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Activated Carbon - Global Strategic Business Report

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    Report

  • 396 Pages
  • July 2025
  • Region: Global
  • Global Industry Analysts, Inc
  • ID: 450634
The global market for Activated Carbon was estimated at 3.5 Million Tons in 2024 and is projected to reach 5.9 Million Tons by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.0% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Activated Carbon market.

Global Activated Carbon Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon that is processed to have a vast surface area, making it extremely effective at adsorbing a wide range of substances from gases and liquids. This material is produced from various carbon-rich sources, such as coconut shells, coal, wood, and peat, through processes involving carbonization and activation. The activation process typically involves exposing the carbon material to high temperatures and chemical agents, which enhance its porosity and surface area. Activated carbon`s unique properties make it indispensable in various applications, including water purification, air filtration, food and beverage processing, and medical treatments, particularly for poisoning and overdose cases.

The growth in the activated carbon market is driven by several factors. The increasing demand for clean water and stringent environmental regulations are major drivers, as industries and municipalities seek effective solutions for water and air purification. The rise in industrial activities and urbanization has led to heightened pollution levels, necessitating advanced filtration technologies that rely heavily on activated carbon. Consumer behavior trends, such as the growing preference for natural and chemical-free products, have also boosted the demand for activated carbon in personal care and food products. Moreover, advancements in manufacturing techniques have reduced production costs and improved the quality of activated carbon, making it more accessible for various applications. The surge in applications across emerging markets, driven by industrial growth and environmental concerns, further underscores the robust expansion of the activated carbon market.

Technological advancements and increasing environmental regulations have propelled the use of activated carbon in diverse industrial applications. In water treatment, activated carbon is utilized to remove contaminants like chlorine, pesticides, and organic compounds, ensuring safe and clean drinking water. In air purification systems, it effectively captures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors, improving indoor air quality. The food and beverage industry leverages activated carbon for decolorization and purification processes, ensuring product safety and quality. Additionally, the energy sector employs activated carbon in the purification of natural gas and the recovery of gold in mining operations. Innovations in the production of activated carbon, such as the development of more sustainable and efficient activation methods, have further expanded its applications and enhanced its performance.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Activated Carbon market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
  • Segments: Product Segment (Powdered, Granular, Other Product Segments); End-Use (Water Treatment, Air Purification, Food & Beverages, Automotive, Medical & Pharmaceuticals, Other End-Uses)
  • Geographic Regions/Countries: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa.

Key Insights:

  • Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Water Treatment segment, which is expected to reach 2.2 Million Tons by 2030 with a CAGR of a 7.9%. The Air Purification segment is also set to grow at 10.8% CAGR over the analysis period.
  • Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at 611.0 Thousand Tons in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 10.7% CAGR to reach 2.2 Million Tons by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

  • Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Activated Carbon Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
  • Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
  • Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Activated Carbon Market.
  • Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

  • How is the Global Activated Carbon Market expected to evolve by 2030?
  • What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
  • Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
  • How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
  • Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

  • Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
  • In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
  • Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc., Cabot Corporation, Carbon Activated Corp., ClarimexS.a. de C.V., Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon Co., Ltd and more.
  • Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 52 companies featured in this Activated Carbon market report include:

  • Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.
  • Cabot Corporation
  • Carbon Activated Corp.
  • ClarimexS.a. de C.V.
  • Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon Co., Ltd
  • Haycarb Plc
  • Ingevity Corporation
  • Kuraray Co., Ltd.
  • Calgon Carbon Corporation
  • Chemviron Carbon
  • Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.
  • SCR-Sibelco NV

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

  • Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
  • Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
  • Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
  • Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
  • Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
  • Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
  • Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.

