Coal Based Activated Carbon Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Powdered Activated Carbon, Granular Activated Carbon), By End Use (Water Treatment, Air Purification), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Coal Based Activated Carbon Market Trends

The global coal based activated carbon market size was estimated at USD 4.44 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2030. The market is primarily driven by the increasing use of activated carbon in air purification and water treatment. The rise in air and water pollution levels, stemming from industrialization and urbanization, has further fueled market growth.

Activated carbon is typically derived from charcoal and undergoes processing to become highly porous, enhancing its ability to adsorb substances and facilitate chemical reactions. This material is produced by heating charcoal at high temperatures to create a network of large internal pores. A high pore density on the surface is desirable, as it indicates a larger surface area and superior adsorption capacity. Other raw materials used to produce activated carbon include coal, wood, and nutshells.

Growing environmental regulations and the urgent demand for clean water drive municipalities and industrial users to adopt advanced filtration systems that rely heavily on activated carbon. Furthermore, increasing public awareness of health and safety concerns related to water impurities and a rise in upscale residential installations contribute to the market's growth potential. As the emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions intensifies, coal-based activated carbon stands out as a leading option due to its regenerative properties and minimal environmental impact.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The increase in population and the migration of people from rural to urban areas, along with the depletion of freshwater resources and a general scarcity of drinkable water, have heightened the demand for desalinated water. As a result, governments in developing markets are investing in water treatment technologies to enhance their ability to provide potable water and meet the growing demand. These factors are expected to drive the global market adoption of coal-based activated carbon.

The global coal-based activated carbon market is facing challenges primarily due to the presence of low-cost substitutes that can provide similar functionalities at a lower price. These alternatives, including activated carbon from other materials such as coconut shells, wood, or synthetic compounds, can appeal to cost-conscious consumers and industries. As companies seek to optimize their operational costs while maintaining product quality, the availability of these substitutes can significantly influence purchasing decisions, making it harder for coal-based options to compete on price. Consequently, this trend may lead to a plateau in the growth of the coal-based activated carbon market as companies increasingly look for cost-effective solutions.

The pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to be the largest end user in the market for polymeric adsorbents. The growth of the pharmaceutical sector is primarily driven by the high demand for coal-based activated carbon, which is used for purification by removing odors, color compounds, and other contaminants found in production by-products or raw materials. This type of carbon is extensively utilized in respiratory equipment, dialysis machines, and nursing supplies for purification, deodorization, and decolorization. These applications are expected to create significant opportunities for the growth of the coal-based activated carbon market industry.

Product Insights

The powdered activated carbon segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 59.4%, in 2024 and is expected to continue to dominate the industry over the forecast period. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) 's unique pore structure and excellent adsorption capacity make it suitable for various applications, including the pharmaceutical, automotive, and food and beverage industries. It is commonly used to remove organic contaminants from air and water in industrial and municipal water treatment plants.

Granular activated carbon (GAC) is made from organic materials such as lignite, wood, and coal, which contain high levels of carbon. The main difference between PAC and GAC is their particle size. GAC has a significantly high uniformity coefficient, making it suitable for post-filtration applications in the water purification process. This characteristic helps minimize desorption and reduces waste from mixing adsorbed compounds with carbon particles. Additionally, GAC has regenerating properties, contributing to its popularity over other products. It is widely used in air and water treatment plants for municipal and environmental purposes, as well as in metal recovery, food and beverage processing, medical applications, industrial processes, and mercury recovery. 

End Use Insights

The water treatment segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 42.6% in 2024. The increasing use of coal-based activated carbon in both small-scale and large-scale water systems to remove chlorine and organic matter is anticipated to drive growth during the forecast period. However, the industry faces rising competition from other types of activated carbon, including wood-based and various synthetic alternatives.

The purity of raw materials and finished products is crucial in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. Coal-based activated carbon plays a significant role in this purification process by removing color compounds, odors, and other contaminants in raw materials or production by-products. It is commonly used in dialysis machines, nursing supplies, and respiratory equipment for purification, decolorization, and deodorization.

