Activated Carbon Market (2025-2031) | Trends, Growth, Size, Outlook, Share, Industry, Companies, Revenue, Analysis, Value & Forecast

Activated Carbon Market Highlights

Report Name	Activated Carbon Market
Report Category/Coverage	Global
Forecast period	2025-2031
CAGR	9.6%
Market Size	USD 10.3 billion by 2031
Growing Sector	Gas Phase

Topics Covered in the Activated Carbon Market Report

Activated Carbon Market report thoroughly covers the by region, by product, by application, and by end user. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.

Activated Carbon Market Size Analysis

The Activated Carbon Market has been experiencing significant growth over the past few years. As of 2025, the global market is valued at approximately $6.2 billion. Further, the Global Market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2025 to 2031. Additionally, by 2031, the market size is expected to reach around $10.3 billion.

Activated Carbon Market Synopsis

The activated carbon market has witnessed steady growth over the past few years, driven by increasing demand across various industries such as water treatment, air purification, and the food and beverage sector. The push for more stringent environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives has elevated the importance of activated carbon due to its effective adsorptive properties, helping reduce pollutants and contaminants. Additionally, the rise in industrial activities and the need for efficient removal of impurities have further bolstered market expansion. Emerging economies, with their rapid industrialization and urbanization, present significant opportunities for market players. However, the market also faces challenges such as price volatility of raw materials and competition from alternative technologies.

According to 6Wresearch, the Activated Carbon Market revenue is expected to reach at a significant CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period 2025-2031. The activated carbon market is primarily driven by increasing demand for water purification systems. As awareness about water pollution and its health hazards grows, both municipal and industrial sectors are investing heavily in advanced water treatment processes, where activated carbon is a key component. Another major driver is the rising need for air purification solutions, especially in urban areas plagued by pollutants and emissions. Stringent environmental regulations mandating industries to adopt cleaner technologies also propel market growth, with activated carbon being utilized to capture contaminants before they are released into the atmosphere.

One significant obstacle is the fluctuating cost and availability of raw materials, primarily coconut shells and coal. These supply chain issues can lead to price volatility, affecting the cost competitiveness of activated carbon products. Additionally, the increasing competition from alternative purification technologies poses a threat to the market. Innovations in filtration and adsorption methods may reduce the reliance on activated carbon or offer more efficient solutions.

Activated Carbon Market Trends

• Growing Demand in Water Treatment – The activated carbon market is experiencing significant growth in the water treatment sector. This increase is driven by heightened awareness of water pollution and the subsequent need for effective filtration solutions to provide clean and safe water.
• Expansion in Air Purification Applications – With rising concerns about air quality and pollution, activated carbon is becoming a popular choice in air purification systems. Its ability to trap pollutants and odors makes it essential in both residential and industrial environments.
• Advancements in Medical Applications - Activated carbon is being increasingly used in medical applications, including wound dressings and drug delivery systems. Its high adsorption capacity and compatibility with biological systems are propelling its demand in the healthcare industry.

Investment Opportunities in the Activated Carbon Market

• Diverse Applications in Emerging Markets – Emerging economies are increasing their use of activated carbon for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and automotive production. This diversification offers a wide range of investment avenues with potentially high returns.
• Research and Development – Ongoing research into the development of new types of activated carbon, such as graphene-based materials, is creating opportunities for companies to gain a competitive edge in the market. Investing in companies with a strong focus on research and development can lead to long-term growth potential.
• Potential for Mergers and Acquisitions - The activated carbon industry is highly fragmented, with many small players competing in the market. This presents opportunities for mergers and acquisitions, which can lead to increased market share and profitability for larger companies.

Leading Players of the Activated Carbon Market

Companies such as Calgon Carbon Corporation, Cabot Corporation, Kuraray Co., Ltd., and Jacobi Carbons are recognized for their extensive product portfolios and advanced technological capabilities. These market leaders leverage their expertise in activated carbon production to cater to a wide range of applications, including water treatment, air purification, and industrial processes. Their continuous investment in research and development ensures they remain at the forefront of the market, offering solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers and regulatory standards.

Government Regulations Introduced in the Activated Carbon Market

The activated carbon market has recently experienced a range of government regulations aimed at ensuring environmental safety and sustainable industry practices. Many countries have implemented stringent standards concerning the discharge of pollutants, driving the demand for activated carbon as an effective adsorbent to remove contaminants from air and water. Regulations such as the Clean Air Act in the United States mandate the use of activated carbon in industrial processes to capture harmful emissions. Similarly, European Union regulations focus on water treatment and require industries to adhere to specific guidelines for reducing hazardous substances.

