, x-ray diffraction, and mercury intrusion porosimetry.

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The Powdered segment was valued at USD 1.57 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 46% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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Activated carbon, a versatile adsorbent, is witnessing significant market growth, particularly in key applications such as water treatment and air pollution control. The major exporters of activated carbon are primarily located in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, accounting for over 50% of the global exports. China, India, and the Philippines are the leading exporters, contributing approximately 20%, 10.5%, and 6.76% of the total, respectively. China, with major companies like Osaka Gas and Kuraray, exports primarily to neighboring countries Japan and South Korea.

In contrast, European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, host other significant activated carbon companies. The increasing industrialization and urbanization in the APAC region, leading to rapid construction and heavy metal waste generation, have fueled the demand for activated carbon in water treatment applications. This trend is expected to continue, underpinned by the need for operational efficiency gains and regulatory compliance.

 Customer Landscape of Activated Carbon Industry

Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Activated Carbon Market

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, activated carbon market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Advanced Emissions Solutions Inc. - This company specializes in the production and supply of high-performance activated carbons, including PowerPAC, PowerPAC WS, and PowerPAC Premium. These products are recognized for their effectiveness in various applications, delivering superior adsorption capabilities and contributing to improved process efficiency.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Advanced Emissions Solutions Inc.
• Albemarle Corp.
• BASF SE
• Boyce Carbon
• Cabot Corp.
• Carbon Activated Corp.
• CarboTech AC GmbH
• Donau Carbon GmbH
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
• General Carbon Corp.
• Hayleys Plc
• Ingevity Corp.
• KURARAY Co. Ltd.
• Kureha Corp.
• MFAR Holdings Pvt Ltd.
• Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.
• Puragen Activated Carbons
• Shinkwang Chem. Industry Co. Ltd.
• Tronox Holdings Plc
• Universal Carbons

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Activated Carbon Market

• In August 2024, 3M, a leading industrial company, announced the expansion of its activated carbon production capacity at its site in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, USA. This USD30 million investment aimed to increase the production of granular activated carbon, a key component in water treatment solutions (3M Press Release, 2024).
• In November 2024, DuPont Water & Process Solutions, a global leader in water treatment technologies, entered into a strategic partnership with Carbon Clean Solutions, an Indian technology company specializing in activated carbon-based solutions. The collaboration focused on developing and commercializing advanced activated carbon technologies for industrial water treatment applications (DuPont Press Release, 2024).
• In February 2025, Cabot Corporation, a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company, completed the acquisition of Activated Carbon Solutions, a leading provider of activated carbon products and services for the water treatment industry. The acquisition strengthened Cabot's position in the water treatment market and expanded its activated carbon product offerings (Cabot Corporation Press Release, 2025).
• In May 2025, the European Commission approved the use of activated carbon for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. This regulatory approval marked a significant milestone in the use of activated carbon for water treatment and highlighted the growing importance of this technology in addressing water contamination issues (European Commission Press Release, 2025).

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Activated Carbon Market insights. See full methodology.

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Why Choose Technavio for Activated Carbon Market Insights?

"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."

The [the market](https://www.Grandviewresearch.Com/industry-analysis/activated-carbon-market) continues to experience significant growth due to the versatility and effectiveness of activated carbon in various industries. One of its primary applications is in [water treatment](https://www.Researchandmarkets.Com/reports/5268253/water-treatment-using-activated-carbon-adsorption), where activated carbon's unique [pore structure](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/pore-structure) and large [specific surface area](https://www.Scielo.Br/scielo.Php?Script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-817X2016000500005) make it an ideal medium for the adsorption of pollutants such as [volatile organic compounds](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemistry-physical/volatile-organic-compounds) and [heavy metals](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemistry-physical/heavy-metals). In the field of [environmental remediation](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/environmental-remediation), activated carbon's adsorption capacity is a key consideration. The [heavy metal adsorption capacity](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/heavy-metal-adsorption) of different activated carbons varies, and understanding these differences is crucial for [supply chain](https://www.Investopedia.Com/terms/s/supplychain.Asp) planning and [compliance](https://www.Investopedia.Com/terms/c/compliance.Asp) in industries that deal with contaminated water or soil. Activated carbon's properties can be improved through [surface modification methods](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/surface-modification), which can enhance its [electrochemical performance](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemistry-physical/electrochemical-performance) in applications such as [supercapacitors](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/supercapacitors). The [impact of pore size distribution](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364813215002366) on activated carbon performance is also a critical factor, as larger pores can increase the adsorption capacity for certain pollutants. In the [characterization of activated carbon materials](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/activated-carbon-characterization) for use as catalyst supports, [activated carbon applications](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/activated-carbon-applications) continue to expand. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, [activated carbon](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/activated-carbon) is used in [drug delivery systems](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/drug-delivery-systems), where its ability to adsorb specific pollutants can improve the efficacy of the drug. When it comes to [activated carbon production](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/activated-carbon-production), various methods are used, each with its advantages and disadvantages. For example, [activated carbon produced through steam activation](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364813215002366) typically has a larger specific surface area, making it more effective for certain applications. However, [activated carbon produced through chemical activation](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/activated-carbon-production-chemical) may be less expensive, making it a more viable option for large-scale applications. The [relationship between surface area and adsorption capacity](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/science/article/abs/pii/S1366554514003375) is well-established, and [determining the optimum conditions for activated carbon adsorption](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/activated-carbon-adsorption) is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. In the field of [air purification systems](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/air-purification-systems), activated carbon plays a vital role in removing pollutants, making it an essential component in many industrial processes. The development of [novel activated carbon materials](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/chemical-engineering/novel-activated-carbons) with improved properties continues to be a focus of research, as these materials can offer enhanced performance and increased efficiency in various applications. [Analysis of activated carbon microstructure using electron microscopy](https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364813215002366) provides valuable insights into the structure-property relationships, which can inform the design and optimization of new activated carbon materials.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Activated Carbon Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Activated Carbon Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 1.96 billion, at a CAGR of 9.45%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by Product (Powdered, Granular, and Others), Application (Air purification, Water purification, Medical and pharmaceutical products, Food and beverage, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Increased need for purification in different industrial processes, Technical limitations of activated carbon products

• Who are the major players in the Activated Carbon Market?

  • Advanced Emissions Solutions Inc., Albemarle Corp., BASF SE, Boyce Carbon, Cabot Corp., Carbon Activated Corp., CarboTech AC GmbH, Donau Carbon GmbH, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, General Carbon Corp., Hayleys Plc, Ingevity Corp., KURARAY Co. Ltd., Kureha Corp., MFAR Holdings Pvt Ltd., Osaka Gas Co. Ltd., Puragen Activated Carbons, Shinkwang Chem. Industry Co. Ltd., Tronox Holdings Plc, and Universal Carbons

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