Regional Insights 

The Asia Pacific coal based activated carbon market is dominant in the global market, Rapid industrialization in the region is anticipated to increase the demand for coal-based activated carbon throughout the forecast period. Additionally, government initiatives to enhance the manufacturing sector in countries like China, India, and South Korea are expected to drive further the need for mercury removal solutions and water treatment. These factors contribute to the growing demand for coal-based activated carbon.

The coal based activated carbon market in China is expected to grow during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing awareness among consumers about the product market and increased demand for products in the region.

North America Coal Based Activated Carbon Market Trends

The North American market coal based activated carbon market is experiencing growth. The demand for coal-based activated carbon is anticipated to increase significantly following the full implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) introduced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). The strong market focus on product development has encouraged manufacturers to invest in research and development activities to create new and improved coal-based products.

Europe Coal Based Activated Carbon Market Trends

The coal based activated carbon market in Europe is witnessing significant growth, fueled by a strong demand for high-quality hair care products and treatments. The region's focus on sustainability and eco-friendly formulations also increases the attractiveness of coal based activated carbon products to consumers. Key markets in Europe include the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, which play crucial roles in shaping market trends and consumer preferences.

Latin America Coal Based Activated Carbon Market Trends

The Latin American coal based activated carbon market is expected to experience significant growth, fueled by rising consumer demand for water treatment, air purifications products. Key contributors to this growth include Brazil and Argentina, where increasing disposable incomes and a heightened interest in personal grooming are noticeable. Additionally, the market is influenced by trends favoring sustainable and ethically sourced coal based activated carbon, which aligns with global consumer preferences for eco-friendly products.

Middle East & Africa Coal Based Activated Carbon Market Trends

The coal based activated carbon market in the Middle East and Africa is set for growth. This expansion is fueled by an increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and medical and the rising popularity of coal based activated carbon in air purification and water treatment. Key markets in the region include Saudi Arabia and South Africa, where consumer awareness of hair health and beauty trends is growing. Additionally, a significant shift toward sustainable and ethically sourced coal based activated carbon products aligns with global consumer preferences for eco-friendly options.

Key Coal Based Activated Carbon Company Insights

Some key players operating in the market include BASF SE and Veolia.

• Kuraray Co., Ltd. produces and sells activated carbon, along with other products. Its products are categorized under plastics & polymers, fibers & textiles, chemicals/elastomers & rubber, new businesses, engineering, and medical & environment-related categories. The company also has a research and development department, which comprises two research and development centers in Kurashiki and Tsukuba. The company has a significant global presence with offices in countries such as the U.S., Germany, Belgium, China, Korea, Hong Kong, and India.

• Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based company that operates through two major business segments: advanced material solutions and absorption & separation solutions. The products of the company are categorized as fine chemical materials, surface processing, resin additives, wood preservatives, industrial preservatives, and activated carbon and its products. Activated carbon products of Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd. are marketed under the brand Shirasagi. The company has a product development center and a distribution center in Osaka, Japan. In addition, it also has a technology center in Nara, Japan.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, Ningbo Juhua Chemical & Science Co., Ltd. awarded a contract to Technip Energies for an Activated Carbon plant with an annual capacity of 72 kilotons in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. This is part of the company’s initiative to expand its petrochemical new material business.

• In January 2024, Germany-based chemical manufacturer Nordmann acquired Italy-based SD Chemicals S.r.l., a distributor of raw materials catering to the cosmetics industry catering to skin care, hair care, and makeup applications. This acquisition will enable Nordmann to expand its presence and enhance customer reach. 

Coal Based Activated Carbon Report Scope

Global Coal Based Activated Carbon Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global coal based activated carbon market report based on the product, end use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Powdered Activated Carbon

  • Granular Activated Carbon

  • Other Activated Carbon

• End Use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Water Treatment

  • Food & Beverage Processing

  • Pharmaceutical & Medical

  • Automotive

  • Air Purification

  • Other End Uses

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Indonesia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa