The global activated carbon market size was estimated at USD 4,068.8 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5,497.3 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2026 to 2033. This steady market expansion reflects the increasing prioritization of advanced purification and filtration technologies across multiple industries to comply with rising environmental standards and regulatory requirements. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are imposing stricter norms related to air emissions, water quality, and industrial waste management, which is driving consistent demand for activated carbon solutions. Growth is further supported by the expanding use of activated carbon in water treatment, air purification, food and beverage processing, and a wide range of industrial applications. In addition, diverse product categories and the emergence of new regional markets are contributing to a dynamic and evolving industry landscape as sustainability initiatives and public health concerns continue to intensify globally.

Product diversification remains a key driver of market development, as different types of activated carbon are engineered to meet specific performance requirements. The honeycomb activated carbon segment is experiencing notable growth due to its high efficiency in volatile organic compound (VOC) removal, making it well suited for industrial air purification and exhaust treatment systems. The activated carbon fiber segment is expanding as its lightweight structure, high surface area, and rapid adsorption capabilities make it increasingly attractive for applications in electronics, protective equipment, and specialized chemical processing. Meanwhile, the pelletized activated carbon segment continues to advance, supported by its mechanical strength, uniform shape, and low dust generation, which are particularly advantageous in gas-phase filtration systems.

End-use applications continue to drive significant advancements within the activated carbon sector, particularly in industries subject to stringent regulatory oversight. The automotive activated carbon canister market is expanding as vehicle manufacturers increasingly adopt advanced evaporative emission control systems to reduce hydrocarbon emissions and comply with tightening automotive emission standards. At the same time, the activated carbon mercury control market is growing in response to stricter regulations on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, waste incineration facilities, and metal processing operations. The activated carbon filter market remains one of the most versatile and widely adopted segments, serving residential, commercial, and industrial purification requirements across water and air treatment applications. Collectively, these end-use segments highlight the critical role of activated carbon in supporting environmental compliance, improving operational efficiency, and safeguarding public health within a rapidly evolving global industry.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• Asia Pacific dominated the activated carbon market with the largest revenue share of 48.9% in 2025. This regional leadership is driven by rapid industrialization, rising environmental awareness, and increasing investments in water and air purification infrastructure across emerging economies. The market in China is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 4.0% from 2026 to 2033, supported by strong industrial growth and ongoing implementation of stricter environmental regulations.
• By product, the powdered activated carbon segment held the largest revenue share of 61.4% in 2025. This dominance is attributed to its high adsorption efficiency, versatility, and widespread use in water treatment, wastewater processing, and industrial applications. Granular activated carbon is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2026 to 2033, driven by increasing demand for durable filtration media in water treatment plants, air purification systems, and industrial filtration processes.
• By application, the gas phase segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 54.1% in 2025. This growth is fueled by the increasing global emphasis on air quality management, control of industrial emissions, and compliance with environmental regulations related to gaseous pollutants and volatile organic compounds.
• By end use, the water treatment segment held the largest revenue share of 42.5% in 2025 in terms of value, reflecting the critical role of activated carbon in ensuring safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment. Meanwhile, applications of activated carbon in air purification are growing at the fastest rate, with a projected CAGR of 4.1%. This strong growth is driven by increasing concerns over indoor and outdoor air quality, rising industrial emissions, urbanization, and the implementation of stricter environmental regulations worldwide.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2025 Market Size: USD 4,068.8 Million
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 5,497.3 Million
• CAGR (2026-2033): 4.0%
• Asia Pacific: Largest market in 2025
• Middle East & Africa: Fastest growing market

Key Players

• CarbPure Technologies
• Boyce Carbon
• Cabot Corporation
• Kuraray Co.
• CarboTech AC GmbH
• Donau Chemie AG,
• Haycarb (Pvt) Ltd.
• Jacobi Carbons Group
• Kureha Corporation
• Osaka Gas Chemical Co.; Ltd.
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC.
• Carbon Activated Corporation
• Hangzhou Nature Technology Co., Ltd.
• CarbUSA
• Sorbent JSC

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the global activated carbon market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising environmental regulations and increasing demand for advanced purification technologies across water, air, and industrial applications. Product diversification, including powdered, granular, fiber, and honeycomb activated carbon, enables the market to address a wide range of performance and regulatory requirements. Strong demand from highly regulated end-use sectors such as automotive emissions control, mercury removal, and industrial filtration continues to reinforce market expansion. Asia Pacific remains the leading regional market, supported by rapid industrialization and sustained investments in environmental infrastructure. Growing emphasis on air quality management and clean water access is further accelerating adoption worldwide. Ongoing technological advancements and sustainability initiatives are expected to sustain market growth through 2033.