Activated Carbon Market (By Type: Powdered, Granulated, Extruded, Others; By Raw Material: Coal Based, Coconut Shell Based, Wood Based, Others (Including Petroleum Pitch); By Application: Liquid Phase, Gas Phase; By End User) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2024-2033
The global activated carbon market size was USD 6.58 billion in 2023, accounted for USD 7.21 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach around USD 16.45 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2024 to 2033.
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The Asia Pacific activated carbon market size was estimated at USD 3.43 billion in 2023 and is predicted to be worth around USD 8.80 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2033.
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.
Market Overview
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 2024 to 2033 | CAGR of 9.6% |
| Market Size in 2023 | USD 6.58 Billion |
| Market Size in 2024 | USD 7.21 Billion |
| Market Size by 2033 | USD 16.45 Billion |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2033 |
| 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 |
Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) is the market leader due to the substantial demand from numerous end-user industries, including water treatment and air & gas filtration. It is useful for eliminating pollutants from liquids, air, and gases because it has a relatively bigger particle size in powdered form. It is used in the food and beverage sector to purge sweets, syrups, drinks, amino acids, and organic acids of contaminants including odor and color. In wastewater treatment, it is also used to get rid of all industrial pollutants, heavy metals, and pesticides. Additionally, its simple regeneration and reusability, which promote market expansion, can be attributed to the increased demand for granulated form.
As defined by ASTM, 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.
During the projected period, the gas phase application segment is anticipated to be the largest. 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. Moreover, only activated carbon air filters, which are known as volatile organic compounds, can catch VOCs. Both inside and outside of the house, VOCs are produced. It can be caused by household cleansers, paints, smog, air pollution, and other things.
The liquid phase application is projected to move at a constant role. 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 of contaminants. Additionally, the market expansion is anticipated to be supported by the stringent standards imposed to clean industrial wastewater.
Recent Developments
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.
Segments covered in the report
By Type
By Raw Material
By Application
By End User
By Geography
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Definition
Chapter 2. Research Methodology
2.1. Research Approach
2.2. Data Sources
2.3. Assumptions & Limitations
Chapter 3. Executive Summary
3.1. Market Snapshot
Chapter 4. Market Variables and Scope
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Market Classification and Scope
4.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3.1. Raw Material Procurement Analysis
4.3.2. Sales and Distribution Channel Analysis
4.3.3. Downstream Buyer Analysis
Chapter 5. COVID 19 Impact on Activated Carbon Market
5.1. COVID-19 Landscape: Activated Carbon Industry Impact
5.2. COVID 19 - Impact Assessment for the Industry
5.3. COVID 19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
5.4. Market Trends and Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape
Chapter 6. Market Dynamics Analysis and Trends
6.1. Market Dynamics
6.1.1. Market Drivers
6.1.2. Market Restraints
6.1.3. Market Opportunities
6.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
6.2.1. Bargaining power of suppliers
6.2.2. Bargaining power of buyers
6.2.3. Threat of substitute
6.2.4. Threat of new entrants
6.2.5. Degree of competition
Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape
7.1.1. Company Market Share/Positioning Analysis
7.1.2. Key Strategies Adopted by Players
7.1.3. Vendor Landscape
7.1.3.1. List of Suppliers
7.1.3.2. List of Buyers
Chapter 8. Global Activated Carbon Market, By Type
8.1. Activated Carbon Market, by Type, 2024-2033
8.1.1. Powdered
8.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.2. Granulated
8.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.3. Extruded
8.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.4. Others
8.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
Chapter 9. Global Activated Carbon Market, By Raw Material
9.1. Activated Carbon Market, by Raw Material e, 2024-2033
9.1.1. Coal Based
9.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
9.1.2. Coconut Shell Based
9.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
9.1.3. Wood Based
9.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
9.1.4. Others (Including Petroleum Pitch)
9.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
Chapter 10. Global Activated Carbon Market, By Application
10.1. Activated Carbon Market, by Application, 2024-2033
10.1.1. Liquid Phase
10.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
10.1.2. Gas Phase
Chapter 11. Global Activated Carbon Market, By End User
11.1. Activated Carbon Market, by End User, 2024-2033
11.1.1. Water Purification
11.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.2. Air Purification
11.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.3. Food & Beverage
11.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.4. Industrial Chemicals
11.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.5. Metal Extraction
11.1.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.6. Pharmaceuticals
11.1.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.7. Automotive
11.1.7.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.8. Catalyst
11.1.8.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
11.1.9. Others
11.1.9.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
Chapter 12. Global Activated Carbon Market, Regional Estimates and Trend Forecast
12.1. North America
12.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.1.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.1.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.1.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.1.5. U.S.
