Activated Carbon Market to Grow with a CAGR of 7.50% through 2030

Growing utilization of activated carbon in water treatment and pharmaceutical industry are expected to drive the Global Activated Carbon Market growth in the forecast period, 2026-2030

According to TechSci Research report, “Activated Carbon Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F”, the Global Activated Carbon Market stood at USD 8.92 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 7.50% in the forecast period.

Governments worldwide are tightening regulations on industrial emissions and effluents to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and safeguard public health. In this regulatory landscape, activated carbon has emerged as a critical compliance tool, particularly in: Mercury and sulfur dioxide capture from flue gases in coal-fired power generation. Industrial air purification, especially in chemical, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Groundwater remediation and soil detoxification in contaminated zones

Regulatory frameworks such as the U.S. EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), along with parallel policies in Europe and Asia-Pacific, continue to fuel sustained, policy-driven demand for activated carbon solutions. Beyond environmental compliance, activated carbon plays a central role in processing optimization and resource recovery across several industries. It is widely utilized in: Food and beverage manufacturing for sugar refining, juice clarification, and taste stabilization, Chemical production for solvent and acid purification, Gold extraction, where it supports Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) and Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) processes to recover high-value metals efficiently.

These large-scale industrial applications rely on high-capacity, regenerable activated carbon grades, ensuring continuous demand and long-term market engagement. In parallel, mounting sustainability pressures are driving a shift toward bio-based activated carbon, produced from renewable feedstocks such as coconut shells, bamboo dust, and wood waste. This transition is underpinned by: Growing market appetite for eco-friendly filtration media, Strategic investments from both public institutions and private enterprises into circular economy models, Cross-sector R&D collaborations focused on developing high-performance, low-impact carbon materials. These advancements are not only enhancing the functional diversity of activated carbon products but are also unlocking new growth opportunities in environmentally conscious markets, positioning bio-based solutions as a core pillar of future industry expansion.

Browse over XX market data Figures spread through XX Pages and an in-depth TOC on "Global Activated Carbon Market”

The Global Activated Carbon Market is segmented into type, raw material, end user, regional distribution, and company.

Based on its raw material, the coal segment has emerged as the predominant market leader, Coal-based activated carbon especially that derived from bituminous and anthracite coal offers: High surface area and pore volume, ideal for adsorbing a broad range of organic and inorganic contaminants, Balanced micro- and mesopore distribution, making it suitable for both gas-phase and liquid-phase applications, Excellent regeneration capabilities, which support long-term operational cost savings in large-scale industrial use. These characteristics allow coal-based products to be used across diverse sectors, from air purification and water treatment to chemical processing and gold recovery, reinforcing their market dominance.

Coal-based activated carbon is extensively deployed in: Municipal and industrial water treatment, especially for removing chlorine, taste and odor compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other organic contaminants, Flue gas treatment, including mercury and sulfur dioxide capture in coal-fired power plants, Industrial air purification across petrochemical, chemical, and manufacturing sectors. Its consistency, durability, and scalability make it the preferred material for these applications particularly in regions such as North America, Europe, and China, where large treatment systems require cost-effective, high-performance media.

North America is strategically positioned to witness the fastest growth in the global activated carbon market, driven by a convergence of regulatory mandates, infrastructure modernization, technological innovation, and strong industrial demand. The region's focus on environmental sustainability, coupled with robust investments in air and water purification systems, positions it as a critical growth engine in the years ahead. The region’s regulatory environment particularly in the United States is among the most rigorous globally. Key federal and state-level mandates such as: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), Stringent water discharge regulations under the Clean Water Act, Air pollution control requirements for VOCs and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). These frameworks mandate the use of high-performance activated carbon solutions for emissions control, water treatment, and industrial filtration creating sustained regulatory-driven demand across multiple sectors.

Major companies operating in Global Activated Carbon Market are:

• Calgon Carbon Corporation
• Cabot Corporation (CBT)
• Kuraray Co., Ltd.
• CarboTech AC GmbH
• ADA Carbon Solutions, LLC
• Indo German Carbons Limited
• Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC
• Donau Chemie AG
• CECA SA
• Hayleys PLC

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“The global activated carbon market is on a strong upward trajectory, fueled by intensifying environmental regulations, growing demand for clean water and air, and the rising adoption of sustainable and high-efficiency purification technologies across industries. As governments and businesses prioritize environmental compliance and circular economy practices, activated carbon continues to gain strategic relevance. With advancements in raw material sourcing, reactivation technologies, and bio-based alternatives, the market is expected to witness sustained expansion across both developed and emerging economies positioning activated carbon as a critical enabler of global environmental resilience and industrial innovation.,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

“Activated Carbon Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Type (Powdered, Granular, Others), By Raw Material (Wood, Coconut Shells, Coal, Others), By End User (Water Treatment, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, Air Purification, Others), By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Global Activated Carbon Market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in Global Activated Carbon Market.

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