Activated Carbon Market Size, Share, Global Sector / Industry Report & Analysis 2020, & Forecast 2021-2026 (Includes Business Impact of COVID-19)

                                          
Abstract, Snapshot, Market Analysis & Market Definition: Global Activated Carbon Market


The global Activated Carbon market size is projected to reach US$ 17.15 billion by 2026, from US$ 6.52 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 17.5% during 2021-2026. Increasing demand in water treatment and sewage treatment applications is expected to be a key growth driver.

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal is characterized by presence of large number of tiny pores on its surface. Higher the number or pores, larger will be the surface area, which increases adsorption capacity of the element. Among all end uses, it is widely used in potable water purification and sewage treatment plants. Recent technological advancements in manufacturing are expected to further fuel the growth.

Various forms of the product are manufactured using raw material such as wood, peat, coconut shell charcoal, wood chips, petroleum pitch, phenolic resin, and viscose rayon. Use of high quantity of raw material during manufacturing process produces high carbon yield. Manufacturers are worried about the quality of raw material as it has direct impact on performance of end product. High supply demand gap has considerably increased the price of raw material.

Activated carbon is extensively used in water and sewage treatment owing to its ability to remove particulate and dissolved impurities. It also eliminates certain organic impurities and removes chlorine from water. It is used in greenhouses and manufacturing industries for air purification and to remove toxic gases, odors, and harmful dust particles. Food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical & medical, and automotive industries are other application areas for the product.

Rising level of air and water pollution have governments across the globe to impose strict air and water pollution control and waste treatment norms. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and government regulatory agencies have recommended activated carbon as the best available material for removing chemical impurities such as mercury.

Market Segmentation, Outlook & Viewpoint: Global Activated Carbon Market

Product Market Segmentation & Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  
Powdered
  
Granular
  
Others

Application Market Segmentation & Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  
Liquid Phase
  
Gas Phase

End Use Market Segmentation & Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  
Water Treatment
  
Food & Beverage Processing
  
Pharmaceutical & Medical
  
Automotive
  
Air Purification
  
Others

Key Players, Recent Developments & Regional Insights: Global Activated Carbon Market

On the basis of product type, the activated carbon market is categorized into powdered, granular, and others. The other segment is further divided into pelletized, extruded, acid washed, bead activated, and impregnated among others. Powdered form is the most common and widely used variety that finds application in automotive, pharmaceutical and medical, and food and beverage processing, owing to its unique pore structure and high adsorption capacity. In 2018, Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) accounted for more than 60% by volume of total product manufactured in the world. Rising demand and stringent environmental regulations are expected to play critical role in driving the growth.

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is generally manufactured from carbon rich organic raw materials, such as coal and coconut shell charcoal. GAC have regenerating properties that make it very popular. However, the iodine number of regenerated activated carbon reduces after regeneration. GAC is heavily used in air treatment and municipal water treatment plants, especially in mercury and chlorine removal process.

Growing applications in industries such as food and beverage processing and pharmaceutical and medical are projected to aid the market growth in near future. Applications in the automotive industry are expected to witness a brisk growth over the forecast period and are presumed to assist the growth over the next six years. Increasing population and disposable income, particularly in the developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America are expected to drive the market over the forecast period.

Application Insights

Gas phase application has crossed liquid phase application in terms of market share with increasing consumption into air conditioner, gas mask, sewage and human waste treatment, desulphurization, and purification of factory effluent gases. Asia Pacific led this market over the recent years and is projected to continue this dominance over the forecast period.

Rising demand of the product in air purification application from domestic as well as commercial users is expected to offer ample growth opportunities in the forthcoming years. Gas phase application is anticipated to reach USD 5.82 billion in terms of revenue and lead the market during the forecast period.
End Use Insights

Water treatment technology is gaining prominence all over the world. Companies are trying to adopt environment friendly and efficient water disposal techniques, which has increased demand for activated carbon over the past few years. In year 2018, consumption of the product in water treatment application has reached more than 40% of the total volume manufactured in the world.

In food and beverage sector, activated carbon is consumed in processes such as removal of contaminants or impurities such as color and odor from sweeteners, food liquids, syrups, beverages, glycerin, and amino and organic acids. Growing demand for processed foods and beverages is a major factor expected to drive the market in near future. The demand for activated carbon in pharmaceutical and medical was 104.1 kilo tons in 2018. The product is used for purification of raw material compounds, kidney machine, nursing supplies, and respirators. Increasing population and health concerns are expected propel the demand over the forecasted period.

Regional Insights

All the regions except Asia Pacific are expected to witness a decline in market share owing to brisk growth of Asia Pacific region over the forecast period. Economies such as China, India and Japan are expected to lead the region in the next six years. Coconut shells are one of the proven and most widely used raw materials for manufacturing activated charcoal. Several Asian countries including Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka have ideal tropical weather suitable for steady coconut cultivation, thus, making Asia Pacific one of the major sources of raw material globally.

North America is the second largest market after Asia Pacific. Developed regions such as North America and Europe are anticipated to witness a moderate growth owing to the saturation of end use industries and a weak economic scenario, particularly in Europe. Growing environmental concerns, stringent regulations and standards as well as government initiatives to safeguard the environment are expected to aid the market over the forecast period. As a result, water treatment, air purification, and mercury absorption are a few applications that are expected to witness brisk growth.

Activated Carbon Market Share Insights

Rising demand has encouraged many companies to enter into the business and many are still finding ways. This scenario is expected to continue for the upcoming six to eight years, as it will help supply the rising product demand in variety of applications. With advancements in reactivation more and more companies are trying to tap the opportunities and are making ways to enter in the reactivation business, by providing services like on-site services.
The market is highly product driven. Hence, the companies are heavily investing in R&D activities to develop new products and to tap lucrative opportunities in niche segments. Key players are Cabot Corporation, Jacobi Carbons AB, Calgon Carbon Corp., Osaka Gas Chemical Co. Ltd., and Evoqua Water Technologies LLC., among others.

Key Insights Covered: Global Activated Carbon Market

1. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America market size (sales, revenue and growth rate) of Activated Carbon industry.
2. Global major manufacturers" operating situation (sales, revenue, growth rate and gross margin) of Activated Carbon industry.
3. Global major countries (United States, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Mexico, Brazil, C. America, Chile, Peru, Colombia) market size (sales, revenue and growth rate) of Activated Carbon industry.
4. SWOT analysis, New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis, Upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment & Industry chain analysis of Activated Carbon industry.
5. Global market size (sales, revenue) forecast by regions and countries from 2019 to 2024 of Activated Carbon industry.

Research Methodology: Global Activated Carbon Market

  
Data collection and base year analysis is done using data collection modules with large sample sizes. The market data is analyzed and forecasted using market statistical and coherent models. Also market share analysis and key trend analysis are the major success factors in the market report. To know more please Request a Sample Report.
  
Demand Side Primary Contributors: OEMs, Industrial Professionals, Researches, Suppliers and Distributors, Group Purchasing Organizations, Associations, Insurers, Universities, Technological Writers, Scientists, Promoters, Investors among others.
  
Supply Side Primary Contributors: Product Managers, Marketing Managers, C-Level Executives, Distributors, Market Intelligence, Regulatory Affairs Managers among other