Activated Carbon Market by Type (Granular Activated Carbon, Pellets Activated Carbon, Powdered Activated Carbon), Raw Material (Bamboo, Coal, Coconut Shell), Application, End User - Global Forecast 2024-2030

Activated Carbon Market by Type (Granular Activated Carbon, Pellets Activated Carbon, Powdered Activated Carbon), Raw Material (Bamboo, Coal, Coconut Shell), Application, End User - Global Forecast 2024-2030


The Activated Carbon Market size was estimated at USD 5.13 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 5.61 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 9.53% to reach USD 9.71 billion by 2030.

Activated carbon is a form of carbon processed to get small, low-volume pores that expand the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. These pores help activated carbon to trap certain chemicals, effectively removing them from air or liquids. The activation process typically involves treating carbonaceous materials, such as wood, coconut shells, coal, or peat, with high temperatures and sometimes additional chemicals. This process removes previously absorbed molecules and rearranges the carbon atoms to create a highly porous structure. Public awareness regarding health and environmental safety has risen significantly, which drives demand for water and air purification systems, where activated carbon is critical due to its ability to remove contaminants effectively. The elevating demand for clean drinking water and the scarcity of water resources in many parts of the world makes the treatment and reuse of water essential, thereby propelling the market demand for activated carbon. However, the fluctuations in the availability and price of raw materials hinder their adoption. Investment in R&D to enhance the efficiency and application range of activated carbon and the ongoing advancements and innovations in production techniques offer significant growth opportunities for the activated carbon market.

Regional Insights

In the Americas, the market for activated carbon is experiencing robust growth, primarily driven by strict environmental regulations, particularly in the United States and Canada. The increasing need for water purification systems and air pollution control mechanisms, fueled by an enhanced awareness surrounding environmental concerns, has catapulted the demand for activated carbon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, aimed at controlling mercury emissions from industrial units, have particularly underscored the importance of activated carbon in achieving compliance. The region's burgeoning pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries contribute to the increased demand, utilizing activated carbon for decolorization, deodorization, and purification processes. The market for activated carbons proliferates in the APAC region, propelled by expanding industrialization, urbanization, and escalating environmental awareness in countries such as China, India, and Japan. The region's large population and resultant water and air purification needs substantially drive the demand for activated carbon. Government initiatives to improve industrial emissions standards and investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure are significant catalysts propelling market expansion. In Europe, the strict environmental mandates to enhance air and water quality have created a stable demand for activated carbon, further driven by the shift toward renewable energy sources, necessitating advanced gas purification technologies. The rising concerns of water scarcity and industrial expansion fuel the activated carbon market growth in the Middle East and Africa. The Middle East and African regions' commitment to environmental sustainability and industrial development presents a dynamic landscape for the activated carbon market.

Market Insights

Market Dynamics

The market dynamics represent an ever-changing landscape of the Activated Carbon Market by providing actionable insights into factors, including supply and demand levels. Accounting for these factors helps design strategies, make investments, and formulate developments to capitalize on future opportunities. In addition, these factors assist in avoiding potential pitfalls related to political, geographical, technical, social, and economic conditions, highlighting consumer behaviors and influencing manufacturing costs and purchasing decisions.

Market Drivers
  • Stringent government standards and regulations concerning emissions and water pollution
  • Rising demand for mercury control technology for industrial air purification
Market Restraints
  • Fluctuations in the availability and price of raw materials
Market Opportunities
  • Investment in R&D for enhancing the efficiency and application range of activated carbon
  • Innovations for enhancing the recyclability and reusability of activated carbon products
Market Challenges
  • Disposal and regeneration issues associated with the use of activated carbon
Market Segmentation Analysis
  • Type: Widening use of granular activated carbon owing to its versatility and efficiency
  • End User: Rising adoption of activated carbon in gas & air purification
Market Disruption Analysis
  • Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
  • Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
  • Pricing Analysis
  • Technology Analysis
  • Patent Analysis
  • Trade Analysis
  • Regulatory Framework Analysis
FPNV Positioning Matrix

The FPNV positioning matrix is essential in evaluating the market positioning of the vendors in the Activated Carbon Market. This matrix offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining critical metrics related to business strategy and product satisfaction. This in-depth assessment empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success, namely Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).

Market Share Analysis

The market share analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth assessment of the current state of vendors in the Activated Carbon Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions, companies are offered a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. These contributions include overall revenue, customer base, and other vital metrics. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With these illustrative details, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Recent Developments

PEER Next Launched Innovative Activated Carbon Technology Accessories in India

PEER Next launched a new line of activated carbon technology accessories in India, marking a significant step forward in the country's environmental and technological industry. These innovative products, designed to leverage activated carbon's purification and filtration capabilities, promise to offer advanced solutions for reducing pollutants and enhancing air and water quality.

IndCarb's Announced Strategic Expansion to Meet Rising Activated Carbon Demand

IndCarb announced a plan to enhance its production capacity significantly to meet the burgeoning demand for value-added activated carbon products, which are increasingly sought after in various industries for their pollutant removal efficiencies. IndCarb is set to redefine industry standards, ensuring sustainable growth by leveraging advanced technologies and investing in new production facilities.

Evoqua Broadens Texas Operational Footprint with the Acquisition of Industrial Water Treatment Service

Evoqua Water Technologies expanded its operational domain by acquiring the Texas-based industrial water treatment service, previously owned by Bob Johnson & Associates, from Kemco Systems. The acquisition notably enhances Evoqua's service offerings in the Texas region, encompassing both the Houston and Waxahachie areas. The purchase includes the service business accounts, deionization (DI), and carbon tank assets, which are integral for water treatment processes.

