Activated Carbon Market Size 2024-2028 

The activated carbon market size is projected to increase by USD 1.96 billion at a CAGR of 9.45% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the heightened demand for purification in various industrial applications, including air purification systems. However, this market faces challenges arising from the technical limitations of products. To mitigate these obstacles, industry players are capitalizing on emerging trends and opportunities, particularly in the area of air pollution control. This strategic focus is poised to positively influence the market's expansion throughout the forecast period.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Segmentation

This market forecasting report extensively covers market segmentation  Product, Application, and Geography. The product segment is classified into powdered, granular, and others. The application segment is categorized into air purification, water purification, medical and pharmaceutical products, food and beverage, and others, and Geography includes key regions such as APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

In the market, versatile material is derived from raw materials such as coal, coconut shell, peat, wood, and others. Activated carbon's small pores and large surface area provide excellent adsorption capability, making it an essential component in Mercury control technology, potable water filtration, and sewage treatment plants. Manufacturing technical developments continue to expand the use of key raw materials like coconut shell and resin in the chemical, petrochemical, mining, and sewage treatment industries. The market is expected to grow significantly due to its increasing demand in various sectors.

By Product 

The market share growth by the powdered segment will be significant during the forecast period. The market encompasses the use of both charcoal and its powdered and granular forms. The demand for activated carbon is driven by its applications in various sectors, including water treatment, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical sectors, automotive, and industrial applications. Powdered activated carbon, with particle sizes ranging from 5 A to 150 A, is preferred due to its low initial cost and dosage flexibility. Activated carbon is derived from raw materials such as coal, coconut shell, peat, wood, and others. Its small pores and large surface area enable excellent adsorption capability, making it essential for potable water filtration and sewage treatment.

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The powdered segment showed a gradual increase in the market share of 1.57 billion in 2018. Manufacturing technical developments and key raw materials, such as coconut shell, resin, viscose rayon, and carbon yield, influence the market. Price rises and manufacturing processes impact product purity, while calcium, iron, and ash content affect the quality in industries like the chemical and petrochemical sectors. Mercury control technology and global economic challenges are also significant factors. In industries like mining, they are used for sewage treatment plants and mercury control.

By Application 

The market, particularly the air purification segment, is projected to expand due to urbanization, industrialization, and stringent regulations on pollutant emissions. Key drivers include the demand for activated carbon in air filters and regulations focusing on mercury emissions from power plants, such as the US Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). The supply chain involves the use of activating agents and raw materials like coconut shells. Pricing and product quality are crucial factors. Activated carbon finds applications in both air treatment for purified air and water treatment for recycling. Its high adsorption capacity makes it essential for pollution control in various industries, including power generation and automobile manufacturing. Cabot Corporation is a significant player in this market, offering regeneration services and products in both gas and powder forms. The geriatric population's increasing demand for cleaner air and water further boosts the market.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 46% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period.
 

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The market in APAC is dominated by China, India, and the Philippines, collectively accounting for over 50% of global exports. China, with a 20% market share, primarily exports to Japan, South Korea, and European countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Product quality and pricing are crucial factors in the supply chain of activated carbon, which is used extensively for pollution control in water treatment applications and air purification. The activating agent, typically steam or chemical, determines the adsorption capacity of the carbon. Key players in the market include

Further, Cabot Corporation and companies in Europe and Asia. Regulations regarding pollution control drive demand for activated carbon in water treatment, recycling, and air treatment. Purified air and water applications, such as in automobile demand and the geriatric population, also contribute to market growth. They are derived from various sources, including coconut shells, and undergo regeneration for reuse in gas form.

Market Dynamics

The market encompasses a wide range of applications in various industries, including Water Treatment, Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Medical sectors, Automotive, Industrial Applications, and more. Activated Carbon, also known as Activated Charcoal, is available in two primary forms: Powdered Activated Carbon and Granular Activated Carbon. This versatile material is derived from raw materials such as Coal, Coconut Shell, Peat, Wood, and others. Activated Carbon's small pores and large surface area provide excellent adsorption capability, making it an essential component in Mercury control technology, potable water filtration, and sewage treatment plants. Manufacturing technical developments continue to expand the use of key raw materials like coconut shell and resin in the Chemical Industry, Petrochemical Industry, Mining Industry, and Sewage Treatment. The market is expected to grow significantly due to its increasing demand in various sectors.

