Activated Carbon Market: Types, Growth, and Global Demand

"The activated carbon market is growing rapidly due to its wide use in water purification, air filtration, and industrial processes. With different types like powdered, granular, and pelletized carbon, global demand is rising as industries seek eco-friendly and efficient filtration solutions."

BOSTON, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, the demand for Activated Carbon: Types and Global Markets is grow from $6.6 billion in 2024 to $10.2 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.

This report analyzes the global activated carbon market, covering types, feedstock materials, applications, and regional trends. It provides market estimates (2023 as the base year, forecasts for 2024-2029) in volume (kilotons) and value (USD millions). Pricing is based on supplier quotes, while growth forecasts consider industry capacity expansions, company revenues, and regulatory trends.

Interesting facts 

• Nanotechnology integration enhances activated carbon's adsorption capabilities, enabling its use in complex treatment processes where efficiency and recovery are critical. Nano-scale modifications optimize pore structures to capture contaminants like PFAS and VOCs.
• Activated carbon composites, such as chitosan-based materials, combine high adsorption capacity with biocompatibility for efficient heavy metal removal. Their recyclability and effectiveness make them ideal for long-term air and water treatment applications.
• Lignin-based activated carbon offers a sustainable alternative feedstock, derived from biomass and industrial byproducts like pulp and paper waste. With a high surface area and porous structure, it shows strong potential for pollutant removal, gas adsorption, and applications in electronics.

Factors contributing to the market's growth include:

1. Soaring demand for clean water in response to global population: The rising global population is driving soaring demand for clean water, increasing the need for advanced purification and filtration solutions.
2. Climate change depleting freshwater sources: Climate change is depleting freshwater sources through rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and increased droughts, threatening global water availability.
3. Growing adoption in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors: The medical and pharmaceutical sectors are increasingly adopting activated carbon for drug purification, toxin removal, and advanced filtration applications.
4. Rising demand for air purification: The growing concern over air pollution is driving increased demand for air purification solutions, including activated carbon-based filtration technologies.

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Report Synopsis

This report addresses the following questions:

1.      What is the projected market size and growth rate?

The global market for activated carbon is projected to grow from $6.2 billion in 2023 to $10.2 billion by the end of 2029 at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period.

2.      What are the factors driving the growth of the market?

Soaring demand for clean water in response to global population; climate change depleting freshwater sources; growing adoption in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors; and rising demand for air purification.

3.      What market segments are covered in the report?

The global market for activated carbon is segmented based on feedstock material, type, application and region.

4.       Which application segment will be dominant over the forecast period?

The Water treatment will be the dominant application throughout the forecast period. Activated carbon is essential to water purification procedures used by water treatment facilities, municipalities, and enterprises to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and supply communities with safe and clean drinking water.

5.      Which region has the largest market share?

Asia-Pacific's market share is driven by a combination of factors, such as diverse industrial applications, abundant raw material availability, and regulatory reforms. China's Blue Sky Action Plan and India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) drive the region's demand for air purification solutions. In addition, the availability of coconut shells in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines provides a cost-effective and sustainable raw material base.

Market leaders include: 

• Activated Carbon Technologies
• Albemarle Corp.
• Asbury Carbons
• BASF
• Boyce Carbon
• Carbon Activated Corp.
• Carbotech
• CPL/Puragen Activated Carbons
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC.
• Haycarb PLC
• Iluka Resources Ltd.
• Ingevity
• Jacobi Carbons Group
• Kuraray Co. Ltd.
• Kureha Corp.
• Norit
• Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH

Related reports include: 

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Global Markets and Technologies for Carbon Nanotubes.: The global market for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is growing rapidly, driven by their exceptional strength, conductivity, and lightweight properties. With applications in electronics, energy storage, and nanomedicine, advances in CNT technologies are shaping future innovations in many industries.

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