Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Outlook to 2030

Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Overview

• The Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market was valued at USD 138.3 million in 2023. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand across various industries such as water treatment, air purification, and industrial processing. The regions rising awareness of environmental sustainability and stringent regulations regarding pollution control have propelled the demand for activated carbon in filtration and purification applications.
• Key players in the market include Calgon Carbon Corporation, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Haycarb PLC, Cabot Corporation, and Jacobi Carbons. These companies dominate the market by offering a wide range of activated carbon products tailored to meet the diverse needs of industries in the region. Their strong distribution networks and continuous investments in research and development have enabled them to maintain a significant market share.
• In August 2024, Kuraray Co. Ltd. expanded its activated carbon production capacity at its Saudi Arabia facility, aiming to meet the growing regional demand for water treatment applications. This expansion will increase the plant's annual output to 24,000 metric tons, enhancing supply reliability in the Middle East.
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the dominant region in the market, by its advanced industrial base, extensive water treatment infrastructure, and proactive government policies aimed at environmental protection. The countrys strategic location also facilitates easy access to raw materials and export markets, further strengthening its position as a key player in the regional market.

Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Segmentation

The market is segmented into various factors like product, application, and region.

By Product: The market is segmented by product into powdered activated carbon (PAC), granular activated carbon (GAC), and extruded or pelletized activated carbon. In 2023, powdered activated carbon held a dominant market share, due to its high surface area, which provides effective adsorption capabilities, making it ideal for water treatment and air purification applications. PACs versatility and ease of application in various industrial processes contribute to its dominance in the market.

By Application: The market is segmented by application into water treatment, air purification, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, water treatment dominated the market with the regions acute water scarcity issues, which have led to significant investments in water treatment infrastructure. The growing adoption of activated carbon in desalination plants and wastewater treatment facilities further solidifies the water treatment segments leading position.

By Region: The market is segmented by region into Israel, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Morocco, South Africa, and the Rest of MEA. In 2023, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the leading due to the demand for activated carbon in various applications, including water treatment and air purification. Additionally, the countrys strategic initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability further boost its market share.

Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Competitive Landscape

• Haycarb PLC: In 2024, Haycarb PLC introduced a new line of activated carbon products designed specifically for air purification applications. These products feature enhanced adsorption capabilities, making them highly effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air. The companys focus on innovation has enabled it to capture major market share of the air purification segment.
• Jacobi Carbons: Jacobi Carbons, Inc. received the 2024 Water Quality Association (WQA) Excellence Award for its commitment to sustainability, particularly through its coconut shell-based activated carbon products. The award recognizes efforts to enhance water quality and address contaminants like PFAS. The announcement was made during the WQA Convention on March 6, 2024.

Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Water Treatment Solutions: In 2024, the Middle East's water scarcity crisis heightened reliance on desalination, boosting activated carbon demand in water treatment to 80,000 metric tons. The expansion, notably in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, was fueled by government investments, including the UAE's USD 500 million allocation in 2023 for water infrastructure upgrades.
• Growth in the Food and Beverage Industry: The Middle East's food and beverage industry has been expanding rapidly, with an increase in processing facilities requiring activated carbon for purification purposes. In 2024, the demand for activated carbon in this sector driven by new regulatory standards ensuring food safety and purity. The expansion of beverage production facilities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia contributed significantly to this demand.
• Industrial Expansion and Infrastructure Development: In 2024, the industrial sector majorly consume activated carbon in the region, with the majority being used in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The ongoing expansion of industrial zones in these countries, such as the Jubail Industrial City in Saudi Arabia, is expected to drive further demand for activated carbon over the next few years.

Market Challenges

• Limited Domestic Production Capabilities: Despite the growing demand, the Middle East has limited domestic production capabilities for activated carbon. In 2024, the regions the production capacity was less, forcing a reliance on imports from countries like India and Sri Lanka. This dependency on imports not only increases costs but also exposes the market to supply chain risks.
• Competition from Alternative Technologies: The rise of alternative filtration and purification technologies, such as advanced membrane filtration systems, poses a challenge to the activated carbon market. In 2024, several industries in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, began adopting these alternative technologies, which offer longer service life and lower operational costs.

Government Initiatives

• Saudi Arabias Green Initiative: In 2023, Saudi Arabia launched its Green Initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030. As part of this initiative, the government mandated the adoption of activated carbon in industrial emission control systems. By 2024, this initiative led to an increase in the demand for activated carbon in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the petrochemical and refining sectors, which are key contributors to the countrys carbon footprint.
• Omans Industrial Waste Management Plan: In 2023, Oman introduced a new industrial waste management plan aimed at reducing industrial waste and promoting recycling. The plan includes regulations requiring industries to use activated carbon in their waste treatment processes to minimize environmental impact. By 2024, this initiative resulted in increase in the demand for activated carbon in Omans industrial sector, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

Middle East & Africa Activated Carbon Market Future Outlook

The future trends in Middle East & Africa activated carbon industry include the adoption of sustainable activated carbon solutions, expansion of industrial applications, and increased demand driven by government regulations and environmental sustainability efforts.

Future Market Trends

• Expansion of Industrial Applications: The industrial sector in the Middle East & Africa is expected to become a major growth area for activated carbon, with demand projected to increase by 2028. The expansion of industries such as petrochemicals, oil and gas, and manufacturing will drive this demand, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The use of activated carbon in emission control systems and industrial wastewater treatment will be key factors in this growth.
• Adoption of Sustainable Activated Carbon Solutions: Over the next five years, the Middle East & Africa is expected to see a significant shift towards sustainable activated carbon solutions. With governments in the region increasingly focusing on sustainability, the demand for carbon-neutral and renewable activated carbon products by 2028. This trend will be driven by stricter environmental regulations and growing consumer awareness of sustainability.