India Activated Carbon Market Outlook to 2028

India Activated Carbon Market Overview

The India Activated Carbon Market contributes to the increased demand for purified air and water, thereby fostering the growth of activated carbon. The Global Activated Carbon Market size was valued at USD 4.32 billion in 2023. The market is growing by increasing demand for water and air purification solutions, rising industrialization, and stringent environmental regulations.

Key players in the India activated carbon market include Haycarb Plc, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Kureha Corporation, Osaka Gas Co. Ltd., and Jacobi Carbons Group. These companies dominate the market due to their extensive product portfolios, strong distribution networks, and continuous investments in research and development (R&D). Their commitment to innovation and quality ensures their leading positions in the market.

In 2023, Haycarb Plc announced the expansion of its production capacity in India to meet the growing demand for activated carbon. This expansion is expected to increase the company's production capacity by 20%, enhancing its ability to serve the rising market needs. The strategic move aims to strengthen Haycarb Plc's market presence and cater to the increasing requirements for water and air purification solutions in India.

India Activated Carbon Market Analysis

The Indian government launched the Clean Ganga Mission in 2014 with the aim of reducing pollution and rejuvenating the Ganga River. This initiative has boosted the demand for activated carbon in water treatment processes. The mission involves setting up sewage treatment plants, upgrading existing infrastructure, and implementing industrial effluent standards, all of which require activated carbon for effective treatment.

In 2023, Kuraray Co. Ltd. introduced a new range of eco-friendly activated carbon products, aimed at water and air purification applications. These products are sourced from renewable materials and produced using sustainable processes, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions.

In 2023, the Delhi government initiated a large-scale project to install activated carbon filters in wastewater treatment plants across the region. This initiative aims to improve water quality and comply with stringent environmental regulations, boosting the demand for activated carbon in water treatment applications.

India Activated Carbon Market Segmentation

The India Activated Carbon market can be segmented by various factors like product, end-user and region.

By Product Type: The India Activated Carbon Market is segmented into Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) and Extruded Activated Carbon. In 2023, GAC dominance was preferred for its high adsorption capacity and versatility in various applications such as water and air purification. Its granular form allows for easy handling and regeneration, making it cost-effective and sustainable.

By End-User: The India Activated Carbon Market is segmented into water treatment, air purification and industrial processes. In 2023, the water treatment segment was dominant due to stringent regulations regarding water quality and the increasing need for clean and safe drinking water. Activated carbon is highly effective in removing impurities, chemicals, and odors from water, making it indispensable in both municipal and industrial water treatment processes.

By Region: The India Activated Carbon Market is segmented into North, East, West and South. In 2023, North India holds the largest market share due to the high concentration of industrial activities and stringent environmental regulations. The presence of major industrial hubs and the demand for efficient water and air treatment solutions contribute to this region's dominance.

India Activated Carbon Market Competitive Landscape

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Haycarb Plc

1973

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kuraray Co. Ltd.

1926

Tokyo, Japan

Kureha Corporation

1944

Tokyo, Japan

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

1897

Osaka, Japan

Jacobi Carbons Group

1916

Kalmar, Sweden

Kureha Corporation: In 2023, Kureha Corporation announced the development of a high-performance activated carbon material specifically designed for industrial air purification. This new product offers enhanced adsorption capacity and durability, catering to the increasing industrial demand for efficient air pollution control solutions.

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.: In 2023, Osaka Gas Co. Ltd. introduced a new activated carbon product line, targeting the pharmaceutical industry. This product is designed to meet stringent purity standards and enhance the efficiency of pharmaceutical purification processes, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and market diversification.

Jacobi Carbons Group: In 2023, Jacobi Carbons Group acquired a local Indian company to expand its distribution network and production capabilities in India. This strategic acquisition aims to strengthen Jacobi Carbons' market position and better serve the growing demand for activated carbon in various applications across the region.

India Activated Carbon Industry Analysis

India Activated Carbon Market Growth Drivers:

India Rapid Industrialization: India’s rapid industrialization has increased the demand for activated carbon across various sectors, including chemical processing, metal extraction, and pharmaceuticals. In 2024, the industrial sector, contributing over 27% to India's GDP, has seen growth, leading to higher utilization of activated carbon for processes such as gas purification, solvent recovery, and catalyst support.

Increasing Urbanization: This rapid urbanization has escalated the demand for clean water and air, driving the adoption of activated carbon in municipal water treatment and residential air purification systems. The government’s initiatives, such as the Smart Cities Mission, aim to improve urban infrastructure and promote sustainable living environments, further boosting the market for activated carbon.

Rising Health Awareness: Consumers are becoming more conscious of the health impacts of pollutants and contaminants, prompting the adoption of activated carbon products. The rise in respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses has underscored the need for effective purification technologies.

India Activated Carbon Market challenges:

High Production Costs: The production of activated carbon is capital-intensive, involving costs for raw materials, energy, and technology. The reliance on high-quality raw materials such as coconut shells, wood, and coal, along with the energy-intensive activation process, contributes to the high production costs. These costs are further exacerbated by the need for advanced manufacturing technologies to produce high-performance activated carbon.

Competition from Alternative Technologies: Activated carbon faces competition from alternative filtration and purification technologies such as silica gel, alumina, and synthetic polymers. These alternatives can offer comparable performance at lower costs or with additional benefits, posing a challenge to the market share of activated carbon.

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: The prices of raw materials used in the production of activated carbon, such as coconut shells and coal, are subject to fluctuations due to factors like seasonal availability, market demand, and geopolitical issues. These price fluctuations impact the overall production costs and can lead to volatility in the pricing of activated carbon products.

India Activated Carbon Market Government Initiatives:

National Clean Air Programme: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, focuses on reducing air pollution levels across India by 20-30% by 2024. This initiative has led to increased investments in air purification technologies, including those utilizing activated carbon filters. The program involves monitoring air quality, implementing pollution control measures, and promoting clean air technologies.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign), launched in 2020, aims to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. Under this initiative, the government has provided incentives and support for the domestic production of activated carbon, encouraging investments in new manufacturing facilities and technologies.

India Activated Carbon Market Outlook

The India activated carbon market is growing in the coming years. The market is also expected to see a shift towards more industrial process, technological innovation.

Future Market Trends

Innovation in Technological: Innovations such as the development of nanoporous activated carbon and the integration of activated carbon with advanced materials like graphene are creating new opportunities. These advancements are improving the adsorption capacity, durability, and efficiency of activated carbon, making it suitable for high-end applications in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and environmental remediation.

Eco-friendly Products: There is a growing trend towards the use of eco-friendly and sustainable activated carbon products, driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures. Manufacturers are focusing on sourcing raw materials from renewable resources and adopting green production processes to minimize environmental impact.
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