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Table Of Content
July 2025
The global activated carbon market size is calculated at USD 7.90 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach around USD 17.81 billion by 2034, accelerating at a CAGR of 9.46% from 2025 to 2034. The Asia Pacific activated carbon market size surpassed USD 4.19 billion in 2025 and is expanding at a CAGR of 9.57% during the forecast period. The market sizing and forecasts are revenue-based (USD Million/Billion), with 2024 as the base year.
The global activated carbon market size was accounted for USD 7.21 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach around USD 16.45 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2025 to 2034.
The Asia Pacific activated carbon market size was estimated at USD 3.82 billion in 2024 and is predicted to be worth around USD 9.53 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 9.57% from 2025 to 2034.
The market for activated carbon was dominated by the Asia-Pacific. In terms of volume and value, the activated Carbon market in Asia-Pacific is predicted to develop at the greatest CAGR. Due to the rise in demand for the automotive industry, developing nations like China, India, and others have very high demand for activated carbon. The end-use industries, including the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, are driving up demand for activated carbon products. Additionally, it is anticipated that over the course of the projected period, regional market expansion would be driven by the growing water scarcity caused by rising high population economies.
After the Asia Pacific, North America is the region with the greatest market. North America's most developed nations are the U.S. and Canada. In terms of value, the U.S. held the greatest portion of the North American activated carbon market. The three main variables anticipated to have a beneficial impact on the market are an increase in elderly population, rising automotive demand in the region, and rising environmental concerns. Gas phase applications are predicted to follow a similar trajectory, while powdered activated carbon applications are anticipated to have a sharp increase.
An effective adsorbent for purifying, dechlorinating, deodorizing, and decolorizing liquid and vapor applications is activated carbon.
The purpose of activated carbon is to enhance the surface area available for chemical reactions and adsorption. It is treated carbon with tiny, low-volume pores. Processing organic material with a high carbon content yields activated carbon. The primary characteristic of activated carbon is physical adsorption, which makes it helpful for filtering, decaffeinating, metal polishing, medication, removing pollutants, and storing fuel.
A key element that is anticipated to support the market is the rising demand for water treatment techniques as a consequence of standards and laws for enterprises to implement these techniques. As the population has increased and continue to grow, the need for clean water is an essential part of everyone’s life. Almost every severe problems are caused by contaminated water hence, the government is working closely with the entities to provide clean and safe water. Thus, the market is expected to grow.
One of the main sources of mercury emissions is coal-fired power stations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), a provision of the Clean Air Act, have established limitations on the amount of mercury and other toxins that these power plants are permitted to produce. One way for reducing mercury emissions has been found to be activated carbon injection. And while the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards compliance date has since passed and it is unlikely that activated carbon demand will increase significantly in the US, a recent report by the Freedonia Group points out that Western Europe has just started their journey to controlling mercury emissions, which will likely cause increased demand for activated carbon as businesses move to comply with these regulations.
Moreover, demand for activated carbon is being driven by industrializing countries; emerging countries are investing more in infrastructure for clean drinking water, and activated carbon will continue to be an important water filtration technique.
As more industrializing nations battle with serious air pollution problems, industrial air remediation is receiving more attention. As a result, in order to reduce mercury levels, the major industrial economies are increasing their demand for activated carbon. The product's granular variants are anticipated to experience strong demand from the wastewater treatment sector since they efficiently remove organic pollutants and residual disinfectants.
Also, auto industry's revival will have an impact on the demand for activated carbon as well. Canisters with activated carbon are used in vehicles to improve engine performance and reduce hydrocarbon emissions. The necessity for more cars will result in an increase in the demand for this material. Additionally, as people's living standards and disposable income rise, demand for cars rises along with it, which bodes well for the future need for activated carbon. Hence, these factors are supposed to drive the growth of the market across globe.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR of 9.46% |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 7.90 Billion |
| Market Size by 2034 | USD 17.81 Billion |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 to 2034 |
| Segments Covered | By Type, By Raw Material, By Application, and By End User |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
The powdered activated carbon (PAC) segment dominated the market with a 37.80% share in 2024. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) has particles that are smaller than 0.177 mm, which results in a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio. PAC is used in processes with high flow rates of liquids to reduce capital investment and remove a variety of organic impurities that give color, odor, and taste to wastewater, potable water, and water needed in industrial processes. Consequently, water treatment is where PAC is most commonly used.
The extruded activated carbon (EAC) segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.50% in 2024. The growth of the segment can be credited to the rapid urbanization and implementation of stringent environmental regulations, particularly in the APAC region. Also, EAC's suitability for air purification and water treatment applications is the major factor driving the segment's growth.
The water treatment segment dominated the market with a 45.60% share in 2024. The liquid phase product is often used in water treatment to adsorb harmful chemicals, oils, and organic compounds with odor and taste. It has a high porosity and a big surface area for adsorption, making it frequently employed. The increasing need for water treatment across the globe is a result of the depletion of natural resources and the increase in contaminants. Additionally, the market expansion is anticipated to be supported by the stringent standards imposed on clean industrial wastewater.
The air & gas purification segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.40% in 2024. The best method for removing all kinds of volatile organic compounds from the environment is to use activated carbon filters. They also aid in clearing the air of various odors, fumes, and gaseous pollutants. In air purifiers, the HEPA filter, which is intended to catch additional microscopic particles like dust, lint, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen, is frequently used in conjunction with the activated carbon filter. Beyond merely the particulate filtration offered by HEPA filters, an extra layer of filtration is supplied by an activated carbon filter.
The coal segment held a 42.50% market share in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the growing demand for air and water purification, along with the ongoing industrialization across the globe. Additionally, coal-based activated carbon is highly effective in adsorbing organic compounds from gases as well as from liquids.
The coconut shell segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be linked to the growing need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, coupled with the higher adsorption properties of coconut shell-based carbon. Moreover, coconut shells are an abundant raw material, especially in tropical regions.
The municipal segment held a 39.10% market share in 2024. The dominance of the segment is owing to the growing awareness of air and water quality, requiring stringent environmental regulations for wastewater. Furthermore, advancements in the production of activated carbon, particularly granular activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC), improve its adsorption efficiency and capacity.
The industrial segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.70% during the projected period. The growth of the segment can be driven by a surge in consumer awareness regarding air and water quality, along with the growing use of air purifiers. In addition, the demand for purification and filtration in pharmaceutical manufacturing is increasing, which can support segment expansion further.
The direct sales segment held a 51.40% market share in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the ongoing economic development, especially in the Asia Pacific, with the rising living standards. Also, various industrial processes such as food and beverage, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical applications are rapidly using activated carbon, contributing to segment growth soon.
The online retail (B2C) segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.00% in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be credited to the rising demand for air filtration in personal as well as residential settings, coupled with the innovations in product formulations. The rapid growth of e-commerce offers a direct platform for activated carbon products to reach an extensive consumer base.
Styrene acrylonitrile-based black masterbatch with the name PLASBLAK XP6801D was introduced by Cabot Corporation. The styrenics market will benefit from this formulation. Excellent mechanical qualities, UV resistance, and color performance at lower concentrations are all features of this novel product. Additionally, it uses around 50% less material to perform equally well, lowering the logistics, handling, and other GHG emissions associated with transportation.
By Type
By Raw Material
By Phase/Form
By Application
By End-Use Industry
By Distribution Channel
By Geography
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