Market Forecast by Countries (United States, Canada), 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) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC075343 | Publication Date: Aug 2021 | Updated Date: Jan 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 200 | No. of Figures: 90 | No. of Tables: 30 | |
Report Name | North America Activated Carbon Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
Market Size | USD 2.5 billion by 2031 |
CAGR | 5.2% |
Growing Sector | Water Treatment |
North America Activated Carbon Market report thoroughly covers the market by product, by application, by end user, and key countries. 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.
North America Activated Carbon Market Size is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period, reaching a market size of USD 2.5 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.2%. With the United States and Canada being key contributors to the global activated carbon market, the region is witnessing substantial growth due to advancements in industrial applications and a heightened focus on environmental sustainability.
North America Activated Carbon Market is highly competitive, with diverse applications across multiple sectors, including water treatment, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and air purification. Activated carbon is utilized in both liquid and gas phases to purify substances, making it crucial in addressing environmental challenges such as water treatment and air quality control. The shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly solutions further drive market growth, particularly in industries where emission control and pollution abatement are critical. The market is segmented by product type, with powdered activated carbon and granular activated carbon being the dominant forms used in various industries. These segments contribute significantly to market growth as they offer versatility in treating both liquids and gases. The rising demand for carbon filtration in industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, and food processing further strengthens market prospects.
According to 6Wresearch, the North America Activated Carbon Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2025-2031. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue as demand across various industries increases. The market growth is primarily driven by rising concerns about water contamination, air pollution, and the need for effective industrial filtration solutions. As water treatment becomes a critical issue due to increasing industrialization, urbanization, and environmental regulations, the North America Activated Carbon Market Growth is expected to accelerate. With more stringent regulations on industrial emissions and wastewater treatment, activated carbon continues to play a key role in maintaining environmental standards. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of air purification systems, particularly in industries like automotive and healthcare, is expected to expand market opportunities.
Despite the promising growth, the North America Activated Carbon Market faces several challenges. One of the key hurdles is the high cost of production associated with activated carbon, especially for high-quality granular products. The production process, which involves the use of raw materials such as coconut shells or coal, requires significant investment in terms of energy consumption, making it expensive for manufacturers to produce activated carbon at scale. Furthermore, the availability and cost of raw materials pose supply chain challenges that can lead to price fluctuations in the market. Additionally, the market faces competition from alternative filtration materials, such as synthetic filters and newer technologies, which could limit the growth of activated carbon in certain applications.
Several key trends are shaping the future of the North America Activated Carbon Market. First and foremost, the growing demand for environmentally friendly filtration solutions is a major driver. Industries such as water treatment, air purification, and food and beverage processing are increasingly opting for activated carbon due to its effective contaminant removal capabilities and low environmental impact. The adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly technologies is further bolstered by increased regulatory scrutiny over emissions and water quality.
Another prominent trend is the advancement in activated carbon production technologies. Innovations such as low-temperature activation and the development of specialty carbons tailored for specific applications, such as pharmaceutical-grade activated carbon, are gaining traction. Moreover, the demand for activated carbon is expected to increase as industries focus more on health and safety, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to heightened awareness of air and water quality.
North America Activated Carbon Market presents various investment opportunities, particularly in the water treatment and air purification sectors. Companies are focusing on expanding their production capacities to meet the growing demand for activated carbon in industrial and municipal water filtration systems. Investment in research and development (R&D) for producing advanced and sustainable activated carbon products is also a key area where investors can capitalize.
With regulatory pressures driving demand for more stringent filtration solutions, companies developing high-performance activated carbon products for industrial emissions and water treatment applications will see significant growth. Moreover, as government initiatives continue to push for stricter environmental regulations, there is a strong opportunity for investments in wastewater treatment plants, air filtration systems, and advanced filtration technologies that utilize activated carbon.
