Activated Carbon Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 4.32 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 5.77 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.95 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Activated Carbon Market Analysis
The Activated Carbon Market size is estimated at USD 4.32 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.77 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.95% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The market was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the demand was reduced, considering the temporary halt of activities in various end-user industries, such as metal extraction and others. However, since the end of the pandemic, the demand for the market studied has picked up the pace and is likely to grow at a significant rate in the coming years.
- In the medium term, major factors driving the market are conformance to stringent environmental regulations in water treatment applications in the United States and the increasing prominence of air pollution control (especially mercury removal).
- Narrower markets, due to the increased costs of some grades of activated carbon, the threat of substitutes like silica gel, and the development of better alternatives, are expected to hinder the growth of the market.
- Emerging applications in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors is likely to act as an opportunity for the market.
- Asia-Pacific accounted for the highest market share, and the region is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period.
Activated Carbon Market Trends
Water Treatment Industry to Dominate the Market
- Water treatment is a popular application of activated carbon. Most water treatment filters are made of granular activated carbon. It is used to remove organic-chemical substances and colorants and reduce trace substances, such as chemicals.The usage of activated carbon is one of the most effective methods for the treatment of municipal/industrial wastewater. Activated carbon is normally used in granular form to remove a wide variety of contaminants, such as nonbiodegradable organic compounds, absorbable organic halogens, color compounds and dyestuffs, and pesticides.
- Wastewater and ballast water treatment, groundwater remediation, surface impoundments, and cleanup of groundwater and accidental spills are other applications of activated carbon. Activated carbon also helps in the removal of odors that occur in wastewater plants, where biological activity creates hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), VOCs, etc.
- In addition, federal policy programs, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provide treatment and discharge regulations, funding programs, and frameworks for operating and applying innovative water and wastewater treatment technologies. Hence, this is further expected to boost the demand for activated carbons from the water treatment segment.
- China has 10,113 water treatment plants that treat wastewater for 95% of municipalities and 30% of rural areas. Moreover, in the 14th Five-year Plan, released in March 2021, China published new guidelines for wastewater reuse, which mandated raising the proportion of sewage that must be treated to reuse standards to 25% by 2025.
- Water treatment is a popular application of activated carbon. Most water treatment filters are made of granular activated carbon. It is used to remove organic-chemical substances and colorants and reduce trace substances such as chemicals. The usage of activated carbon is one of the most effective methods for the treatment of municipal/industrial wastewater. Activated carbon is normally used in granular form to remove a wide variety of contaminants, such as nonbiodegradable organic compounds, absorbable organic halogens, color compounds and dyestuffs, and pesticides.
- The German water treatment technology market is the largest in Europe and is growing considerably. According to the Eurostat and Statistisches Bundesamt, the revenue of Germany's water supply, sewerage, and waste management industry generated USD 99.63 billion in 2022.
- Therefore, considering the growth trends and various projects of water treatment in different regions worldwide, the water treatment industry is likely to dominate the market, which, in turn, is expected to enhance the demand for activated carbon during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Market
- The Asia-Pacific region dominated the activated carbon market in 2022 with a considerable volume share, and it is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.
- In recent years, China has increased the use of treated water to reduce its dependency on fresh water. With a tough regulatory framework and the increasing importance of water reuse in China’s five-year plans (FYPs), the country is rapidly moving toward enhancing its water treatment industry for a sustainable future.
- According to the International Trade Administration, China plans to build or renovate 80,000 km of sewage collection pipeline networks and increase sewage treatment capacity by 20 million cubic meters/day between 2021 and 2025.
- China has a recognized market for pharmaceuticals and is the fastest emerging market for activated carbons. The country has a large and diverse domestic drug industry, comprising around 5,000 manufacturers, of which many are small- or medium-sized.
- In India, the Water Supply and Sewerage Board of Bangalore selected SUEZ to support the city and improve wastewater infrastructures. The group is expected to build a new wastewater treatment plant of 150,000 m3/day capacity, including the rehabilitation of an existing plant, with a capacity of 150,000 m3/day and the building of a sewage sludge recycling and recovery plant, for the sludge coming from these two plants. This increase in focus on water treatment in the country is expected to drive the activated carbon market growth.