Table of Contents

I. METHODOLOGYII. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. MARKET OVERVIEW
  • Influencer Market Insights
  • Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns
  • Global Economic Update
  • Activated Carbon: A Prelude
  • Forms of Activated Carbon
  • Major End Use Markets
  • Activated Carbon- Competitive Landscape
  • Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E)
  • Activated Carbon - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E)
  • Global Market Prospects and Outlook
  • Global Activated Carbon Market Set for a Rapid Growth
  • Led by China, Asia-Pacific Enjoys Commanding Stake in Activated Carbon Market
  • PAC, Liquid-Phase & Water Treatment: Thriving Segments of Activated Carbon Market
  • Activated Carbon Market Dazzles with Water Treatment Applications
  • Production Landscape
  • Activated Carbon: A Raw Material Intensive Industry
  • Comparison of Various Types of Activated Carbon based on Raw Material
  • Recent Market Activity
  • World Brands
2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS
3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
  • Industry Focus Grows on Sustainable Production of Activated Carbon from Renewable Sources
  • Activated Carbon for Smoother Car Suspensions
  • Stringent Emission Norms Drives AC Demand in Automobile Sector
  • Breakdown of Number of Vehicles by Engine Type (in %) for 2020, 2030 & 2040
  • Select Regulations
  • Emission Control Legislations in Select Regions/Countries
  • Reactivated Carbon Demand Grows in Significance
  • Water Treatment Offers Significant Opportunities
  • Deteriorating Quality of Water: Throws Emphasis on Water Treatment
  • Percentage of Contaminated Water in Drinking Water Supplies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and Caribbean
  • Percentage of Wastewater Treatment in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa
  • World Fresh Water Resources: Percentage Breakdown by Sources of Fresh Water
  • Internal Water Resource Per Capita Ranked by Country - US, France, China, Germany, India, Netherlands and Saudi Arabia (in Cubic Meters)
  • Water Adsorbents Market Gathers Steam with Stimulus from Activated Carbon
  • Activated Carbon-Based Technology for In Situ Remediation
  • BAC Filters to Produce Ultrapure Water
  • Air Purification: Key Enabler of Future Growth
  • Emphasis on Maintaining Ambient Indoor Air Quality Augurs Well for Market Growth
  • Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
  • Major Indoor Pollutants and their Impact on Health
  • Types of Contaminants Present in Indoor Air and their Acceptable Levels
  • Air Pollution Levels (PM10 ug/m3) for Major Countries Worldwide
  • Environment Regulations Drive Demand for Activated Carbon
  • MATS Drives PAC Demand
  • Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Open up Opportunities for GAC
  • The Minamata Convention Boosts Activated Carbon Demand
  • Food and Beverage Processing Add to Market Growth
  • Global Processed Foods Market Revenues (in $ Billion) for the Years 2019, 2022 and 2025
  • Application in Medical and Pharmaceuticals Segment to Augment Demand
  • Gold Extraction Activity Drives Focus on Activated Carbon
  • Surging Usage in Solvent Vapor Recovery & Other Applications Supports Demand
  • Activated Carbon Fiber Cloths Gain Popularity
  • Activated Carbon in Beauty Industry: Making Waves
  • Global Skincare Market in US$ Billion: 2012 & 2025
  • Activated Carbon Draws Attention for Hydrogen Storage
  • Activated Carbon Plastic Waste Helps Address Environmental Concerns
  • Waste Tire-derived Activated Carbon Witnesses Increased Popularity
4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
  • TABLE 1: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Powdered by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 2: World Historic Review for Powdered by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 3: World 15-Year Perspective for Powdered by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 4: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Granular by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 5: World Historic Review for Granular by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 6: World 15-Year Perspective for Granular by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 7: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Other Product Segments by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 8: World Historic Review for Other Product Segments by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 9: World 15-Year Perspective for Other Product Segments by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 10: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Water Treatment by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 11: World Historic Review for Water Treatment by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 12: World 15-Year Perspective for Water Treatment by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 13: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Air Purification by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 14: World Historic Review for Air Purification by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 15: World 15-Year Perspective for Air Purification by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 16: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Food & Beverages by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 17: World Historic Review for Food & Beverages by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 18: World 15-Year Perspective for Food & Beverages by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 19: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Automotive by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 20: World Historic Review for Automotive by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 21: World 15-Year Perspective for Automotive by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 22: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Medical & Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 23: World Historic Review for Medical & Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 24: World 15-Year Perspective for Medical & Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 25: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Other End-Uses by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 26: World Historic Review for Other End-Uses by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 27: World 15-Year Perspective for Other End-Uses by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
  • TABLE 28: World Activated Carbon Market Analysis of Annual Sales in Tons for Years 2015 through 2030
  • TABLE 29: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Activated Carbon by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 30: World Historic Review for Activated Carbon by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
  • TABLE 31: World 15-Year Perspective for Activated Carbon by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Volume Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
III. MARKET ANALYSIS
  • UNITED STATES
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United States for 2025 (E)
  • Automotive Emission Control Regulations Drive Demand
  • US Evaporative and Refueling Standards
  • LEV III Particulate Emission Standard Values and Phase-in for Passenger Cars, Light-Duty Trucks, and Medium-Duty Passenger Vehicles
  • Market Overview
  • Environmental Regulations Drive Demand in Air Purification Application
  • Growing Emphasis on Indoor Air Quality amid COVID-19 Pandemic Bolsters Demand
  • Major Factors Influencing Purchase of Residential Air Purifiers with '1' Ranked for Highest Influencing Factor
  • Rise in Awareness of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Triggers Stringent Regulations
  • US PM2.5 Air Quality, 2010-2019 (Concentration µg/m3)
  • Opportunities in the Water Treatment Market
  • Market Analytics
  • CANADA
  • JAPAN
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Japan for 2025 (E)
  • Market Overview
  • CHINA
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in China for 2025 (E)
  • Market Overview
  • China: Major Producer and Exporter of Activated Carbon
  • Rise in Air Pollution Levels Encourage Demand
  • EUROPE
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Europe for 2025 (E)
  • Market Overview
  • FRANCE
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in France for 2025 (E)
  • GERMANY
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Germany for 2025 (E)
  • ITALY
  • UNITED KINGDOM
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United Kingdom for 2025 (E)
  • SPAIN
  • RUSSIA
  • REST OF EUROPE
  • ASIA-PACIFIC
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Asia-Pacific for 2025 (E)
  • AUSTRALIA
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Australia for 2025 (E)
  • INDIA
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in India for 2025 (E)
  • Market Overview
  • Activated Carbon Exports
  • Leading Import Markets for Activated Carbon from India: Percentage Share Breakdown of Volume Exports by Destination Country
  • SOUTH KOREA
  • REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC
  • Australia
  • LATIN AMERICA
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Latin America for 2025 (E)
  • Market Overview
  • ARGENTINA
  • BRAZIL
  • MEXICO
  • REST OF LATIN AMERICA
  • MIDDLE EAST
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Middle East for 2025 (E)
  • Market Overview
  • AFRICA
  • Activated Carbon Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Africa for 2025 (E)
IV. COMPETITION

Companies Mentioned (Partial List)

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

  • Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.
  • Cabot Corporation
  • Carbon Activated Corp.
  • ClarimexS.a. de C.V.
  • Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon Co., Ltd
  • Haycarb Plc
  • Ingevity Corporation
  • Kuraray Co., Ltd.
  • Calgon Carbon Corporation
  • Chemviron Carbon
  • Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.
  • SCR-Sibelco NV

Table Information