Activated Carbon Market 2026-2035
Description
Activated Carbon Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Form Type (Powdered, Granular, and Extruded/ Pelletized), and by End Use (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Metal Extraction, Air & Water Purification, Industrial Chemicals, Automotive, Personal Care & Beauty Products, and Others (Odor Removal), Forecast Period (2026-2035)
Industry Overview
Activated carbon market was valued at $4,989.6 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $12,855.0 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 10.0% during the forecast period (2026-2035). The global activated carbon market is witnessing steady expansion driven by increasing demand across various industrial and environmental applications. Growing awareness regarding clean air and water standards has significantly boosted consumption levels globally. Technological progress in carbon regeneration and production efficiency is further enhancing its adoption. The material’s strong adsorption properties make it vital for pollution control and purification systems. As industries focus on sustainability and compliance with stricter emission norms, market growth continues to strengthen.
Market Dynamics
Rising Demand from Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications
Global activated carbon market is witnessing strong growth due to its extensive use in water purification and wastewater treatment processes. Increasing industrial effluent and growing concerns about safe drinking water are driving the adoption of activated carbon filtration systems. Governments across various regions are implementing strict environmental regulations, further boosting demand. Companies are investing in advanced carbon grades with higher adsorption efficiency to meet sustainability goals. This trend continues to position activated carbon as a key material in environmental protection solutions.
Expanding Utilization in Air Purification and Industrial Processes
The market is also expanding with the increasing application of activated carbon in air purification systems and industrial emission control. Rising urban pollution levels and the enforcement of clean air policies are encouraging its use in air filters and gas treatment units. Additionally, industries such as chemical processing, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals are adopting activated carbon for product purification. Innovations in granular and powdered activated carbon forms are enhancing efficiency across sectors. This growing industrial integration is expected to significantly strengthen market performance through 2035.
Market Segmentation
The market is experiencing notable growth supported by the rising use of powdered activated carbon in filtration and treatment processes. Its fine particle structure allows faster absorption of impurities, making it suitable for large-scale water and air purification systems. Industries such as food processing and pharmaceuticals prefer powdered variants for their high efficiency and ease of application. Consistent product innovations are also improving adsorption performance and cost-effectiveness. This widespread adaptability across end-use sectors is contributing to the segment’s leading market position.
Air & Water Purification: A Key Segment in Market Growth
The expansion of the activated carbon market is largely fueled by the growing reliance on air and water purification systems. Increasing industrial effluents and rising global concern for potable water quality are major driving forces. Activated carbon’s efficiency in removing contaminants, odors, and harmful gases makes it essential for environmental applications. Governments are enforcing tighter regulations on emission and wastewater control, accelerating their use. This growing environmental focus continues to push demand across municipal and industrial treatment facilities.
Regional Outlook
The global activated carbon market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
Growing Adoption of Purification Technologies in Europe
The North American market is advancing owing to stringent environmental regulations and the growing adoption of purification technologies. Industries are increasingly deploying activated carbon for air filtration, wastewater treatment, and industrial chemical processes. Rising health awareness and water quality concerns among consumers further stimulate market demand. Continuous investments in innovation and recycling of carbon materials are strengthening local supply chains. With strong regulatory frameworks and industrial modernization, the region is maintaining a robust market trajectory.
Asia-Pacific Region Dominates the Market with Major Share
The Asia-Pacific region is recording significant market growth driven by rapid industrialization and increasing environmental protection initiatives. Expanding manufacturing sectors, along with government-backed clean water programs, are major contributors. Urban air pollution challenges in countries like China and India have increased the use of activated carbon filters. Growing demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries also supports the market’s upward trend. With rising awareness and infrastructural development, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth hub for activated carbon production and consumption.
