Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment is Projected to Reach $7,850 Million by 2035

What is Activated Carbon and Why Does it Matter for Water Treatment?

Activated carbon is a highly effective adsorbent material used in water treatment to remove various contaminants like chlorine by-products, pharmaceuticals, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and microplastics from both municipal and industrial water sources. Its unique structure, featuring a high surface area and porous texture, makes it ideal for trapping harmful substances in water.

This technology plays a crucial role in ensuring water quality and safety, particularly as global water demand grows and environmental concerns rise. The importance of activated carbon in water treatment is underscored by stricter regulations and sustainability goals aimed at protecting public health and promoting responsible water reuse and filtration.

According to BIS Research estimates that the global activated carbon market for water treatment will be valued at $2,991.3 million in 2024 and is projected to grow to $7,847.9 million by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. This growth is fueled by heightened infrastructure investments, governmental mandates, and the shift toward sustainable and efficient water treatment technologies.

What’s Driving Growth in the Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment?

Key Drivers:

•    Rising Global Demand for Clean Water: With growing populations and urbanization, the need for clean water is more urgent than ever. Activated carbon is a reliable solution for purifying drinking water and treating wastewater.
•    Stricter Regulatory Standards: Governments around the world are tightening regulations on water quality, especially concerning hazardous chemicals like PFAS, driving demand for efficient filtration solutions.
•    Sustainability and Circular Economy: Activated carbon plays a key role in supporting circular water treatment systems. Reactivation technologies, which restore spent carbon for reuse, contribute to reduced material waste and lower carbon footprints.
•    Technological Advancements: Ongoing innovations in carbon activation, surface modification, and pore size customization enhance adsorption efficiency, extending the life of carbon filters and reducing operational costs.

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What Are the Challenges in the Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment?

Key Challenges:

•    High Capital and Maintenance Costs: Although activated carbon is effective, the initial investment in filtration systems and reactivation technologies can be high, which may deter some municipalities and industries from adopting these solutions.
•    Scarcity of Skilled Operators: Many water treatment facilities, particularly in developing regions, face challenges in finding operators with the necessary expertise to manage activated carbon-based systems.
•    Environmental Concerns Over Disposal: After multiple uses, the spent activated carbon needs to be properly disposed of or reactivated. If not managed well, it can contribute to environmental pollution.
•    Limited Adoption in Resource-Constrained Regions: In areas with limited budgets, the adoption of advanced water treatment technologies like activated carbon remains inconsistent, despite their effectiveness in ensuring safe water.

Recent Developments in the Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment

•    Expansion in Reactivation Services: Several key players, including DESOTEC and Donau Carbon, have expanded their reactivation facilities to cater to the growing need for sustainable water treatment solutions.
•    Technological Innovations: Companies like Kuraray have introduced new bio-based coconut-shell activated carbons, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional coal-based carbons while improving filtration performance.
•    Regulatory Shifts: Recent regulatory developments, such as the U.S. EPA’s tightened standards for PFAS levels in drinking water, have created a surge in demand for activated carbon solutions as an efficient way to meet these new quality requirements.

Market Segmentation: Where Are Growth Opportunities?

by End-Use Industry
•    Municipal Water Treatment    
•    Food and Beverages
•    Pharmaceutical and Medical
•    Mining and Metal Recovery
•    Chemical Industry
•    Textile Industry
•    Others

by Application 
•    Liquid-Phase Adsorption    
•    Gas-Phase Adsorption

by Activated Carbon Type
•    Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
•    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
•    Others     

by Region
•    North America
•    Europe
•    Asia-Pacific
•    Rest-of-the-World

Analyst’s Perspective: What’s Next for the Activated Carbon Market?

As global concerns over water quality and scarcity continue to escalate, activated carbon is positioned to play an increasingly important role in the water treatment industry. While the market faces challenges such as high costs and limited skilled labor in certain regions, technological innovations, particularly in reactivation and bio-based carbons, are expected to drive sustainable growth. Additionally, the evolving regulatory landscape, with more stringent water quality standards, presents significant opportunities for companies operating in the activated carbon market. The ongoing shift toward circular economies and the need for resilient infrastructure will further support the market's expansion in the coming decades.

- BIS Research Analyst Team

FAQs About the Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment

What is the expected growth rate of the activated carbon market for water treatment?

The activated carbon market for water treatment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2025–2035.

Who are the key players in the activated carbon market?

Key players in the market include Calgon Carbon, Jacobi Carbons, Haycarb PLC, Norit, Donau Carbon, DESOTEC, and CarboTech.

What are the main applications of activated carbon in water treatment?

Activated carbon is primarily used for liquid-phase adsorption to remove contaminants such as chlorine, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals from drinking water and wastewater.

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