- As per the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the country’s annual production of automobiles in FY 2022 was nearly 22.93 million. Automotive production accounts for 49% of the country’s GDP, and hence, the growth in this sector is liable to increase the demand for activated carbon in India.
- The Indian food industry is one the prominent industries in the country. The increasing population is another factor boosting the demand for the food industry, which, in turn, is estimated to boost the activated carbon market in India. There are 42 mega food parks located in 24 states in India, sanctioned by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, which are in different stages of implementation.
- Thus, the reasons mentioned above are likely to fuel the growth of the activated carbon market in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period.
Activated Carbon Industry Overview
The activated carbon market is partially consolidated, with several companies operating on both global and regional levels. Some of the major players in the market (not in any particular order) include Kuraray Co. Ltd, Cabot Corporation, Ingevity, Jacobi Carbons Group, and Haycarb (Pvt.) Ltd.
Activated Carbon Market Leaders
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JACOBI CARBONS GROUP
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Kuraray Co., Ltd.
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HAYCARB (PVT) LTD.
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Cabot Corporation
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Ingevity
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Activated Carbon Market News
- March 2022: Cabot Corporation sold off its activated carbon unit, Norit Activated Carbon, to One Equity Partners. Following the divestiture, Norit Activated Carbon became an independent company serving its customers with a broad portfolio of activated carbon solutions through its ten production facilities in seven countries.
Activated Carbon Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
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4.1 Drivers
- 4.1.1 Conformance to Stringent Environmental Regulations in Water Treatment Applications in the United States
- 4.1.2 Augmenting Prominence for Air Pollution Control (Especially Mercury Removal)
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4.2 Restraints
- 4.2.1 Narrower Markets Due to Increased Costs of Some Grades of Activated Carbon
- 4.2.2 Threat of Substitutes Like Silica Gel and Development of Better Alternatives
- 4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
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4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
- 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services
- 4.4.5 Degree of Competition
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Volume)
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5.1 By Product Type
- 5.1.1 Powdered Activated Carbons (PAC)
- 5.1.2 Granular Activated Carbons (GAC)
- 5.1.3 Extruded or Pelletized Activated Carbon
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5.2 By Application
- 5.2.1 Gas Purification
- 5.2.2 Water Purification
- 5.2.3 Metal Extraction
- 5.2.4 Medicine
- 5.2.5 Other Applications
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5.3 By End-user Industry
- 5.3.1 Water Treatment
- 5.3.2 Food and Beverage
- 5.3.3 Healthcare
- 5.3.4 Automotive
- 5.3.5 Industrial Processing
- 5.3.6 Other End-user Industries
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5.4 By Geography
- 5.4.1 Asia-Pacific
- 5.4.1.1 China
- 5.4.1.2 India
- 5.4.1.3 Japan
- 5.4.1.4 South Korea
- 5.4.1.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.4.2 North America
- 5.4.2.1 United States
- 5.4.2.2 Canada
- 5.4.2.3 Mexico
- 5.4.3 Europe
- 5.4.3.1 Germany
- 5.4.3.2 United Kingdom
- 5.4.3.3 France
- 5.4.3.4 Italy
- 5.4.3.5 Spain
- 5.4.3.6 Rest of Europe
- 5.4.4 South America
- 5.4.4.1 Brazil
- 5.4.4.2 Argentina
- 5.4.4.3 Rest of South America
- 5.4.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.4.5.1 Saudi Arabia
- 5.4.5.2 South Africa
- 5.4.5.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
- 6.2 Market Ranking Analysis
- 6.3 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players
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6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 Advanced Emissions Solutions Inc.
