1. Global Activated Carbon Fiber Market Definition
The global Activated Carbon Fiber market is projected to reach a sales volume of 7,222.7 tons in 2025 with a CAGR of 8.47% from 2025 to 2030.
Activated Carbon Fiber is a high-performance adsorbent material created by activating carbon-containing fibers at high temperatures. This process generates nano-scale pores on the fiber surface, significantly increasing the specific surface area and enhancing its adsorption capabilities. ACF fibers typically have a diameter of 5-20 micrometers, with an average specific surface area of 1,000-1,500 m²/g and pore sizes ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 nanometers. The unique properties of ACF, including its high adsorption efficiency for organic and inorganic compounds, fast adsorption and desorption rates, and excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and high temperatures, make it an ideal material for environmental and industrial applications.
Global Activated Carbon Fiber Market Sales (Tons) in 2025
2. Driving Factors of Activated Carbon Fiber Market
Several key factors influence the growth of the global Activated Carbon Fiber market. On the positive side, the increasing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly materials is a major driver. ACF’s superior adsorption capabilities make it an ideal choice for applications in air and water purification, solvent recovery, and as a catalyst carrier. The rapid development of industries such as environmental protection, healthcare, and electronics has further fueled the demand for ACF. Additionally, the growing awareness of environmental issues and stricter regulations on pollution control have led to increased adoption of ACF in various industrial processes.
Another significant driver is the expansion of downstream industries. The increasing use of ACF in emerging applications such as supercapacitors and advanced filtration systems is expected to create new market opportunities. The development of new technologies and production methods has also improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ACF production, making it more accessible to a broader range of industries.
3. Limiting Factors of Activated Carbon Fiber Market
However, the market also faces certain challenges. One of the primary limiting factors is the high technological barrier to entry. The production of high-performance ACF requires advanced manufacturing processes and significant investment in research and development. This has limited the number of large-scale producers capable of meeting the quality and performance standards required by high-end industries such as aerospace and defense. Additionally, the market competition is intensifying, with leading enterprises leveraging economies of scale to suppress prices, making it difficult for smaller players to compete effectively.
Geopolitical factors also threaten market growth. Trade uncertainties, such as the ongoing tensions between major economies, can disrupt supply chains and increase costs.
4. Global Activated Carbon Fiber Market
Product Types
Pitch-based ACF is projected to have a sales volume of 2,219.2 tons in 2025. This type of ACF is known for its high thermal conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and resistance to high temperatures. These characteristics make it ideal for applications in the aerospace industry, where high performance and reliability are crucial. Pitch-based ACF is also found to be useful in thermal insulation materials and high-temperature filtration systems.
PAN-based ACF is expected to reach a sales volume of 2,808.2 tons in 2025. PAN-based fibers are renowned for their high strength, high modulus, and excellent chemical resistance. These properties make them suitable for a wide range of applications, including composite materials, air purification, and water treatment. PAN-based ACF is also used in the production of advanced textiles and high-performance filters.
Viscose Staple-based ACF is projected to have a sales volume of 910.6 tons in 2025. This type of ACF is characterized by its high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption and desorption rates, and good regeneration properties. Viscose Staple-based ACF is widely used in solvent recovery, air purification, and water treatment applications. Its ability to adsorb organic compounds and remove impurities makes it a popular choice in environmental and industrial processes.
Among the different product types, PAN-based ACF is projected to have the largest market share in 2025, accounting for approximately 38.88% of the total market. This dominance is attributed to its versatile properties and wide range of applications across various industries. Pitch-based ACF follows closely, with a market share of 30.72%, driven by its high-performance characteristics and specific applications in aerospace and high-temperature industries.
Analysis of Different Applications
Solvent recovery is projected to have a sales volume of 625.8 tons in 2025. ACF is used in solvent recovery systems to adsorb and recover organic compounds such as benzene, ketones, and alcohols. This application is crucial in industries such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals, where the recovery of solvents can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
Air purification is expected to reach a sales volume of 1,733.0 tons in 2025. ACF is used in air purification systems to remove harmful gases, odors, and particulate matter from the air. This application is particularly important in indoor air quality management, industrial emissions control, and personal protective equipment. The increasing awareness of air pollution and the need for clean air have driven the demand for ACF in air purification systems.
Water treatment is projected to have a sales volume of 2,648.1 tons in 2025. ACF is used in water treatment systems to remove organic pollutants, heavy metals, and other contaminants from water. This application is crucial in municipal water treatment plants, industrial wastewater treatment, and point-of-use water purification systems. The growing demand for clean water and the increasing stringency of water quality regulations have driven the demand for ACF in water treatment applications.
Catalyst carrier applications are expected to reach a sales volume of 956.0 tons in 2025. ACF is used as a catalyst carrier in various chemical reactions due to its high surface area and excellent thermal stability. This application is particularly important in the chemical industry, where ACF is used to support catalysts in processes such as hydrogenation, oxidation, and cracking reactions.
