Global Activated Carbon Market Insights Forecasts to 2032

• The Activated Carbon Market Size was valued at USD 4.10 Billion in 2022.
• The Market Size is Growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2022 to 2032
• The Worldwide Activated Carbon Market Size is expected to reach USD 4.98 Billion by 2032
• North America is expected To Grow the fastest during the forecast period

The Global Activated Carbon Market Size is expected to reach USD 4.98 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period 2022 to 2032.

A highly porous form of carbon that has been processed to have a large surface area and a high adsorption capacity is known as activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal. Through a procedure known as activation, it is made from carbonaceous materials such as wood, coal, peat, coconut shells, or even agricultural waste. In many different industries and areas, activated carbon is used. It is frequently used in water and air filtration systems, where it eliminates impurities such pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and chlorine. Additionally, it is employed in the creation of filters for gas masks and respirators. Additionally, activated carbon is used for decolorization, deodorization, and purification in the food and beverage sector, as well as in pharmaceuticals, the production of chemicals, and environmental remediation procedures.

Impact of COVID 19 On Global Activated Carbon Market

The activated carbon sector is not an exception to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on other sectors and businesses. Due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and other steps taken to stop the virus's spread, the world's supply chain has been severely affected. Activated carbon availability, shipping, and production have all been impacted by this disturbance. The overall availability of activated carbon in some areas has been hindered by supply chain concerns, such as shortages of raw materials and logistical problems. Lockdowns, travel bans, and other measures used to stem the virus's spread have had a significant impact on the global supply chain. This disturbance has had an effect on activated carbon supply, shipping, and production. Supply chain issues, such as raw material shortages and logistical issues, have made activated carbon less widely available in some regions.

Key Driving Factors

The market for activated carbon has seen rapid expansion in recent years and is predicted to do so again in the years to come. To remove pollutants, organic compounds, and impurities, activated carbon is widely utilised in water and wastewater treatment operations. The demand for activated carbon in water treatment applications is being driven by the growing requirement for clean and safe water supplies in both the industrial and municipal sectors. Moreover, in the food and beverage business, activated carbon is essential for purifying and decolorizing liquids like sugar, alcoholic beverages, and edible oils. The market for activated carbon in this industry is expanding because of the rising demand for high-quality and purified food products and the rigorous laws governing food safety. Due to its large surface area and electrical conductivity, activated carbon is used in energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries. In addition, activated carbon is regarded as an eco-friendly substance, in line with the international emphasis on sustainability and green technologies. Future expansion of the activated carbon industry is anticipated to be supported by the continued emphasis on environmental sustainability and strict regulations.

Key Market Challenges

Carbonaceous materials like coal, wood, and coconut shells are the primary sources of activated carbon. The price of producing activated carbon can be considerably impacted by the fluctuating pricing and restricted supply of certain raw ingredients. With various producers and suppliers working on a global scale, the market for activated carbon is extremely competitive. Companies are under pressure from this fierce competition to set themselves apart in terms of product quality, performance, and cost. It might be difficult for smaller enterprises to successfully compete against bigger, more established companies in such a congested market. In addition, alternative materials or technologies that can provide comparable or better performance at a cheaper cost run the risk of replacing activated carbon. Lack of knowledge may cause activated carbon to be underutilised or improperly taken into account as a solution for different environmental and purification problems. To raise awareness and encourage the use of activated carbon in many industries, outreach and education initiatives are essential.

Market Segmentation

Type Insights

Powdered Activated Carbon Type segment is dominating the market with the largest market share

On the basis of type, the global activated carbon market is segmented into Powdered Activated Carbon and Granular Activated Carbon. Among these, Powdered Activated Carbon segment is dominating the market with the largest market share over the forecast period. Pollutant-filled waste streams are produced by a variety of industrial operations, and they must be treated before disposal. Powdered activated carbon is a crucial component in a variety of industries, including the production of chemicals, medicines, the processing of food and beverages, and more. It is effective at adsorbing and eliminating harmful impurities. The need for PAC in these industries may rise as industrial activity increases.

Granular Activated Carbon segment is witnessing the fastest market growth over the forecast period. Activated carbon in the form of granules is frequently used in gas purification techniques, such as those that remove contaminants and pollutants from gases and air. This is crucial in sectors including chemical production, oil refining, and automotive applications where the purification of gases is required for environmental compliance, quality assurance, and safety. The need for GAC in gas filtration is anticipated to rise as industrial operations continue to grow.

End Use Insights

Water treatment segment acounted the largest market share over the forecast period

Based on the end use, the global activated carbon market is segmented into water treatment and air purification. Among these, water treatment segment accounted the largest market share over the forecast period. The use of water treatment technology is expanding globally. Globally, numerous businesses are exploring innovative technology for water treatment recycling. It is anticipated that regulations requiring businesses to use environment-friendly materials and effective water disposal methods will further benefit the industry.

Air purification is witnessing the significant market growth over the forecast period. Clean air in homes and workplaces is becoming more and more important to people. Since indoor air pollution can have negative impacts on health, there is an increasing need for efficient air filtration technologies. Also, there is a greater demand for air filtration systems as awareness of respiratory ailments, allergies, and the effects of air pollution on general health grows. All these factors are driving the segmental growth.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is dominating the market over the forecast period

Asia Pacific region is dominating the global activated carbon market with the largest market share over the forecast period. The industrial activity in a number of industries, including water treatment, air purification, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and automotive, have increased significantly throughout the Asia Pacific area. The demand for activated carbon is increased by the widespread usage of this material in these sectors for purification, filtering, and separation.

North America is witnessing the fastest market growth over the forecast period. The market for activated carbon in North America is distinguished by a strong focus on environmental compliance, the requirement for efficient purification solutions, and the presence of well-established industry competitors. The market is anticipated to expand steadily due to continuous environmental laws, rising demand for clean air, water, and industrial processes, and other factors.

Recent Market Developments

• In March 2022, Cabot Corporation sold its activated carbon manufacturing unit to Norit Activated Carbon.

List of Key Companies

• Jacobi Carbons AB
• Carbo Tech AC GmbH
• ADA-ES, INC.
• Kureha Corporation
• Calgon Carbon Corporation
• Cabot Corporation
• Carbon Resources LLC 
• Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
• CLARINEX Group
• Carbon Activated Corp.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2019 to 2032. Spherical Insights has segmented the global Activated Carbon Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Activated Carbon Market, Type Analysis

• Activated
• Granular

Activated Carbon Market, End User Analysis

• Water Treatment
• Air Purification

Activated Carbon Market, Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Uk
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa