Activated Carbon Market Overview

The global activated carbon market size is poised for steady growth from 2025 to 2033, driven by increasing demand for clean water, stringent environmental regulations, and expanding industrial activities. Valued at approximately USD 6.2 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 10.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

Activated carbon, known for its superior adsorption properties, is widely used in purification, filtration, and separation processes. Its ability to trap organic compounds, chemicals, and contaminants makes it indispensable in sectors such as water treatment, air purification, and pharmaceuticals. The growing emphasis on sustainable industrial operations, along with regulatory mandates for emissions control, is accelerating market penetration across developed and emerging economies. Additionally, the use of activated carbon in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems is opening new frontiers. Asia-Pacific leads the market due to rapid industrialization, urban water stress, and rising pollution levels.

Activated Carbon Market Drivers and Opportunities

Rising Demand for Water Purification and Wastewater Treatment

The global water crisis and the increasing need for clean, safe drinking water are major catalysts for the growth of the activated carbon market. Activated carbon is widely used in both municipal and industrial water treatment plants to remove organic compounds, heavy metals, chlorine, and other contaminants. Governments and private entities across regions such as Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are investing heavily in wastewater treatment infrastructure to address urbanization and pollution issues. Moreover, stricter environmental regulations, like the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act and the EU’s Water Framework Directive, are mandating the use of advanced purification technologies. Activated carbon’s effectiveness in removing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), pharmaceuticals, and microplastics further increases its utility. The growing emphasis on circular water use, decentralized water systems, and industrial water reuse is expected to fuel continued demand for high-performance activated carbon products, especially powdered and granular forms.

Tightening Air Quality Regulations and Industrial Emission Control

With growing public health awareness and climate change concerns, governments around the world are enacting stricter regulations on air quality and industrial emissions. Activated carbon is a critical material used to control harmful air pollutants such as mercury, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), SOx, NOx, and dioxins in power generation, cement, chemical, and metal processing industries. Countries like China, India, the U.S., and members of the EU are enforcing compliance with national and international emission standards, driving demand for air purification solutions embedded with activated carbon filters. Additionally, indoor air quality concerns in commercial buildings and healthcare facilities are boosting demand for HVAC filtration systems. Activated carbon’s role in capturing odors and toxins in confined environments like airplanes and vehicles is also expanding. These regulatory drivers, coupled with growing investments in sustainable industry operations, are propelling the adoption of activated carbon technologies in emission abatement.

Opportunity: Expansion into Energy Storage and EV Battery Applications

The transition to green energy and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) are creating new and lucrative opportunities for activated carbon. In lithium-ion and supercapacitor batteries, activated carbon is increasingly being used due to its high surface area, conductivity, and charge-storage properties. Supercapacitors, which use activated carbon in electrodes, are essential for energy storage systems requiring rapid charge-discharge cycles. This is gaining traction in EVs, renewable energy storage, and backup power applications. The market for high-purity, tailor-engineered activated carbon for energy systems is expanding, especially in regions such as North America, Europe, and China. Moreover, research into bio-based carbon materials and carbon aerogels is opening avenues for high-performance, lightweight, and sustainable energy storage solutions. As the global demand for clean energy technologies accelerates, activated carbon is expected to emerge as a critical material in the energy transition era.

Activated Carbon Market Scope

Activated Carbon Market Report Segmentation Analysis

The global Activated Carbon Market industry analysis is segmented by product type, by application, and by region.

Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Segment to Dominate the Market

Powdered activated carbon holds the largest share in the product type segment due to its widespread use in water treatment and food processing. PAC’s fine particle size and large surface area allow for quick adsorption of contaminants, making it ideal for emergency water treatment and seasonal taste and odor control. Its cost-effectiveness and versatility also contribute to high adoption in municipal and industrial applications. PAC is used on a per-dosage basis, offering flexibility for varying treatment needs. As urban populations rise and water quality challenges persist, the demand for PAC, especially in Asia-Pacific and African nations, is projected to grow steadily.

Water Treatment is the Leading Application Segment

The water treatment segment dominates activated carbon applications, accounting for the highest market share in 2025. Activated carbon is essential in removing organic pollutants, pesticides, chlorine, and taste/odor-causing compounds from drinking water. Its use is also critical in industrial wastewater treatment, where it helps meet discharge regulations. With increasing concerns around water scarcity and contamination, municipalities are upgrading infrastructure with granular and powdered carbon filters. Innovations like reactivated carbon, which offer environmental and economic benefits, are also supporting segment growth. Government mandates to limit PFAS and pharmaceutical residues are boosting demand further.

The following segments are part of an in-depth analysis of the global Activated Carbon Market:

Activated Carbon Market Share Analysis by Region

Asia-Pacific Leads the Global Activated Carbon Market Research

Asia-Pacific is expected to lead the global activated carbon market price during the forecast period, driven by growing water treatment needs, rising industrialization, and air pollution control mandates. China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to increased demand for potable water and emissions regulation. Additionally, the presence of numerous activated carbon manufacturers and a large base of raw materials like coconut shell and wood in the region supports supply chain efficiency. Ongoing investments in industrial wastewater treatment, coal-fired power plant emissions control, and food & beverage processing also contribute to market dominance. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a hub for energy storage innovation, further boosting demand for high-performance activated carbon.

Global Activated Carbon Market Recent Developments News:

• In May 2025, Cabot Corporation introduced a new series of high-purity activated carbon products specifically engineered for use in lithium-ion battery applications. These advanced materials are designed to enhance energy storage efficiency, improve conductivity, and extend battery life cycles. With the surging adoption of electric vehicles and grid-scale battery storage systems, the demand for superior carbon materials is rising. This product launch positions Cabot to cater to a fast-growing segment of the energy storage market, aligning with global electrification and sustainability goals.
• March 2025 – Kuraray Co., Ltd. announced the expansion of its activated carbon production facility in Vietnam, aiming to boost capacity and improve supply chain responsiveness across Southeast Asia. This expansion is in response to growing regional demand for water and air purification solutions in industrial and municipal sectors. The company emphasized that the investment would enhance its competitiveness in emerging markets while supporting environmental sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance across the region.
• December 2024 – Jacobi Carbons AB unveiled a new product line of specialized activated carbon designed for the removal of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in municipal water treatment systems. This innovation responds to increasing public concern and regulatory action surrounding PFAS contamination in drinking water. The new products offer high adsorption efficiency and longer service life, supporting municipalities in meeting strict environmental standards. Jacobi’s focus on advanced purification technologies further reinforces its position as a leader in sustainable water treatment solutions.

The Global Activated Carbon Market is dominated by a few large companies, such as

●        Cabot Corporation

●        Calgon Carbon Corporation (Kuraray Co., Ltd.)

●        Jacobi Carbons AB

●        Haycarb PLC

●        Donau Carbon GmbH

●        Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.

●        Carbotech AC GmbH

●        Carbon Activated Corporation

●        Boyce Carbon

●        DESOTEC Activated Carbon

●        Veolia Water Technologies

●        Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH

●        Evoqua Water Technologies LLC

●        ADA Carbon Solutions LLC

●        CECA (Arkema Group) Other Prominent Players