Activated Carbon Market Set to Witness Steady Growth Driven by Rising Demand in Water Treatment, Air Purification, and Industrial Applications

Mordor Intelligence has published a new report on the Activated Carbon Market, offering a comprehensive analysis of trends, growth drivers, and future projections.   

The global Activated Carbon Market is poised for steady growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing demand from various industries such as water treatment, air purification, food and beverage, healthcare, and industrial processing. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market is expected to reach USD 6.11 billion by 2030, growing from USD 4.58 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 5.95%.

Activated carbon, renowned for its superior adsorption properties, plays a vital role in removing impurities from liquids and gases. With the rising focus on environmental sustainability, the demand for activated carbon has surged, especially in applications involving water purification, air filtration, and industrial pollution control. Moreover, increasing regulatory measures and industrial expansion in emerging economies are fueling further market growth.

Key Trends

Stringent Environmental Regulations Driving Water Treatment Applications

One of the key drivers in the activated carbon market is its extensive use in water treatment applications. Strict regulatory frameworks, particularly in the United States and Europe, have necessitated the use of activated carbon for eliminating organic compounds, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and pollutants from drinking and industrial water supplies.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented several acts, including the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, making activated carbon essential for municipal water treatment facilities. Additionally, the oil and gas industry’s increasing use of water treatment solutions, especially in hydraulic fracturing operations, is further boosting demand for activated carbon.

Increasing Demand for Air Pollution Control and Mercury Removal

Air purification is emerging as a significant application area for activated carbon, particularly for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources. With global electricity generation still heavily dependent on coal, the need for effective mercury removal solutions has grown considerably.

Technological advancements like Activated Carbon Injection (ACI) for mercury capture have become industry standards, especially in regions with stringent environmental norms. Moreover, automotive air purification and residential air filters are also contributing to the rising demand for activated carbon in air quality management.

Growing Use of Activated Carbon in Food, Beverage, and Healthcare Industries

The food and beverage industry uses activated carbon extensively for purification, decolorization, and odor removal. Rapid growth in processed food exports, especially in Asia-Pacific countries like Thailand and Indonesia, has led to higher consumption of food-grade activated carbon.

In the healthcare sector, activated carbon is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical devices, and drug purification processes. Its application in removing impurities from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is gaining momentum, offering significant market expansion opportunities.

Emerging Applications in Consumer Goods and Cosmetics

Activated carbon’s natural purification properties have led to its growing incorporation in skincare, cosmetics, and personal care products. Additionally, its role in automotive air filters, residential air purifiers, and specialty applications like gold recovery and energy storage materials is expanding the market landscape.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type:

• Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)

  • Most widely used type due to its versatility in water treatment and industrial applications.

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

  • Preferred for gas purification, air filters, and water treatment systems requiring reactivation.

• Pelletized or Extruded Activated Carbon

  • Used in air purification and gas phase adsorption applications due to its low dust and high durability.

By Application:

• Gas Purification

  • Removal of contaminants from industrial gases, air filters, and emission control systems.

• Water Purification

  • Municipal drinking water treatment, industrial wastewater purification, and residential filtration systems.

• Metal Extraction

  • Used in mining operations for gold recovery and purification of precious metals.

• Medicine

  • Applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug purification, and medical devices.

• Other Applications

  • Food processing, cosmetics, agriculture, and energy storage solutions.

By End-User Industry:

• Water Treatment

  • The largest end-user industry for activated carbon.

• Food and Beverage

  • Purification and decolorization processes for food-grade applications.

• Healthcare

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug purification, and medical uses.

• Automotive

  • Air filtration systems for vehicles and emission control solutions.

• Industrial Processing

  • Pollution control in chemical plants, power generation, and mining industries.

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Key Players

Prominent companies operating in the global Activated Carbon Market are investing in product innovation, capacity expansion, and strategic collaborations to strengthen their market presence.

• Cabot Corporation

  • A leading manufacturer of activated carbon products for air and water purification.

• Kurary Co. Ltd

  • Specializes in high-performance activated carbon for industrial and healthcare applications.

• Donau Carbon GmbH

  • Known for customized solutions in water treatment and air purification.

• Haycarb PLC

  • A key player in coconut shell-based activated carbon products catering to multiple industries.

• Calgon Carbon Corporation (Kurary Co. Ltd)

  • A significant supplier in North America with expertise in pollution control and liquid purification.

These companies are focusing on developing sustainable production processes, expanding their product portfolio, and entering new geographical markets to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Conclusion

The global Activated Carbon Market is set for steady and promising growth over the coming years, driven by increasing environmental concerns, industrial expansion, and the need for effective purification solutions. Rising demand from key industries like water treatment, air pollution control, food and beverage processing, and healthcare is reshaping the market landscape.

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