Activated Carbon Market Overview 

The Activated Carbon Market is set for steady growth over the next five years, with the market size estimated at USD 4.16 billion in 2026 and expected to reach USD 5.47 billion by 2031, representing a CAGR of 5.62%. This growth is being driven by tightening water-quality regulations, increasing demand for mercury removal at coal-fired power plants, and the adoption of solvent recovery processes across industrial sectors.  

The Activated Carbon Market is becoming more diverse, with applications spanning water treatment, sugar decolorization, solvent recovery, and biogas upgrading. The market is also witnessing a shift from single-use powdered activated carbon (PAC) to GAC combined with regional reactivation services, which reduces lifecycle costs and supports sustainability objectives. 

Key Trends in the Activated Carbon Market 

Growing Demand for Water Purification 

Utilities worldwide are increasingly focused on PFAS removal and other contaminant regulations. The EPA’s limits for six PFAS compounds in the U.S. are prompting hundreds of water utilities to adopt GAC systems and secure long-term supply contracts.  

Mercury-Removal Mandates for Coal-Fired Plants 

Coal-fired power plants are required to meet stricter mercury emission standards in regions like the U.S., China, and India. Activated carbon, including brominated and halogenated grades, is used in flue-gas injection systems to capture mercury.  

Industrial Solvent Recovery and Low-Sulfur Fuel Regulations 

Refineries and chemical plants are deploying activated carbon in solvent-recovery loops to meet stricter emission standards and improve resource efficiency. PAC and GAC both play roles in these processes, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, where new refining projects are being implemented. 

Biogas Upgrading and Hâ‚‚S Scrubbing 

Small-scale biogas plants in Europe, India, and China are retrofitting carbon filters to remove hydrogen sulfide and siloxanes. These filters provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional amine scrubbers for smaller operations, with emerging specialty grades improving longevity and efficiency. 

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Market Segmentation 

By Raw Material: 

  • Coal-Based 
  • Coconut-Shell-Based 
  • Wood-Based 
  • Other (Peat, Lignite, etc.) 

By Form: 

  • Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) 
  • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) 
  • Extruded/Pelletized Activated Carbon (EAC) 

By Application: 

  • Drinking Water Treatment 
  • Decolorization Treatment 
  • Sugar Production 
  • Concentration Treatment 
  • Solvent Recovery 
  • PFAS Adsorption Treatment 
  • Other Applications 

By End-User Industry: 

  • Water Treatment 
  • Industrial Processing 
  • Healthcare 
  • Food and Beverage 
  • Automotive 
  • Other End-User Industries 

By Geography: 

  • Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, Rest of Asia-Pacific) 
  • North America (United States, Canada, Mexico) 
  • Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Nordics, Rest of Europe) 
  • South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America) 
  • Middle-East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of MEA) 

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Key Players in the Activated Carbon Market 

  • Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd. 
  • KURARAY CO., LTD. 
  • Haycarb PLC 
  • Norit 
  • Ingevity 

Conclusion 

The Activated Carbon Market Growth over the forecast period is supported by regulatory compliance, industrial efficiency needs, and sustainable carbon management strategies. Overall, the Activated Carbon Market Forecast is positive, with diverse applications, regulatory backing, and expanding production capacity underpinning long-term opportunities. For suppliers and buyers alike, aligning production strategies with sustainability, circularity, and regulatory compliance will be key to capturing market share in the coming years. 

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