Activated Carbon Market Size
Global Activated Carbon Market reached US$ 3.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 5.0 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.
Activated carbon, commonly known as activated charcoal, is distinguished by numerous tiny pores on its surface. The bigger the number of pores, the larger the surface area, which improves the element's adsorption capacity. It is commonly used in potable water filtration systems and sewage treatment plants, among other applications. Manufacturing technology advances are expected to raise global market demand.
Manufacturers are looking for methods to improve their production processes and lessen their dependency on costly raw materials to remain profitable. Companies like Cabot Corporation have quadrupled their activated carbon production capacity in Canada to fulfill the growing demand for powered activated carbon. The company declared an expansion of 35 million lbs/year powered activated carbon manufacturing capacity to adequately meet the product's increasing demand from the coal-fired utility industry for mercury removal.
In 2023, North America became the second-dominant region with over 20% of the global activated carbon demand. To maintain and increase their market share, key regional corporations implemented various growth methods, including capacity expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. In March 2023, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC acquired Bob Johnson & Associates, a Texas-based industrial water standard treatment service company from Kemco Systems, to increase its footprint in North America.
Activated Carbon Market Scope
| Metrics | Details |
| CAGR | 3.8% |
| Size Available for Years | 2022-2031 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2031 |
| Data Availability | Value (US$) |
| Segments Covered | Type, Raw Material, End-User, and Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and Acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, Porter’s Analysis, Pricing Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis, and Other key Insights. |
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Activated Carbon Market Dynamics
Growing Demand for Air Purification
The rising demand for air filtration devices is a major driver in the activated carbon industry. As individuals grow more health conscious and aware of the harmful consequences of air pollution, they look for solutions to enhance indoor air quality. Activated carbon is an important component in air purification systems because it removes pollutants and toxins from the air.
The growing adoption of smart homes, as well as the incorporation of air purifiers into these systems, drives up demand for activated carbon. Furthermore, the rise of industry has resulted in higher levels of air pollution, increasing the demand for effective air filtration technologies. The rising demand for clean air leads to increased sales of activated carbon-based air filtration systems, which drives market expansion.
Rising Concerns About Water Treatment
Regulations mandating the industry to restrict hazardous emissions drove the use of activated carbon filters and scrubbers for purification. Governments have tightened rules to reduce air and water pollution, increasing demand for activated carbon in industries like power plants, chemical production, and waste management.
In India, the Water Supply and Sewerage Board of Bangalore chose SUEZ to help the city upgrade its wastewater infrastructure. The group intends to construct a new wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 150,000 m3/day, as well as the restoration of an existing plant with a capacity of 150,000 m3/day and the construction of a sewage sludge recycling and recovery plant for the sludge produced by these two plants. The increased focus on water treatment is projected to boost market expansion.
High Costs and Environmental Concerns
The cost of raw resources such as coal, wood, and coconut shells can be costly and fluctuate, affecting overall production costs. The synthesis of activated carbon is energy-intensive, requiring large amounts of heat and electricity, which raises operating expenses. Transportation costs and logistical complications, particularly during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can disrupt the supply chain and undermine market stability.
The manufacturing of activated carbon can generate pollutants and waste, resulting in severe environmental requirements that raise compliance costs. The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental effects may limit the usage of specific raw materials or technologies, offering a challenge to companies. Adhering to different national and international standards concerning production, safety, and environmental effects can raise operational costs, reducing market demand.
Activated Carbon Market Segment Analysis
The global activated carbon market is segmented based on type, raw material, end-user, and region.
Rising Programs for Water Treatment Drives the Segment Growth
Water treatment is expected to be the dominant segment with over 30% of the market during the forecast period 2024-2031. Activated carbon is also used to cleanse wastewater and ballast water, remediate groundwater, construct surface impoundments, and clean up groundwater and unintentional spills. Activated carbon also aids in the removal of odors from wastewater plants, where biological activity produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and so on.
Furthermore, federal policy programs, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provide treatment and discharge regulations, funding programs, and frameworks for operating and implementing innovative wastewater treatment technologies. As a result, the demand for activated carbons in the water treatment segment is predicted to increase further
Activated Carbon Market Geographical Share
Growing Regulatory for Wastewater Treatment Drives Demand in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is expected to be the dominant region in the global activated carbon market covering over 30% of the market. The region is likely to dominate the market due to rising demand from various end-use sectors, including water treatment, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. China has a renowned pharmaceutical market and is the fastest-growing market for activated carbons. In recent times, China has increased its use of processed water to minimize its reliance on fresh water.