North America Activated Carbon Market is highly competitive, with several key players driving innovation and shaping market trends. Major companies like Calgon Carbon Corporation, Jacobi Carbons, Haycarb PLC, Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd., and Cabot Corporation are at the forefront of the market. These leading players are focusing on expanding their product portfolios to include high-performance activated carbon solutions, tailored to the needs of industries like water treatment, air purification, and pharmaceuticals. Many of these companies are investing in sustainable production methods and the development of specialty activated carbons for use in more specific applications, such as food and beverage processing and automotive.
Government initiatives play a crucial role in the North America Activated Carbon Market Growth. Environmental regulations in the United States and Canada are pushing industries toward the adoption of more effective and sustainable filtration technologies. Regulations such as the Clean Water Act in the U.S. and the Canada Water Act have increased the need for advanced water treatment solutions, thus driving demand for activated carbon in municipal water systems. Similarly, air quality regulations, such as those enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are pushing industries to implement air purification systems, further bolstering the activated carbon market.
Additionally, the growing emphasis on reducing industrial emissions and mitigating environmental impacts has led to increased governmental support for industries investing in activated carbon-based filtration technologies. These regulations are expected to fuel market growth by fostering demand for activated carbon products in both water and air purification applications.
North America Activated Carbon Market is expected to experience robust growth, with increasing awareness about air quality, water contamination, and the need for efficient filtration systems. The market is expected to benefit from ongoing environmental regulations and the growing adoption of sustainable filtration solutions across various end-use industries. Additionally, emerging markets in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors will likely drive demand for high-quality activated carbon. The trend toward eco-friendly solutions will also continue to be a key driver of innovation, with companies investing in sustainable practices and clean technologies to stay competitive in the market.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
According to Vasu, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, the granular activated carbon (GAC) is the dominant category, owing to its widespread use in both liquid and gas phase applications. Granular activated carbon is highly effective for large-scale industrial processes such as water treatment, air purification, and chemical processing. Its versatility, durability, and efficiency in trapping contaminants make it the preferred choice in these industries.
The liquid phase segment is the dominant application category within the North American activated carbon market, driven by the increasing demand for water purification and wastewater treatment. Activated carbon is essential in removing pollutants from drinking water and industrial effluents, making it critical for municipalities and industries alike.
Water treatment dominates as the largest and fastest-growing category, particularly in municipal and industrial applications. The increasing global concerns over water contamination and the growing emphasis on clean water access drive this segment's growth. The rise in industrialization, particularly in North America, has led to an increased focus on industrial water treatment and wastewater management, which significantly contributes to the demand for activated carbon.
United States dominates the North America Activated Carbon Market due to its large industrial base, significant investments in water and air purification systems, and growing demand across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, and food & beverage processing. The U.S. also benefits from strict regulatory standards that encourage the adoption of activated carbon products for both water and air filtration.
The market report covers the following market segments to define the market growth:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 North America Activated Carbon Market Overview |
3.1 North America Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 North America Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 North America Activated Carbon Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 North America Activated Carbon Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 North America Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 North America Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 North America Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
3.8 North America Activated Carbon Market Revenues & Volume Share, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
4 North America Activated Carbon Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 North America Activated Carbon Market Trends |
6 North America Activated Carbon Market, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1 North America Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2 North America Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3 North America Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 - 2031 |
7 United States Activated Carbon Market, 2021 - 2031 |
7.1 United States Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2 United States Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3 United States Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 - 2031 |
8 Canada Activated Carbon Market, 2021 - 2031 |
8.1 Canada Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2 Canada Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 - 2031 |
8.3 Canada Activated Carbon Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 - 2031 |
9 North America Activated Carbon Market Key Performance Indicators |
10 North America Activated Carbon Market - Opportunity Assessment |
10.1 North America Activated Carbon Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
10.2 North America Activated Carbon Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
10.3 North America Activated Carbon Market Opportunity Assessment, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
10.4 North America Activated Carbon Market Opportunity Assessment, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
11 North America Activated Carbon Market - Competitive Landscape |
11.1 North America Activated Carbon Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
11.2 North America Activated Carbon Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
12 Company Profiles |
13 Recommendations |
14 Disclaimer |