Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In March 2023, Cabot Corporation recently launched the EVOLVE technology program that is involved in advancing sustainable reinforcing carbons. The purpose of the new technology launch is to recover the carbon product from the end-life tiers to renew the waste and reduce the carbon content.

• In January 2023, Cabot Corporation announced that it would invest USD 200 million in the U.S. to add conductive carbons capacity at their existing Pampa, Texas, U.S. facility. The purpose of the investment is aimed at product expansion in the country for the next five years.

• In October 2022, Kuraray Co., Ltd announced that it would finish the running test operation of the reactivated carbon production facility on its Feluy plant in Germany.

The Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Product, End-Use and Geography, product, with the primary categories being powdered activated carbon (PAC), granular activated carbon (GAC), and extruded activated carbon (EAC). Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is widely used in water treatment, air purification, and food processing due to its fine texture and high surface area, making it effective for adsorbing impurities. Granular activated carbon (GAC), with larger particle sizes, is primarily used in industrial applications like water treatment, gas purification, and the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air and industrial emissions. Extruded activated carbon (EAC), which is shaped into cylindrical pellets, is used in applications where high mechanical strength and flow resistance are important, such as in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. The demand for each product type is driven by the specific needs of industries requiring efficient purification, filtration, and separation solutions.

In terms of end-use, the global coal-based activated carbon market finds application across several industries, including water treatment, air purification, industrial processing, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage. The water treatment industry is one of the largest consumers of coal-based activated carbon, as it is crucial in purifying drinking water and wastewater by removing contaminants like chlorine, organic compounds, and heavy metals. In air purification, coal-based activated carbon is used in both industrial and residential applications to filter harmful gases and pollutants. The industrial processing sector utilizes activated carbon for a range of applications, including gold recovery and chemical manufacturing. Additionally, activated carbon is vital in pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries for removing impurities and ensuring product safety and quality. As environmental regulations tighten and industries focus on sustainability, the demand for coal-based activated carbon is expected to rise across these key sectors.

Geographically, the global coal-based activated carbon market is dominated by Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe. Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by the rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India, where there is a strong demand for air and water purification technologies. The region's growing focus on environmental regulations and industrial pollution control further propels the demand for activated carbon. North America follows closely, with the United States being a major producer and consumer of coal-based activated carbon, particularly in water and air treatment applications. The European market is also significant, with growing demand from industries such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, where high-quality activated carbon is required for specific filtration and purification processes. As global awareness of environmental issues increases, the demand for coal-based activated carbon is expected to continue to grow in these regions, supported by stringent regulations and the ongoing need for cleaner, more sustainable industrial practices.

Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Product, End-Use and Geography.

Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by Product

The Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market is segmented by Product into Granular, Powdered and Others.

Granular activated carbon is widely used in water and air purification due to its large surface area and high adsorption capacity. It is commonly employed in municipal water treatment facilities, industrial effluent processing, and air filtration systems, where its effectiveness in trapping contaminants and impurities is crucial for maintaining high-quality standards.

Powdered activated carbon, on the other hand, is known for its fine particle size, which allows it to be used effectively in processes requiring rapid adsorption and thorough mixing. It is frequently utilized in applications such as beverage and food processing, as well as in pharmaceutical and chemical industries for product purification and decolorization. The powdered form ensures quick dispersion and high reactivity, making it ideal for scenarios where fast and efficient contaminant removal is needed.

The Others category includes specialized forms of coal-based activated carbon, such as pelletized or extruded variants, designed for specific industrial uses or custom applications. These products are tailored to meet particular operational requirements, such as handling high flow rates or withstanding extreme conditions. As the market evolves and new technologies emerge, the segmentation by product type reflects the diverse applications and growing demand for tailored solutions in the coal-based activated carbon industry.

Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by End-Use

The Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market is segmented by End-Use into Water Treatment, Food & Beverage Processing, Pharmaceutical & Medical, Automotive, Air purification and Others.

In water treatment, coal-based activated carbon is crucial for removing contaminants and impurities, ensuring safe and clean drinking water, as well as treating industrial wastewater. Its high adsorption capacity makes it an essential component in municipal and industrial water treatment systems, where it helps meet stringent regulatory standards.

In the Food & Beverage Processing sector, coal-based activated carbon is used to purify and decolorize liquids, ensuring product quality and safety. It plays a vital role in removing unwanted flavors, odors, and contaminants from food and beverage products, enhancing their taste and extending shelf life. Similarly, in the Pharmaceutical & Medical industry, activated carbon is employed for drug purification, toxin removal, and as an ingredient in various medical products due to its effectiveness in adsorbing impurities and ensuring high-quality outputs.

The Automotive sector uses coal-based activated carbon primarily for air and cabin filtration, where it helps remove odors and harmful gases from vehicle interiors, improving passenger comfort and safety. In Air Purification, activated carbon is essential for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants, enhancing indoor air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The Others category includes niche applications, such as in electronics and energy storage, showcasing the versatile uses of coal-based activated carbon across emerging technologies and specialized fields.

Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market,Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2023

The Global Coal-Based Activated Carbon Market is segmented by geography into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America, including the United States and Canada, represents a significant market due to its advanced infrastructure, stringent environmental regulations, and high demand for water and air purification solutions. The region's focus on maintaining high standards for environmental protection and industrial processes drives the need for effective coal-based activated carbon products across various sectors.

In Europe, countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France contribute to a robust market landscape, influenced by the region's strong industrial base and regulatory frameworks. Europe's emphasis on environmental sustainability and compliance with strict pollution control standards fosters demand for advanced activated carbon solutions. The region's diverse industrial applications, including water treatment and air purification, further support the growth of the coal-based activated carbon market.

Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid market expansion due to the burgeoning industrial activities in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region's rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing environmental concerns drive significant demand for coal-based activated carbon in water treatment, air purification, and various industrial applications. Additionally, growing investments in infrastructure and industrial development across Asia-Pacific create substantial opportunities for market growth, positioning the region as a key player in the global coal-based activated carbon industry.