Report Overview

An increasing need of activated carbon for air and water purification, stringent environmental regulations, rapid industrialization, and emerging applications of activated carbon in healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector are expected to drive United States Activated Carbon Market during the forecast period between 2024 and 2030.

United States Activated Carbon Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2030

United States Activated Carbon Market size by value was estimated at USD 980.63 million in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, United States Activated Carbon Market size is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.10% reaching a value of USD 1,285.22 million by 2030. United States Activated Carbon Market is driven by several key factors, including the increasing need for air and water purification systems due to stringent environmental regulations. The market also benefits from growing industrialization and urbanization, which heighten the demand for effective pollution control measures. Additionally, emerging applications in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors contribute to market growth.

Activated Carbon – Overview

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon with a large surface area, making it an effective adsorbent for removing contaminants from air and water. It is produced from carbon-rich materials like coconut shells, wood, and coal through a process that increases its porosity. Activated carbon is widely used in applications such as water purification, air filtration, and medical treatments for poisoning.

United States Activated Carbon Market     

Growth Drivers

Increasing Environmental Concerns

Growing environmental concerns are a significant driver for United States Activated Carbon Market. Stricter regulations on air and water pollution have heightened the demand for activated carbon in purification systems. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) regulation, for instance, mandates mercury emission control in coal-fired power plants. This regulatory push, combined with rising public awareness about environmental sustainability, is propelling the market forward.

Challenges

High Production Costs

United States Activated Carbon Market faces a significant restraint due to the high cost of raw materials. Dependence on coconut shells and the scarcity of raw ingredients have led to increased prices, impacting market growth. Additionally, natural disasters pose a threat by potentially destroying raw material sources, further disrupting the market's value chain. This challenge is compounded by the narrower markets for certain activated carbon grades. 

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on United States Activated Carbon Market

United States Activated Carbon Market is not immune to the effects of escalating geopolitical tensions. Such tensions could lead to fragmented carbon markets, with countries prioritizing national interests over global cooperation. In scenarios where geopolitical standoffs are fierce, the market may see limited bilateral collaborations, affecting the trade and quality standards of activated carbon. Economic incentives might eventually bridge political divides, but the uncertainty can hinder investments and slow down the market's progress. Moreover, geopolitical conflicts can disrupt supply chains and raw material availability, further escalating production costs and impacting the market's stability. The United States Activated Carbon Market must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain its growth trajectory in a volatile global landscape.

United States Activated Carbon Market

Segmental Information

United States Activated Carbon Market – By Type

By type, United States Activated Carbon Market is divided into Powdered Activated Carbon and Granular Activated Carbon segments. The powdered activated carbon (PAC) segment holds a larger share of United States Activated Carbon Market. The PAC segment’s dominance is attributed to its high adsorption capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including water treatment. PAC is recognized for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in removing contaminants, contributing to its significant market presence.

United States Activated Carbon Market – By Application

Based on application, United States Activated Carbon Market is divided into Liquid Phase and Gas Phase segments. The liquid phase segment accounts for a higher share of United States Activated Carbon Market by application, due to its extensive use in water treatment applications, including wastewater treatment, food-grade applications, groundwater remediation, chemical purification, portable water treatment, and odor removal. The demand for liquid-phase activated carbon is driven by its efficiency in adsorbing contaminants and its role in complying with stringent environmental regulations. This segment's prominence underscores the critical importance of clean water in various industrial and municipal applications.

United States Activated Carbon Market – By Raw Material

On the basis of raw material, United States Activated Carbon Market is divided into Coal, Coconut, Wood, and Peat segments. The coal segment is the largest raw material used in United States Activated Carbon Market. Coal's leading position is bolstered by its abundant availability and its efficacy in producing high-grade activated carbon suitable for a multitude of applications, ranging from water purification to air filtration.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the highly competitive United States Activated Carbon Market include Calgon Carbon Corporation, Cabot Corporation, Jacobi Carbons, Ingevity, Donau Chemie Group, Kuraray Co., Ltd, and CarbUSA. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024 - Calgon Carbon Corporation expanded its production capacity to meet the growing demand for activated carbon in water treatment applications.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Powdered Activated Carbon

• Granular Activated Carbon

By Raw Material

• Coal

• Coconut

• Wood

• Peat

By Application

• Liquid Phase

• Gas Phase

By End Use Industry

• Water Treatment

• Food & Beverages

• Pharmaceutical & Medical

• Automotive

• Industrial