Global Activated Carbon Market size was valued at USD 4.6 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 9.4 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2023 – 2032.
Activated Carbon Market – Overview
Activated carbon, or activated charcoal, represents a refined carbon variant widely utilized in water and air purification. Its processing involves creating small, low-volume pores, significantly augmenting the available surface area for effective adsorption and chemical reactions.
This unique property positions activated carbon as a strategic component in various industrial processes, particularly in addressing contamination concerns and ensuring quality in fluid and gas treatment applications.
The activated carbon market is witnessing notable trends, driven by an increasing focus on sustainability and environmental regulations. Growing demand for air and water purification, particularly in emerging economies, fuels market expansion.
Innovations in product development, such as advanced activated carbon formulations and sustainable sourcing methods, are gaining traction. Industries like pharmaceuticals and food & beverage are adopting activated carbon for diverse applications.
Additionally, the rising popularity of activated carbon in gas phase applications, including air purification and automotive emission control, reflects a shift towards cleaner technologies. Overall, the market is evolving with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly solutions and versatile applications.
By type, the powdered activated carbon segment held the highest market share in 2022 and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2032. The versatility of powdered activated carbon in diverse applications, including wastewater treatment, gas purification, and pharmaceuticals, contributes to market expansion.
Additionally, advancements in production processes and the development of sustainable, renewable sources further fuel the growth of the activated carbon market.
By application, the powdered activated carbon segment held the highest market share in 2022 and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2032. With industries prioritizing sustainable practices, activated carbon finds expanding applications in removing contaminants and pollutants from liquids.
Additionally, the rise in global water scarcity concerns amplifies the demand for effective water treatment solutions, positioning activated carbon as a key player in addressing evolving challenges and regulatory requirements in the liquid phase purification sector.
By end use industry, the water treatment segment held the highest market share in 2022 Activated carbon plays a pivotal role in addressing these trends by effectively removing contaminants, organic pollutants, and disinfection byproducts from water.
The rise in industrialization and urbanization further intensifies the need for reliable water treatment solutions, boosting the demand for activated carbon in the market as a key component in purification processes.
In the Asia-Pacific region, key trends driving the activated carbon market include heightened environmental awareness, stringent regulatory measures addressing water and air pollution, and the rapid industrialization and urbanization of emerging economies.
Growing concerns about public health and sustainability, coupled with an increasing emphasis on clean energy solutions, are propelling the demand for activated carbon in applications such as water treatment, air purification, and gas processing.
Report Scope
| Feature of the Report | Details |
| Market Size in 2023 | USD 4.6 Billion |
| Projected Market Size in 2032 | USD 9.4 Billion |
| Market Size in 2022 | USD 3.9 Billion |
| CAGR Growth Rate | 5.3% CAGR |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2033 |
| Key Segment | By Type, Application, End Use Industry and Region |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends |
| Regional Scope | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America |
| Buying Options | Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. |
Custom Market Insights has comprehensively analyzed activated carbon market. The driving forces, restraints, challenges, opportunities, and key trends have been explained in depth to depict depth scenarios of the market. Segment wise market size and market share during the forecast period are duly addressed to portray the probable picture of this activated carbon industry.
The competitive landscape includes key innovators, after market service providers, market giants as well as niche players are studied and analyzed extensively concerning their strengths, weaknesses as well as value addition prospects. In addition, this report covers key players profiling, market shares, mergers and acquisitions, consequent market fragmentation, new trends and dynamics in partnerships.
List of the prominent players in the Activated Carbon Market:
- Calgon Carbon Corporation
- Cabot Corporation
- Haycarb PLC
- Osaka Gas Chemicals Co. Ltd.
- Kuraray Co. Ltd.
- Donau Carbon Group
- Kureha Corporation
- DESOTEC Activated Carbon
- Carbon Activated Corporation
- Ingevity Corporation
- ADA Carbon Solutions
- Siemens Water Technologies
- General Carbon Corporation
- Jacobi Carbons AB
- Boyce Carbon
- Oxbow Activated Carbon
- CPL Carbon Link
- CECA (Arkema Group)
- Kurary Plastics Co. Ltd.
- Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH
- Others
Calgon Carbon announced capacity expansion at its Pearlington, Mississippi facility. This strategic move substantially boosts production capacity and is recognized as the world’s largest activated carbon manufacturer, with aims to produce around 100,000 tons of activated carbon annually from two U.S. plants.
The Activated Carbon Market is segmented as follows:
By Type
- Powdered Activated Carbon
- Granular Activated Carbon
- Others
By Application
- Liquid Phase
- Gaseous Phase
By End Use Industry
- Water Treatment
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical & Medical
- Automotive
- Air purification
- Others
Regional Coverage:
North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
Europe
- Germany
- France
- U.K.
- Russia
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- New Zealand
- Australia
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Rest of Asia Pacific
The Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Egypt
- Kuwait
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa
Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America