Market Players Outlook
The major companies operating in the global activated carbon market include Cabot Corp., Calgon Carbon Corp., Haycarb PLC, Jacobi Carbons Group, Kuraray Co., Ltd, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments
Industry Overview
Activated carbon market was valued at $4,989.6 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $12,855.0 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 10.0% during the forecast period (2026-2035). The global activated carbon market is witnessing steady expansion driven by increasing demand across various industrial and environmental applications. Growing awareness regarding clean air and water standards has significantly boosted consumption levels globally. Technological progress in carbon regeneration and production efficiency is further enhancing its adoption. The material’s strong adsorption properties make it vital for pollution control and purification systems. As industries focus on sustainability and compliance with stricter emission norms, market growth continues to strengthen.
Market Dynamics
Rising Demand from Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications
Global activated carbon market is witnessing strong growth due to its extensive use in water purification and wastewater treatment processes. Increasing industrial effluent and growing concerns about safe drinking water are driving the adoption of activated carbon filtration systems. Governments across various regions are implementing strict environmental regulations, further boosting demand. Companies are investing in advanced carbon grades with higher adsorption efficiency to meet sustainability goals. This trend continues to position activated carbon as a key material in environmental protection solutions.
Expanding Utilization in Air Purification and Industrial Processes
The market is also expanding with the increasing application of activated carbon in air purification systems and industrial emission control. Rising urban pollution levels and the enforcement of clean air policies are encouraging its use in air filters and gas treatment units. Additionally, industries such as chemical processing, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals are adopting activated carbon for product purification. Innovations in granular and powdered activated carbon forms are enhancing efficiency across sectors. This growing industrial integration is expected to significantly strengthen market performance through 2035.
Market Segmentation
- Based on the form type, the market is segmented into powdered, granular, and extruded/ pelletized.
- Based on the end use, the market is segmented into food & beverage, pharmaceutical, metal extraction, air & water purification, industrial chemicals, automotive, personal care & beauty products, and others (odor removal).
The market is experiencing notable growth supported by the rising use of powdered activated carbon in filtration and treatment processes. Its fine particle structure allows faster absorption of impurities, making it suitable for large-scale water and air purification systems. Industries such as food processing and pharmaceuticals prefer powdered variants for their high efficiency and ease of application. Consistent product innovations are also improving adsorption performance and cost-effectiveness. This widespread adaptability across end-use sectors is contributing to the segment’s leading market position.
Air & Water Purification: A Key Segment in Market Growth
The expansion of the activated carbon market is largely fueled by the growing reliance on air and water purification systems. Increasing industrial effluents and rising global concern for potable water quality are major driving forces. Activated carbon’s efficiency in removing contaminants, odors, and harmful gases makes it essential for environmental applications. Governments are enforcing tighter regulations on emission and wastewater control, accelerating their use. This growing environmental focus continues to push demand across municipal and industrial treatment facilities.
Regional Outlook
The global activated carbon market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
Growing Adoption of Purification Technologies in Europe
The North American market is advancing owing to stringent environmental regulations and the growing adoption of purification technologies. Industries are increasingly deploying activated carbon for air filtration, wastewater treatment, and industrial chemical processes. Rising health awareness and water quality concerns among consumers further stimulate market demand. Continuous investments in innovation and recycling of carbon materials are strengthening local supply chains. With strong regulatory frameworks and industrial modernization, the region is maintaining a robust market trajectory.
Asia-Pacific Region Dominates the Market with Major Share
The Asia-Pacific region is recording significant market growth driven by rapid industrialization and increasing environmental protection initiatives. Expanding manufacturing sectors, along with government-backed clean water programs, are major contributors. Urban air pollution challenges in countries like China and India have increased the use of activated carbon filters. Growing demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries also supports the market’s upward trend. With rising awareness and infrastructural development, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth hub for activated carbon production and consumption.
Market Players Outlook
The major companies operating in the global activated carbon market include Cabot Corp., Calgon Carbon Corp., Haycarb PLC, Jacobi Carbons Group, Kuraray Co., Ltd, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments
- In July 2025, Carbon Clean, in revolutionising carbon capture solutions, announced the official opening of its new Global Innovation Centre (GIC) in Navi Mumbai, India. The GIC will be one of the largest dedicated carbon capture research facilities, spanning 77,121 square feet and housing two carbon capture plants alongside state-of-the-art laboratories for solvent development, analysis, and testing. It will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and technology demonstration.