Future Insights of the Activated Carbon Market

The activated carbon market is set to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand in various industries and heightened environmental regulations. With advancements in air and water purification technologies, activated carbon's role as an efficient adsorbent is gaining more attention. Emerging economies are also witnessing growing adoption of activated carbon due to urbanization and industrial expansion, which necessitate effective pollution control measures. Moreover, the shift towards renewable and eco-friendly solutions is likely to propel research and development, leading to enhanced product offerings and applications.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.

Powdered to Dominate the Market - By product

According to Parth, Senior Research Analyst, 6wresearch, the powdered activated carbon market has experienced significant growth over recent years, driven by increasing demand for water treatment solutions and air purification systems. As industries and urban areas strive to meet stringent environmental regulations, the utilization of activated carbon has become essential in removing impurities and contaminants. This form of carbon, processed to be highly porous, offers a large surface area that is effective in absorbing pollutants from liquids and gases. Key industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and automotive are turning to powdered activated carbon as an effective means of purification and filtration.

Gas phase to dominate the market - By Application

The gas phase in the activated carbon market plays a crucial role in various industrial applications due to its exceptional ability to adsorb chemical substances. Activated carbon is widely used in gas purification processes, such as the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and impurities from air streams and industrial exhausts. It is particularly valuable in industries like chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and air filtration, where controlling emissions and ensuring air quality are critical.

Water treatment to dominate the market – By end user

The water treatment sector plays a crucial role in the activated carbon market, leveraging the material's exceptional adsorption properties to purify contaminated water. Activated carbon is highly effective in removing organic compounds, chlorine, and other impurities from water, making it indispensable in municipal water treatment plants and industrial applications. Its porous structure allows it to trap pollutants, ensuring cleaner, safer water for consumption and use. As environmental regulations become more stringent, the demand for activated carbon in water treatment is anticipated to rise, driving innovation and advancements in its application, efficiency, and sustainability within the industry.

APAC to dominate the market – By region

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region plays a crucial role in the activated carbon market. This is largely due to the burgeoning industrial sector and heightened environmental regulations in countries like China, India, and Japan. The demand for activated carbon in APAC is driven by its extensive use in air and water purification processes, which are vital in managing pollution levels in these rapidly developing nations. Furthermore, the presence of several key players and ongoing technological advancements in production processes enhance the region's capacity to supply high-quality activated carbon products both domestically and internationally.

Key attractiveness of the report

• 10 Years of Market Numbers.
• Historical Data Starting from 2021 to 2024.
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Data until 2031.
• Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
• Major Upcoming Developments and Projects.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Activated Carbon Market Outlook
• Market Size of Activated Carbon Market, 2024
• Forecast of Activated Carbon Market, 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Revenues  & Volume for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Activated Carbon Market Trend Evolution
• Activated Carbon Market Drivers and Challenges
• Activated CarbonPrice Trends
• Activated CarbonPorter's Five Forces
• Activated CarbonIndustry Life Cycle
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Regions for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Asia Pacific for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By North America for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Latin America for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Middle East for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Africa for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Europe for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Product for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Powdered for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Granular for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Application for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Liquid Phase for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Gas Phase for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By End Use for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Water Treatment for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Food & Beverage Processing for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Pharmaceutical & Medical for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Automotive for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Air Purification for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 – 2031
• Activated Carbon Market - Key Performance Indicators
• Activated Carbon Market - Import Export Trade Statistics
• Activated Carbon Market - Opportunity Assessment By Product Types
• Activated Carbon Market - Opportunity Assessment By Distribution Channels
• Activated Carbon Market - Opportunity Assessment By Regions
• Activated Carbon Market - Top Companies Market Share
• Activated Carbon Market - Top Companies Profiles
• Activated Carbon Market - Comparison of Players in Technical and Operating Parameters
• Activated Carbon Market - Strategic Recommendations

Market Covered

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:

By Regions

• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Africa
• Europe

By Product

• Powdered
• Granular
• Others

By Application

• Liquid Phase
• Gas Phase

By End-use

• Water Treatment
• Food & Beverage Processing
• Pharmaceutical & Medical
• Automotive
• Air Purification
• Others