North America Activated Carbon Market Outlook to 2030

North America Activated Carbon Market Overview

• The North America Activated Carbon Market was valued at USD 992.3 million in 2023. This growth is driven primarily by the increasing demand for water treatment solutions, stringent environmental regulations, and the rising need for air purification systems. The market size is expected to continue expanding as industries such as food & beverage, healthcare, and automotive increasingly adopt activated carbon for its filtration and purification properties.
• The market is dominated by several key players, including Calgon Carbon Corporation, Cabot Corporation, Haycarb PLC, ADA Carbon Solutions, and Evoqua Water Technologies. These companies have established strong market positions through extensive product portfolios, continuous innovation, and strategic acquisitions.
• Calgon Carbon Corporation recently announced an expansion of its activated carbon production facility in Mississippi, USA. This move aims to meet the growing demand for activated carbon in water treatment and air purification, driven by heightened environmental regulations and sustainability concerns. The expansion will create 38 new jobs at the facility.
• The United States, particularly the state of Texas, dominates the market. In 2023, Texas dominance due to its large industrial base, including petrochemical and water treatment facilities. The state's strategic location, abundant raw materials, and favorable business environment further contribute to its dominance in the market.

North America 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 activated carbon (EAC). In 2023, powdered activated carbon held the largest market share, due to its widespread use in water treatment plants for removing organic and inorganic contaminants, as well as its high adsorption capacity and ease of use.

By Application: The market is segmented by application into water treatment, air purification, and, food & beverage processing. In 2023, water treatment emerged as the leading application segment, the increasing regulatory focus on water quality standards and the necessity of clean drinking water across urban and rural areas have driven the demand for activated carbon in this segment.

By Region: The market is segmented by region into USA and Canada. The USA dominated the regional segment with a market share of its robust industrial sector and stringent environmental regulations. Within the USA, the extensive water treatment and petrochemical industries.

North America Activated Carbon Market Competitive Landscape

• ADA Carbon Solutions: ADA Carbon Solutions has proposed a USD 251 million expansion in Red River Parish, Louisiana, which could create nearly 400 new jobs. This initiative aims to enhance production capabilities for activated carbon, responding to the rising demand for air and water purification solutions in compliance with environmental regulations.
• 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.

North America Activated Carbon Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

• Increased Industrial Applications of Activated Carbon: The demand for activated carbon in industrial applications such as chemical manufacturing and petrochemical processing is rapidly increasing. In 2024, the North American petrochemical industry utilized over 100,000 metric tons of activated carbon for purification processes, driven by stricter environmental regulations aimed at reducing harmful emissions.
• Air Purification Needs in Urban Areas: In 2024, urban air quality concerns led to the installation of activated carbon-based air purification systems. The air purification market is poised for substantial growth, driven by urbanization and heightened air quality concerns. The U.S. EPA projects that by 2025, 1.5 million additional buildings will adopt air purification systems, reflecting a surge in demand for effective solutions like activated carbon filters, crucial for pollutant reduction.
• Growth in the Food & Beverage Industry: The North American food and beverage industry, heavily relies on activated carbon for various processes, including decolorization, deodorization, and purification. The growing demand for processed and packaged foods, along with stringent food safety standards, has led to the use of over 50,000 metric tons of activated carbon in 2024. This trend is expected to continue as the industry expands and food safety regulations become more rigorous.

Market Challenges

• Supply Chain Disruptions: The supply chain for activated carbon has been increasingly strained due to geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions. In 2024, the U.S. imposed tariffs on activated carbon imports from certain Asian countries, leading to a supply shortage. This disruption has caused delays in product availability and increased costs for North American manufacturers, potentially affecting market stability.
• Volatility in Raw Material Prices: The activated carbon industry is highly dependent on raw materials such as coal and coconut shells. In 2024, the price of coconut shells surged due to supply chain disruptions caused by extreme weather events in Southeast Asia. This price volatility has impacted the profit margins of activated carbon manufacturers in North America, leading to increased production costs and potential price hikes for end-users.

Government Initiatives

• U.S. Clean Water Action Plan: The U.S. government is investing nearly USD 31 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance water treatment infrastructure nationwide. This initiative aims to improve drinking water quality, replace lead pipes, and support sustainable practices, ensuring safe and reliable water access for all communities by 2026.
• Support for Domestic Production: The U.S. Department of Energy announced a USD 500 million initiative to enhance carbon dioxide transportation infrastructure. This funding aims to support the development of safe and reliable systems, facilitating carbon capture and storage projects, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation efforts and promoting sustainable energy solutions across the nation.

North America Activated Carbon Market Future Outlook

The future trends in the North America activated carbon industry include increased adoption in renewable energy storage, expansion in pharmaceuticals, advancements in production technology, and a shift towards sustainable and renewable carbon sources.

Future Market Trends

• Expansion of Activated Carbon in Pharmaceuticals: The use of activated carbon in pharmaceuticals is expected to expand over the next five years, particularly in drug delivery systems and detoxification treatments. By 2028, the North American pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to consume over 20,000 metric tons of activated carbon annually, driven by the growing demand for advanced medical treatments and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.
• Advancements in Activated Carbon Production Technology: The next five years will see advancements in activated carbon production technology, leading to higher efficiency and lower costs. By 2028, it is expected that new production methods will reduce energy consumption in manufacturing by 30%, making activated carbon more affordable and accessible for a wider range of applications, including air and water purification.