Countries like China, Japan, and India have tightened their environmental standards, with stringent guidelines under the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and similar regional policies aimed at safeguarding water quality. For instance, in 2023-24, so far, the Government of India has released US$ 533 million to 26 eligible States for the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the financial year 2023-24. Similarly, China operates approximately 1,944 wastewater treatment facilities in urban areas and 1,599 in rural locales, handling daily volumes of 140 and 29 million cubic meters, respectively. Activated carbon's role in adsorbing contaminants in wastewater treatment plants aligns well with these regulatory requirements, making it a preferred choice for municipal and industrial applications.
With a strict regulatory framework and an increased emphasis on water reuse in China's five-year plans, the country is rapidly improving its water treatment industry to ensure a sustainable future. In accordance with the International Trade Administration, China plans to develop or upgrade 80,000 kilometers of sewage collection pipeline networks and boost sewage treatment capacity by 20 million cubic meters per day between 2021 and 2025.
Similarly, Activated carbon is used in air filtration systems to capture and neutralize harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial emissions. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to deteriorating air quality in cities. In 2024, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India remain the most polluted countries in Asia, with PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Regulatory policies for air quality strengthened the demand for activated carbon.
Activated Carbon Market Major Players
The major global players in the market include Boyce Carbon, Cabot Corporation, Carbon Activated Corporation, CarboTech AC GmbH, CarbPure Technologies, Donau Chemie AG, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Jacobi Carbons Group, Kuraray Co. and Kureha Corporation.
Competitive Landscape
Cabot Corporation is a global leader in specialty chemicals and high-performance materials. The company has built a strong reputation for innovation, sustainability, and quality in its product offerings, catering to various industries, including automotive, construction, electronics, and energy storage.
Cabot Corporation is also exploring new technologies to enhance the efficiency of its activated carbon products. Through advanced research and development, the company continues to optimize the adsorption capacity, regeneration properties, and overall effectiveness.
Cabot Corporation’s activated carbon offerings are derived from renewable sources such as wood, coconut shells, and coal, making them environmentally friendly solutions for filtration and purification needs. It designed to serve multiple industries such as water treatment, air and gas purification, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The pandemic caused substantial disruptions in the supply chains of raw materials required for activated carbon manufacturing. Transportation restrictions, as well as the temporary closure of mines and industries, caused shortages and delays. Lockdowns and movement restrictions have an impact on global logistics, increasing cargo delays and higher transportation costs. It influences the timely delivery of activated carbon and raw supplies.
The pandemic raised awareness about the significance of clean air and water, which increased demand for activated carbon in filtration systems for air purifiers and water treatment facilities. Automotive, manufacturing, and food and beverage industries saw varied levels of shutdowns and slowdowns, which influenced the demand for activated carbon used in these sectors.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact
The conflict has disrupted the supply chain of raw materials needed for the manufacturing of activated carbon. Ukraine and Russia are important suppliers of minerals and chemicals needed in industrial production. The instability has resulted in shortages and higher pricing for key inputs. Transit links, such as trains and ports in the combat zone, have been disrupted, complicating operations and raising transit costs.
It has caused instability in global energy prices, particularly oil and gas. Activated carbon manufacture is energy-intensive, therefore rising energy costs have increased production costs. European countries that rely largely on Russian energy have encountered increasing energy prices, affecting the total cost structure of manufacturing sectors, including activated carbon production.
Key Developments
- In March 2022, Cabot Corporation sold its activated carbon business, Norit Activated Carbon, to One Equity Partners. With the divestiture, Norit Activated Carbon became an independent company, offering its customers a broad spectrum of activated carbon products through its ten manufacturing locations in seven countries.
- In January 2021, Tantech Holdings Ltd, a well-known renewable energy provider, introduced its latest breakthrough product, the Variety Combination Honeycomb Activated Carbon. The product is a significant technological development in the field of activated carbon, with a unique and extremely adaptable honeycomb structure that enables effective adsorption capabilities.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global activated carbon market segmentation based on type, raw material, end-user, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous data points of activated carbon market level with all segments.
- PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
- Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global activated carbon market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 55 figures, and 205 pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