Strategy Analysis & Recommendation

The strategic analysis is essential for organizations seeking a solid foothold in the global marketplace. Companies are better positioned to make informed decisions that align with their long-term aspirations by thoroughly evaluating their current standing in the Activated Carbon Market. This critical assessment involves a thorough analysis of the organization’s resources, capabilities, and overall performance to identify its core strengths and areas for improvement.

Key Company Profiles

The report delves into recent significant developments in the Activated Carbon Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include Albemarle Corporation, ARQ, Inc., Boyce Carbon, Cabot Corporation, Carbon Activated Corporation, Carbotech Ac GmbH, CPL Activated Carbons, Desotec Group, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Fujian Xinsen Carbon Industry Co., Ltd., Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd., General Carbon Corporation, Haycarb PLC, Ingevity Corporation, Karbonous, Inc., Kuraray Co., Ltd., Kureha GmbH, Osaka Gas Co., LTD., Puragen Activated Carbons, Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmBH, and Veolia Environnement S.A..

Market Segmentation & Coverage

This research report categorizes the Activated Carbon Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:
  • Type
  • Granular Activated Carbon
  • Pellets Activated Carbon
  • Powdered Activated Carbon
  • Raw Material
  • Bamboo
  • Coal
  • Coconut Shell
  • Peat
  • Wood
  • Application
  • Gaseous Phase
  • Liquid Phase
  • End User
  • Automotive
  • Cosmetic Industry
  • Food & Beverages
  • Gas & Air Purification
  • Mining
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Water & Wastewater Treatment
  • Region
  • Americas
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • United States
  • California
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Australia
  • China
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Europe, Middle East & Africa
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Nigeria
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom


Please Note: PDF & Excel + Online Access - 1 Year


1. Preface
1.1. Objectives of the Study
1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage
1.3. Years Considered for the Study
1.4. Currency & Pricing
1.5. Language
1.6. Stakeholders
2. Research Methodology
2.1. Define: Research Objective
2.2. Determine: Research Design
2.3. Prepare: Research Instrument
2.4. Collect: Data Source
2.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation
2.6. Formulate: Data Verification
2.7. Publish: Research Report
2.8. Repeat: Report Update
3. Executive Summary
4. Market Overview
5. Market Insights
5.1. Market Dynamics
5.1.1. Drivers
5.1.1.1. Stringent government standards and regulations concerning emissions and water pollution
5.1.1.2. Rising demand for mercury control technology for industrial air purification
5.1.2. Restraints
5.1.2.1. Fluctuations in the availability and price of raw materials
5.1.3. Opportunities
5.1.3.1. Investment in R&D for enhancing the efficiency and application range of activated carbon
5.1.3.2. Innovations for enhancing the recyclability and reusability of activated carbon products
5.1.4. Challenges
5.1.4.1. Disposal and regeneration issues associated with the use of activated carbon
5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis
5.2.1. Type: Widening use of granular activated carbon owing to its versatility and efficiency
5.2.2. End User: Rising adoption of activated carbon in gas & air purification
5.3. Market Disruption Analysis
5.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4.1. Threat of New Entrants
5.4.2. Threat of Substitutes
5.4.3. Bargaining Power of Customers
5.4.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
5.4.5. Industry Rivalry
5.5. Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
5.6. Pricing Analysis
5.7. Technology Analysis
5.8. Patent Analysis
5.9. Trade Analysis
5.10. Regulatory Framework Analysis
6. Activated Carbon Market, by Type
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Granular Activated Carbon
6.3. Pellets Activated Carbon
6.4. Powdered Activated Carbon
7. Activated Carbon Market, by Raw Material
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Bamboo
7.3. Coal
7.4. Coconut Shell
7.5. Peat
7.6. Wood
8. Activated Carbon Market, by Application
8.1. Introduction
8.2. Gaseous Phase
8.3. Liquid Phase
9. Activated Carbon Market, by End User
9.1. Introduction
9.2. Automotive
9.3. Cosmetic Industry
9.4. Food & Beverages
9.5. Gas & Air Purification
9.6. Mining
9.7. Pharmaceuticals
9.8. Water & Wastewater Treatment
10. Americas Activated Carbon Market
10.1. Introduction
10.2. Argentina
10.3. Brazil
10.4. Canada
10.5. Mexico
10.6. United States
11. Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market
11.1. Introduction
11.2. Australia
11.3. China
11.4. India
11.5. Indonesia
11.6. Japan
11.7. Malaysia
11.8. Philippines
11.9. Singapore
11.10. South Korea
11.11. Taiwan
11.12. Thailand
11.13. Vietnam
12. Europe, Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market
12.1. Introduction
12.2. Denmark
12.3. Egypt
12.4. Finland
12.5. France
12.6. Germany
12.7. Israel
12.8. Italy
12.9. Netherlands
12.10. Nigeria
12.11. Norway
12.12. Poland
12.13. Qatar
12.14. Russia
12.15. Saudi Arabia
12.16. South Africa
12.17. Spain
12.18. Sweden
12.19. Switzerland
12.20. Turkey
12.21. United Arab Emirates
12.22. United Kingdom
13. Competitive Landscape
13.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023
13.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023
13.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis
13.3.1. PEER Next Launched Innovative Activated Carbon Technology Accessories in India
13.3.2. IndCarb's Announced Strategic Expansion to Meet Rising Activated Carbon Demand
13.3.3. Evoqua Broadens Texas Operational Footprint with the Acquisition of Industrial Water Treatment Service
13.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation
14. Competitive Portfolio
14.1. Key Company Profiles
14.2. Key Product Portfolio

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