- 6.4.2 Albemarle Corporation
- 6.4.3 Cabot Corporation
- 6.4.4 Carbon Activated Corporation
- 6.4.5 CARBOTECH
- 6.4.6 CPL Activated Carbons
- 6.4.7 Donau Carbon GmbH
- 6.4.8 Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
- 6.4.9 Haycarb (Pvt.) Ltd
- 6.4.10 Ingevity
- 6.4.11 Jacobi Carbons Group
- 6.4.12 Kuraray Co. Ltd
- 6.4.13 Kureha Corporation
- 6.4.14 Puragen Activated Carbons
- 6.4.15 Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH
- 6.4.16 Veolia (Veolia Water Technologies)
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
- 7.1 Emerging Applications in the Medical and Pharmaceutical Sectors
Activated Carbon Industry Segmentation
Activated carbon is a form of carbon that is processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. Usually, activated carbon is extracted from charcoal.
The Activated Carbon Market is segmented by product type (powdered activated carbon (PAC), granular activated carbon (GAC), and pelletized or extruded activated carbon), application (gas purification, water purification, metal extraction, medicine, and other applications), end-user industry (water treatment, food and beverage, healthcare, automotive, industrial, processing, and other end-user industries) and geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The report offers market size and forecasts for the activated carbon market in volume (kilotons) for all the above segments.
| By Product Type | Powdered Activated Carbons (PAC) | |
| Granular Activated Carbons (GAC) | ||
| Extruded or Pelletized Activated Carbon | ||
| By Application | Gas Purification | |
| Water Purification | ||
| Metal Extraction | ||
| Medicine | ||
| Other Applications | ||
| By End-user Industry | Water Treatment | |
| Food and Beverage | ||
| Healthcare | ||
| Automotive | ||
| Industrial Processing | ||
| Other End-user Industries | ||
| By Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| By Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| By Geography | Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | ||
| France | ||
| Italy | ||
| Spain | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| By Geography | South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| By Geography | Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| South Africa | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Activated Carbon Market Research Faqs
How big is the Activated Carbon Market?
The Activated Carbon Market size is expected to reach USD 4.32 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.95% to reach USD 5.77 billion by 2029.
What is the current Activated Carbon Market size?
In 2024, the Activated Carbon Market size is expected to reach USD 4.32 billion.
Who are the key players in Activated Carbon Market?
JACOBI CARBONS GROUP, Kuraray Co., Ltd., HAYCARB (PVT) LTD., Cabot Corporation and Ingevity are the major companies operating in the Activated Carbon Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Activated Carbon Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Activated Carbon Market?
In 2024, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Activated Carbon Market.
What years does this Activated Carbon Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Activated Carbon Market size was estimated at USD 4.06 billion. The report covers the Activated Carbon Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Activated Carbon Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Which segment accounted for the largest Activated Carbon Market share?
The water treatment segment accounts for the largest share of the Activated Carbon Market.
Activated Carbon Industry Report
The global activated carbon market is characterized by a highly competitive landscape with a few key players holding a significant market share. The market growth is driven by various factors, including rising concerns for pollution control, strict regulations to curb water and air pollution, and increasing demand for purified air and water due to a growing population, higher living standards, and escalating concerns about environmental pollution. Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is notable for its significant number of small pores on its surface, which enhances its adsorption capability. This makes it a common choice in potable water filtration and sewage treatment plants, among other applications. Key raw materials used for manufacturing the product include coconut shell, resin, wood, and viscose rayon.
The market analysis indicates significant potential for growth, with market leaders playing a crucial role in driving industry trends. The market forecast suggests a robust market outlook, supported by comprehensive industry analysis and industry reports. The market research highlights the importance of market segmentation and market value in understanding the dynamics of the global market. The industry overview provides insights into market size and market data, essential for predicting market trends and making informed market predictions.
Industry research and industry statistics are vital in understanding the market growth and market review. The market report offers detailed information on market value and price trends, which are crucial for stakeholders. The industry information and industry outlook are essential for grasping the overall market scenario, while industry sales and industry size provide a clear picture of the market's economic impact.
The report example and report pdf are valuable resources for those seeking in-depth knowledge about the activated carbon market. Research companies play a pivotal role in compiling and analyzing market data, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics. The growth rate of the market is influenced by various factors, including technological advancements and regulatory frameworks, which are thoroughly covered in the industry research.
In summary, the activated carbon market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing environmental concerns and stringent regulations. The market's competitive landscape, coupled with detailed market analysis and industry reports, provides a clear market outlook and valuable insights for stakeholders.