- In May 2025, Wärtsilä introduced a carbon capture solution to the shipping market after a world-first full-scale installation success. The ability to capture CO2 from ship exhaust systems will have a major impact on the industry’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions, taking into account the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 reduction target. Wärtsilä has been actively developing this technology since 2019 and currently operates a research centre and test facility in Moss, Norway, capturing 10 tonnes of CO2 per day from a Wärtsilä marine engine.
- Market value data analysis of 2025 and forecast to 2035.
- Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
- Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
- Key companies operating in the global activated carbon market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
- Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
- Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
- Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.
Table of Contents
266 Pages
- 1. Report Summary
- Current Industry Analysis and Growth Potential Outlook
- Global Activated Carbon Market Sales Analysis – Form Type | End Use | ($ Million)
- Activated Carbon Market Sales Performance of Top Countries
- 1.1. Research Methodology
- Primary Research Approach
- Secondary Research Approach
- 1.2. Market Snapshot
- 2. Market Overview and Insights
- 2.1. Scope of the Study
- 2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends
- 2.2.1. Key Activated Carbon Market Trends
- 2.2.2. Market Recommendations
- 2.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis for the Activated Carbon Market
- 2.3.1. Competitive Rivalry
- 2.3.2. Threat of New Entrants
- 2.3.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 2.3.4. Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 2.3.5. Threat of Substitutes
- 3. Market Determinants
- 3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.1.1. Drivers For Global Activated Carbon Market: Impact Analysis
- 3.2. Market Pain Points and Challenges
- 3.2.1. Restraints For Global Activated Carbon Market: Impact Analysis
- 3.3. Market Opportunities
- 4. Competitive Landscape
- 4.1. Competitive Dashboard – Activated Carbon Market Revenue and Share by Manufacturers
- Activated Carbon Product Comparison Analysis
- Top Market Player Ranking Matrix
- 4.2. Key Company Analysis
- 4.2.1. Cabot Corp.
- 4.2.1.1. Overview
- 4.2.1.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.1.3. Financial Analysis
- 4.2.1.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.1.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.2. Calgon Carbon Corp.
- 4.2.2.1. Overview
- 4.2.2.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.2.3. Financial Analysis
- 4.2.2.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.2.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.3. Haycarb PLC
- 4.2.3.1. Overview
- 4.2.3.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.3.3. Financial Analysis
- 4.2.3.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.3.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.4. Jacobi Carbons Group
- 4.2.4.1. Overview
- 4.2.4.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.4.3. Financial Analysis
- 4.2.4.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.4.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.5. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
- 4.2.5.1. Overview
- 4.2.5.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.5.3. Financial Analysis
- 4.2.5.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.5.5. Business Strategy
- 4.3. Top Winning Strategies by Market Players
- 4.3.1. Merger and Acquisition
- 4.3.2. Product Launch
- 4.3.3. Partnership And Collaboration
- 5. Global Activated Carbon Market Sales Analysis by Form Type ($ Million)
- 5.1. Powdered
- 5.2. Granular
- 5.3. Extruded/Pelletized
- 6. Global Activated Carbon Market Sales Analysis by End Use ($ Million)
- 6.1. Food & Beverage
- 6.2. Pharmaceutical
- 6.3. Metal Extraction
- 6.4. Air &Water Purification
- 6.5. Industrial Chemicals
- 6.6. Automotive
- 6.7. Personal Care & Beauty Products
- 6.8. Others (Odor Removal)
- 7. Regional Analysis
- 7.1. North American Activated Carbon Market Sales Analysis – Form Type | End Use | Country ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for North America
- 7.1.1. United States
- 7.1.2. Canada
- 7.2. European Activated Carbon Market Sales Analysis – Form Type | End Use | Country ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for Europe
- 7.2.1. UK
- 7.2.2. Germany
- 7.2.3. Italy
- 7.2.4. Spain
- 7.2.5. France
- 7.2.6. Russia
- 7.2.7. Rest of Europe
- 7.3. Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Sales Analysis – Form Type | End Use |Country ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for Asia-Pacific
- 7.3.1. China
- 7.3.2. Japan
- 7.3.3. South Korea
- 7.3.4. India
- 7.3.5. Australia & New Zealand
- 7.3.6. ASEAN Countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, And Other)
- 7.3.7. Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 7.4. Rest of the World Activated Carbon Market Sales Analysis – Form Type | End Use | Country ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for Rest of the World
- 7.4.1. Latin America
- 7.4.2. Middle East and Africa
- 8. Company Profiles
- 8.1. Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.
