Global Activated Carbon Market 2025: A Brief Overview Of Size, Dynamics And Trends-1

In 2024, the size of the activated carbon market is valued at $7.45 billion, and it is expected that from 2025 to 2032, the total activated carbon revenue will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.32% to nearly $15.2 billion.

Demand for pollution control drives demand for activated carbon

With the increasing demand for pollution control, the demand for activated carbon is also growing. The adsorption process is the transfer of gaseous pollutants from the airflow to the solid surface of the adsorbent, and activated carbon is one of the most common adsorbents. It has the unique advantages of effectively removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors and other gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere. Compared with other air purifiers (such as the high-efficiency particle absorption filter HEPA, which only filters particulate pollution in the air), activated carbon works very differently.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the maximum attainable control technology (MACT) standards that require pollution sources to meet certain emission limits based on the emission levels of the best performing facilities. The European Commission has also issued directives restricting industrial emissions, such as the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (Directive2008 / 1 / EC). At the heart of the directive is the use of best viable technologies (BAT), state-of-the-art technologies affordable and available on the market, to prevent the discharge of pollutants such as mercury.

Shortage of raw materials led to higher prices

In the Asia-Pacific region, coconut shell is gradually becoming an increasingly important raw material for activated carbon producers. However, natural disasters have had a significant impact on the value chain of the activated carbon market, especially in the supply of raw materials. This has led to a sharp increase in the cost of raw materials, especially the cost of coconut shell charcoal. In addition, the cost of coal-based activated carbon has also increased due to increased energy demand, especially in China, where the demand for coal in industries (such as power, cement and steel plants) continues to surge.

Due to the sharp increase in raw material costs, Jacobi Group has decided to make a general 10% price increase for all coconut shell activated carbon, which will take effect from April 1st and apply to shipments on or after that date. Norit has raised prices for all activated carbon products worldwide by between 3% and 8%, starting on October 1st or at the time allowed by the customer contract. In addition, the shortage of suitable coal-based materials for the production of activated carbon has led to reduced production capacity, which also drives up the price of activated carbon.