PUBLISHER: Polaris Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1762488
PUBLISHER: Polaris Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1762488
The activated carbon market size is expected to reach USD 22.94 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report "Activated Carbon Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Product Type (Granular, Powdered, Others), By Application, By Raw Material, By End User, and By Region; Market Forecast, 2025-2034" gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.
Activated carbon is a highly porous form of carbon used for adsorption and filtration across industrial, environmental, and consumer applications. The demand for activated carbon has accelerated due to its ability to remove contaminants from air, water, and chemical streams as industries face growing pressure to meet strict environmental regulations. The increasing use of activated carbon in emission control systems is driving growth opportunities in the activated carbon market. Its effectiveness in capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mercury, and other industrial pollutants makes it indispensable for maintaining compliance and carbon footprint management. Additionally, a growing awareness of sustainable manufacturing and cleaner production practices further supports this trend.
The rising focus on product innovation to enhance performance and application versatility further boosts the expansion opportunities. Manufacturers are investing in research to develop advanced grades of activated carbon with tailored pore structures, improved regeneration capabilities, and compatibility with newer technologies. These innovations are enabling broader applications across various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, energy storage, and food processing. Therefore, as end users prioritize operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, the role of high-performance activated carbon continues to expand, boosting long-term market opportunities.
In terms of end user, the water treatment segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the activated carbon market in 2024, due to its extensive use in both municipal and industrial water purification systems.
Based on distribution channel, the distributor networks segment is expected to grow the fastest in the coming years, as it plays a major role in connecting manufacturers with smaller or regional buyers.
Asia Pacific led the activated carbon market in revenue share in 2024, driven by high demand in various industries, including water treatment, air purification, and gold extraction.
The North America activated carbon market is projected to experience substantial growth over the forecast period, supported by stringent environmental regulations and increasing focus on air and water quality.
A few global key market players include Boyce Carbon; Cabot Corporation; Carbon Activated Corporation; CarboTech AC GmbH; CarbPure Technologies; Donau Chemie AG; Evoqua Water Technologies LLC; Haycarb PLC; Jacobi Carbons Group; Kuraray Co.; Kureha Corporation; Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.; Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC; and Tantech Holdings Ltd.
Polaris Market Research has segmented the market report on the basis of raw material, distribution channel, end user, and region:
By Raw Material Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
Coal-Based
Coconut Shell
Hardwood-Based
Softwood-Based
Other Materials
By Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
Direct Wholesale to Manufacturers
Distributor Networks
Retail Channel
By End User Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
Water Treatment
Air & Gas Purification
Food & Beverage Processing
Pharmaceutical
Mining & Metallurgy
Automotive & Transportation
Others
By Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
North America
US
Canada
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Malaysia
South Korea
Indonesia
Australia
Vietnam
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Israel
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
Latin America
Mexico
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of Latin America