Activated Carbon Global Market Report 2024

The activated carbon market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $6.25 billion in 2023 to $7.17 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9%. The historic growth can be credited to robust economic progress in emerging markets, heightened awareness of health concerns, and a noticeable scarcity of safe water.

The activated carbon market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12.29 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4%. Primary drivers for growth include rising demand for clean water, urbanization, increased water consumption, expanding global population, and supportive government initiatives. Key trends involve innovations in high-flow carbon filters, heightened investment in production capacity, product innovation strategies, and mergers and acquisitions to enrich product portfolios and expand market presence.

The activated carbon market is poised for growth, propelled by the escalating demand for clean water. The surge in demand is attributed to rapid urbanization and industrialization, which are driving the need for both clean water and activated carbon, a crucial element in water purification processes. The United Nations World Water Development Report highlights a concerning projection that nearly 6 billion people will face a lack of clean water by 2050, underscoring the urgency in addressing clean water scarcity. Consequently, the heightened requirement for clean water and the growing scarcity of this vital resource are anticipated to contribute significantly to the increased demand for activated carbon in water purification applications throughout the forecast period.

Supportive government initiatives are expected to be a key driver for the growth of the activated carbon market in the forecast period. Activated carbon plays a pivotal role in water management, and favorable government initiatives aimed at improving water management practices will spur demand for activated carbon. An exemplary initiative is the launch of the 2022-2027 U.S. Global Water Strategy by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in October 2022. This strategy outlines U.S. government efforts over the next five years to enhance health, prosperity, stability, and resilience through improved water resources management and increased access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Additionally, the 2030 Water Resources Group (2030 WRG) was launched with more than 1,000 partners from the private sector, government, and civil society, facilitated close to $1 billion in financing for water-related programs, and aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. These substantial government initiatives are anticipated to be instrumental in driving the growth of the activated carbon market in the foreseeable future.

Strategic initiatives such as technological advancements and innovative product development are gaining considerable traction. Companies within the industry are increasingly directing their focus towards creating novel and advanced products, exemplified by the introduction of honeycomb activated carbon - an environmentally friendly solution designed to deliver robust and flexible large-area purification capabilities. This highly effective carbon variant is adept at removing unpleasant odors and pollutant particles. An illustration of this trend is evident in the January 2021 launch by Tantech, a China-based company, offering a diverse range of combination honeycomb activated carbon products. Noteworthy innovations also include the introduction of activated carbon masks by Sweden-based Jacobi Carbon, engineered for the delivery of clean air. These masks leverage activated carbon in conjunction with dust aerosol and other particulate matter filtration systems to purify the air while serving the dual purpose of being a protective mask.

Companies operating in the activated carbon market are actively pursuing advancements in high-flow carbon filter systems to fortify their product portfolios. The integration of high activated carbon content in these systems extends the filter's lifespan, leading to prolonged usage and reduced replacement frequency. For instance, in June 2021, CPL Activated Carbons, an international manufacturer and supplier of activated carbon based in the UK and a member of the REA, introduced the HF20V VOCSorber. This high-flow mobile carbon filter, towering at 8 meters, boasts a purification capacity exceeding 40,000 m3/h. Tailored for diverse sectors and industries, including smell control, volatile organic compounds (VOC) abatement, and ammonia removal, the HF20V VOCSorber exemplifies the commitment to innovation within the activated carbon market.

In June 2023, Desotec, a European mobile filtration solutions provider, acquired Evoqua Water Technologies' carbon reactivation business to enter the North American market. Evoqua Water Technologies, a US-based company, specializes in high-quality virgin and reactivated carbons sourced from bituminous coal, coconut shell, and anthracite coal for water and wastewater treatment solutions. The acquisition amount remains undisclosed.

Major companies operating in the activated carbon market report are Ingevity, Haycarb PLC, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Daigas Group, Cabot Corporation, Calgon Carbon Corporation, Veolia, Kureha Corporation, Tronox Inc., Carbon Activated Corporation, Kalpaka Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Jacobi Carbons India Pvt. Ltd., Boyce Carbon, Adsorbent Carbons Pvt. Ltd., Kalimati Carbon Pvt. Ltd., Chifeng Zhonglin Zhongtian Chemical Industry, Datong Coal Jinding Activated Carbon, Datong Locomotive Coal, Datong Municipal Yunguang Activated Carbon, Fujian Xinsen Carbon, Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon, Fujian Zhixing Activated Carbon, Donau Carbon GmbH & Co. KG, CarboTech AC GmbH, Evoqua Water Technologies GmbH, Carbo France, Eurocarb, LKAB Minerals, Sorbacal, Chemviron Carbon, Carbonactiv, Mako Industries, DILO Armaturen und Anlagen GmbH, Metrohm AG, Addfield Environmental Systems Limited, Technokomplex, California Carbon Co. Inc., Kleen Industrial Services, Pure Effect Inc., Carbon Supply Inc., Yardney Water Management Systems Inc., General Carbon Corporation, Birla Carbon, Esco's Nanocarb, ELGA Lab Water, Benchmark Technologies, ABP Chemical and Ventilation Engineering Ltd., Trietel, Jacobi's carbons, Toxsorb's MAC, CG Carbon, Tradeasia, CELAR Water Equipment Company, Rotocarb, Panthera, SNF, Nautilus Chemicals, Hive Carbon.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the activated carbon market in 2023. North America was the second largest market in the activated carbon market. The regions covered in the activated carbon market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the activated carbon market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

Diverse types of activated carbon include powdered, granular, extruded (pelletized), and other variations. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) comprises finely milled particles, while granular activated carbon, made from organic materials, finds utility in both liquid and gas applications. Bead-activated carbon, derived from petroleum pitch, serves purposes such as air deodorization, gas adsorption, and water purification. Extruded or pelletized activated carbon is shaped cylindrically, ideal for gas phase applications. These types cater to various sectors such as water treatment, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, air purification, among others.

The activated carbon market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides activated carbon market statistics, including activated carbon industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an activated carbon market share, detailed activated carbon market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the activated carbon industry. This activated carbon market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The activated carbon market consists of sales of catalytic activated carbon and impregnated activated carbon. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.


The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.