Among the different applications, water treatment is projected to have the largest market share in 2025, accounting for approximately 36.66% of the total market. This dominance is attributed to the increasing demand for clean water and the growing importance of water treatment in both municipal and industrial settings. Air purification follows closely, with a market share of 23.99%, driven by the increasing awareness of air pollution and the need for effective air purification solutions.
The global Activated Carbon Fiber market is characterized by diverse product types and applications, each with distinct market dynamics. PAN-based ACF is projected to have the largest market share in 2025, while Viscose Staple-based ACF is expected to have the fastest growth rate. In terms of applications, water treatment dominates the market, but air purification is projected to grow at the fastest rate.
Market Sales and Share by Segment
| Sales (Tons) in 2025 | Market Share in 2025 | ||
| By Type | Pitch-based Activated Carbon Fiber | 2,219.2 | 30.72% |
| Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based ACF | 2,808.2 | 38.88% | |
| Viscose Staple-based Activated Carbon Fiber | 910.6 | 12.61% | |
| Others | 1,284.7 | 17.79% | |
| By Application | Solvent Recovery | 625.8 | 8.66% |
| Air Purification | 1,733.0 | 23.99% | |
| Water Treatment | 2,648.1 | 36.66% | |
| Catalyst Carrier | 956.0 | 13.24% | |
| Others | 1,259.8 | 17.44% |
5. Regional Activated Carbon Fiber Market
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to dominate the global ACF market in 2025, accounting for nearly 79.06% of total sales. This dominance is primarily driven by the rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries such as China and Japan. The region’s strong demand for ACF in applications like water treatment, air purification, and solvent recovery is a key factor contributing to its market leadership.
North America is expected to hold a significant share of the ACF market in 2025, with sales reaching 819.0 tons. The region’s market is driven by stringent environmental regulations and a growing focus on sustainable technologies. The United States, in particular, is a major consumer of ACF, leveraging its applications in air and water purification systems.
Europe is projected to have a sales volume of 444.4 tons in 2025, accounting for 6.15% of the global ACF market. The region’s market is influenced by its strong industrial base and commitment to environmental sustainability. European countries, particularly Germany and the UK, are significant consumers of ACF, utilizing it in various industrial applications and environmental protection measures.
South America is expected to have a sales volume of 113.0 tons in 2025, representing 1.56% of the global market. This rapid growth is driven by increasing industrial activities and the need for advanced filtration technologies in countries such as Brazil and Argentina. The region’s emerging economies are investing in environmental protection and sustainable development, creating new opportunities for ACF applications.
The Middle East and Africa region is projected to have a sales volume of 135.7 tons in 2025, accounting for 1.88% of the global ACF market. The region’s market is influenced by its growing industrial sector and increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are significant consumers of ACF, utilizing it in various industrial applications and environmental protection measures.
Global Activated Carbon Fiber Market Share by Region in 2025
6. Top 3 Companies in the Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market
Company Introduction and Business Overview
Toyobo is a leading Japanese company with a long history dating back to 1882. The company operates globally and is known for its high-performance products across various industries. Toyobo’s main business segments include Films & Functional Polymers, Industrial Materials, and Healthcare. The company is committed to creating value through continuous innovation and core technology development.
Products Offered
Toyobo offers a wide range of ACF products, including TWINTOLON, a dust removal and deodorization filter. The company’s ACF products are known for their high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption kinetics, making them ideal for applications in air and water purification.
Company Introduction and Business Overview
Unitika is a renowned Japanese company established in 1889. The company specializes in producing various textiles, glass, plastics, and carbon fiber products. Unitika is known for its innovative materials and technologies, which are used in consumer products, industrial applications, and environmental protection.
Products Offered
Unitika’s ACF products include nonwoven fabrics, high-performance porous plates, and glass fabrics. The company’s ACF is developed using melt-spinning technology, providing superior adsorption speed and efficiency compared to traditional activated carbon products.
Company Introduction and Business Overview
Kuraray is a leading Japanese company established in 1926. The company is committed to developing pioneering technologies that improve the environment and enhance quality of life. Kuraray’s business portfolio includes synthetic rayon, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, and functional materials.
Products Offered
Kuraray’s ACF products include fine powder-activated carbon and ACF fabrics used in electric double-layer capacitors. The company also offers ACF-based filters for water purification and deodorization, as well as ACF sheets for medical and sanitary applications.
Major Players
| Company Name | Headquarters | Market Distribution |
| Toyobo | Japan | Worldwide |
| Unitika | Japan | Worldwide |
| Kuraray | Japan | Worldwide |
| Evertech Envisafe Ecology | China | Worldwide |
| Sutong Carbon Fiber | China | Worldwide |
| Nantong Senyou | China | Worldwide |
| Jiangsu Tongkang | China | Worldwide |
| Nature Technology | China | Worldwide |
| Awa Paper | Japan | Worldwide |
| Sinocarb Carbon Fibers | China | Worldwide |
| Taiwan Carbon Technology | China | Worldwide |
| Nantong Jinheng | China | Mainly in Asia, North America |
| Nantong Yongtong | China | Mainly in Asia, North America |
| Xintong ACF | China | Mainly in China |
| HP Materials Solutions | USA | Mainly in USA |
| Nantong Beierge | China | Mainly in China |