12.1.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.1.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.1.5.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.1.5.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.1.6. Rest of North America
12.1.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.1.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.1.6.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.1.6.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.2. Europe
12.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.2.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.2.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.2.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.2.5. UK
12.2.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.2.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.2.5.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.2.5.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.2.6. Germany
12.2.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.2.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.2.6.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.2.6.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.2.7. France
12.2.7.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.2.7.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.2.7.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.2.7.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.2.8. Rest of Europe
12.2.8.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.2.8.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.2.8.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.2.8.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.3. APAC
12.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.3.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.3.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.3.5. India
12.3.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.3.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.3.5.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.3.5.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.3.6. China
12.3.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.3.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.3.6.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.3.6.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.3.7. Japan
12.3.7.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.3.7.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.3.7.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.3.7.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.3.8. Rest of APAC
12.3.8.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.3.8.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.3.8.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.3.8.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.4. MEA
12.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.4.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.4.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.4.5. GCC
12.4.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.4.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.4.5.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.4.5.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.4.6. North Africa
12.4.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.4.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.4.6.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.4.6.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.4.7. South Africa
12.4.7.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.4.7.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.4.7.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.4.7.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.4.8. Rest of MEA
12.4.8.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.4.8.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.4.8.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.4.8.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.5. Latin America
12.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.5.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.5.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.5.5. Brazil
12.5.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.5.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.5.5.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.5.5.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
12.5.6. Rest of LATAM
12.5.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Type (2021-2033)
12.5.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Raw Material (2021-2033)
12.5.6.3. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2021-2033)
12.5.6.4. Market Revenue and Forecast, by End User (2021-2033)
Chapter 13. Company Profiles
13.1. CarbPure Technologies
13.1.1. Company Overview
13.1.2. Product Offerings
13.1.3. Financial Performance
13.1.4. Recent Initiatives
13.2. Boyce Carbon
13.2.1. Company Overview
13.2.2. Product Offerings
13.2.3. Financial Performance
13.2.4. Recent Initiatives
13.3. Cabot Corporation
13.3.1. Company Overview
13.3.2. Product Offerings
13.3.3. Financial Performance
13.3.4. Recent Initiatives
13.4. Kuraray Co.
13.4.1. Company Overview
13.4.2. Product Offerings
13.4.3. Financial Performance
13.4.4. Recent Initiatives
13.5. CarboTech AC GmbH
13.5.1. Company Overview
13.5.2. Product Offerings
13.5.3. Financial Performance
13.5.4. Recent Initiatives
13.6. Donau Chemie AG
13.6.1. Company Overview
13.6.2. Product Offerings
13.6.3. Financial Performance
13.6.4. Recent Initiatives
13.7. Haycarb (Pvt) Ltd.
13.7.1. Company Overview
13.7.2. Product Offerings
13.7.3. Financial Performance
13.7.4. Recent Initiatives
13.8. Jacobi Carbons Group
13.8.1. Company Overview
13.8.2. Product Offerings
13.8.3. Financial Performance
13.8.4. Recent Initiatives
13.9. Kureha Corporation
13.9.1. Company Overview
13.9.2. Product Offerings
13.9.3. Financial Performance
13.9.4. Recent Initiatives
13.10. Osaka Gas Chemicals Co, Ltd
13.10.1. Company Overview
13.10.2. Product Offerings
13.10.3. Financial Performance
13.10.4. Recent Initiatives
Chapter 14. Research Methodology
14.1. Primary Research
14.2. Secondary Research
14.3. Assumptions
Chapter 15. Appendix
15.1. About Us
15.2. Glossary of Terms
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