- 8.1.1. Quick Facts
- 8.1.2. Company Overview
- 8.1.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.1.4. Business Strategies
- 8.2. Boyce Carbon Ltd.
- 8.2.1. Quick Facts
- 8.2.2. Company Overview
- 8.2.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.2.4. Business Strategies
- 8.3. Cabot Corp.
- 8.3.1. Quick Facts
- 8.3.2. Company Overview
- 8.3.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.3.4. Business Strategies
- 8.4. Calgon Carbon Corp. (A Kuraray Company)
- 8.4.1. Quick Facts
- 8.4.2. Company Overview
- 8.4.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.4.4. Business Strategies
- 8.5. Carbon Activated Corp.
- 8.5.1. Quick Facts
- 8.5.2. Company Overview
- 8.5.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.5.4. Business Strategies
- 8.6. CarboTech AC GmbH
- 8.6.1. Quick Facts
- 8.6.2. Company Overview
- 8.6.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.6.4. Business Strategies
- 8.7. Donau Carbon GmbH
- 8.7.1. Quick Facts
- 8.7.2. Company Overview
- 8.7.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.7.4. Business Strategies
- 8.8. Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
- 8.8.1. Quick Facts
- 8.8.2. Company Overview
- 8.8.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.8.4. Business Strategies
- 8.9. Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon Co., Ltd.
- 8.9.1. Quick Facts
- 8.9.2. Company Overview
- 8.9.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.9.4. Business Strategies
- 8.10. Haycarb PLC
- 8.10.1. Quick Facts
- 8.10.2. Company Overview
- 8.10.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.10.4. Business Strategies
- 8.11. Ingevity Corp.
- 8.11.1. Quick Facts
- 8.11.2. Company Overview
- 8.11.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.11.4. Business Strategies
- 8.12. Jacobi Carbons Group (Osaka Gas Chemicals)
- 8.12.1. Quick Facts
- 8.12.2. Company Overview
- 8.12.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.12.4. Business Strategies
- 8.13. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
- 8.13.1. Quick Facts
- 8.13.2. Company Overview
- 8.13.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.13.4. Business Strategies
- 8.14. Kureha Corp.
- 8.14.1. Quick Facts
- 8.14.2. Company Overview
- 8.14.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.14.4. Business Strategies
- 8.15. Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.
- 8.15.1. Quick Facts
- 8.15.2. Company Overview
- 8.15.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.15.4. Business Strategies
- 8.16. Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC
- 8.16.1. Quick Facts
- 8.16.2. Company Overview
- 8.16.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.16.4. Business Strategies
- 8.17. Prominent Systems, Inc.
- 8.17.1. Quick Facts
- 8.17.2. Company Overview
- 8.17.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.17.4. Business Strategies
- 8.18. Shinkwang Chem. Ind. Co., Ltd.
- 8.18.1. Quick Facts
- 8.18.2. Company Overview
- 8.18.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.18.4. Business Strategies
- 8.19. Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH
- 8.19.1. Quick Facts
- 8.19.2. Company Overview
- 8.19.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.19.4. Business Strategies
- 8.20. Zhejiang Xingda Activated Carbon Co., Ltd.
- 8.20.1. Quick Facts
- 8.20.2. Company Overview
- 8.20.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.20.4. Business Strategies
Pricing
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