Market Definition

Activated carbon refers to a non-graphite form of carbon, which is made from carbonaceous raw materials such as coal, wood, lignite, and paddy husk. It has a complex porous structure made of carbon atoms. The networks of pores are channels formed within an inflexible skeleton of layers of carbon atoms in a disorderly way. These layers are connected through chemical bonds and are unevenly stacked to create a highly porous structure of crannies and crevices between them. This central pore network aids in the removal of impurities from vaporous and liquid media.

Key Market Driver

The increased need for purification in different industrial processes is a major driver propelling the growth of the market. Activated carbon has diverse applications, with water and air purification being major drivers of the market. Rapid urbanization and industrialization, particularly in countries like India and China, have led to increased pollution and water scarcity. This has prompted the need for wastewater treatment to remove contaminants. The food and beverage industry uses it to eliminate flavors, aromas, and colors, while pharmaceutical companies employ it for ingredient purification. These factors contribute to the demand for activated carbon in various sectors, fueling market growth.

Significant Market Trend

Growing demand for pollution control is a major market trend. The demand for activated carbon is set to rise due to the increased need for mercury control technology in industrial air purification applications. Stringent emission standards set by regulatory bodies like the US EPA and the European Commission require production facilities, including coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers, to meet strict mercury and hazardous air pollutant limits. Similar regulations are being implemented in countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan. These measures aim to reduce mercury emissions and necessitate the use of activated carbon for pollution control. Such developments are expected to drive the growth of the global activated carbon market in the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

Technical limitations are the major market challenge hindering the growth of the market. The effectiveness of activated carbon filters depends on the amount used, but they have limitations. They are ineffective against certain chemicals, pathogens, and heavy metals. In some cases, they can even become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Additionally, they may cause clogging and channeling of impurities. These limitations restrict the demand for activated carbon. Storage of activated carbon requires precautions such as low oxygen conditions, cool and dry environments, and protection from heat and moisture. Prolonged storage can lead to lumping or cracking. These technical limitations hinder the growth of the global activated carbon market.

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various market trends and analysis strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market and result of market growth analysis.

Shincarbon- The company offers activated carbons such as granular and impregnated powder.

The  market  growth and forecasting report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

Advanced Emissions Solutions Inc., Albemarle Corp., BASF SE, Boyce Carbon, Cabot Corp., Carbon Activated Corp., CarboTech AC GmbH, Donau Carbon GmbH, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, General Carbon Corp., Hayleys Plc, Ingevity Corp., KURARAY Co. Ltd., Kureha Corp., MFAR Holdings Pvt Ltd., Osaka Gas Co. Ltd., Puragen Activated Carbons, Shinkwang Chem. Industry Co. Ltd., Tronox Holdings Plc, and Universal Carbons

The market analysis and report of qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market report includes the market research and growth, adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth and forecasting growth strategies.

Global Market Customer Landscape

Market Analyst Overview

The market is a significant segment in the global filtration industry. This market caters to the demand for Carbon, Acid, Treatment, Activated Carbon, and Charcoal. The primary application areas for Activated Carbon include Water Treatment, Air Treatment, and Pharmaceuticals. Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) are the two major types of Activated Carbon. PAC is used for batch processes, while GAC is used for continuous processes.

Further, the demand for Activated Carbon is driven by the increasing awareness of water and air pollution and the need for effective treatment solutions. The market for Activated Carbon is expected to grow due to the rising demand for clean water and air. The use of Activated Carbon in various industries, including Food and Beverages, Chemicals, and Energy, is also contributing to its growth. The market is competitive, with key players including Calgon Carbon Corporation, Cabot Corporation, and Carbon Activated Technologies.

Additionally, the market is also influenced by factors such as the cost of raw materials, technological advancements, and government regulations. The use of advanced technologies such as Nanotechnology and Adsorption Enhancement Technologies is expected to drive innovation in the market. In conclusion, the activated carbon market is a growing industry that caters to the demand for effective filtration solutions in various industries. The market is driven by the need for clean water and air and is expected to grow due to technological advancements and increasing regulations.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Activated Carbon Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market forecast during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market analysis and report of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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