1. Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market
By 2025, the global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment market revenue will reach approximately $2,267.81 million with a CAGR of around 3.36% from 2025 to 2030.
Activated carbon is an inert solid adsorbent material widely used to remove diverse, dissolved contaminants from water and process gas-phase streams. Its unique, porous structure and vast surface area, combined with attraction forces, allow it to capture and hold various types of materials onto its surface. This material is produced by processing a carbonaceous material, most often coal, wood, or coconut husks, in a high-temperature environment to create a highly porous surface structure. Activated carbon is particularly effective in water purification efforts, removing contaminants and undesirable components from drinking water, municipal water, residential water, aquaculture water, and sewage treatment processes.
Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Revenue (M USD) in 2025


2. Driving Factors and Limiting Factors of Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market
Increasing Water Treatment Demand: Rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrialization have led to a surge in demand for clean and safe water. This has increased the need for effective water treatment solutions, driving the demand for activated carbon.
Stringent Environmental Regulations: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations to control water pollution and ensure the quality of drinking water. These regulations mandate the use of advanced water treatment technologies, including activated carbon, to remove contaminants and pollutants.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in activated carbon production and application have enhanced its effectiveness and efficiency. Modified activated carbon products with improved adsorption capabilities are becoming more prevalent, further boosting market growth.
Cost Savings through Reactivation: Activated carbon can be reactivated and reused, offering significant cost savings compared to purchasing new material. This feature is particularly attractive to industries that require large volumes of activated carbon for water treatment.
3. Limiting Factors of Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market
Market Competition: The activated carbon market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering similar products. This competition can lead to price wars and reduced profit margins, making it challenging for smaller firms to thrive.
Quality Control Risks: The production and distribution of activated carbon involve multiple stages, from raw material procurement to storage and transportation. Ensuring consistent product quality across these stages can be challenging, potentially affecting market growth.
Economic Uncertainty: Fluctuations in global economic conditions, including changes in raw material prices and trade policies, can impact the market. Economic downturns may reduce investment in water treatment infrastructure, thereby limiting demand for activated carbon.
Regional Risks: Political instability, trade frictions, and regional conflicts can disrupt supply chains and limit market access. These factors can hinder the growth of the activated carbon market, particularly in developing regions.
4. Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Segment
Powder Activated Carbon
The market value of powder-activated carbon is expected to grow at a steady rate with $472.51 million in 2025, driven by its versatility and high adsorption capacity. Powdered activated carbon is widely used in applications requiring rapid adsorption, such as drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment.
Particles Activated Carbon:
Particle-activated carbon is projected to have a higher market value compared to powder with $1,795.30 million in 2025, primarily due to its durability and reusability. This type is extensively used in applications where long-term adsorption is required, such as in municipal water treatment plants and industrial water purification systems.
Particle-activated carbon holds the largest market share, accounting for approximately 79.16% of the total market value in 2025. This dominance is attributed to its widespread use in large-scale water treatment facilities and its ability to be reactivated, making it cost-effective for continuous use.
Market Consumption by Applications
This application is expected to grow at a steady rate, driven by the increasing demand for safe and clean drinking water. Activated carbon is used to remove contaminants, odors, and organic compounds from drinking water, making it a crucial component in water purification systems with a consumption of 646.2 K Tons in 2025.
Municipal water treatment facilities are significant consumers of activated carbon, primarily for treating large volumes of water with a consumption of 311.8 K Tons in 2025. The growth in this segment is driven by urbanization and the need for efficient water treatment solutions in cities and towns.
Residential water treatment systems, such as home filtration units, are driving the demand for activated carbon. The growth in this segment is fueled by increasing awareness of water quality and the need for clean water in households with a consumption of 334.4 K Tons in 2025.
The aquaculture industry is growing rapidly, and with it, the demand for water treatment solutions to maintain water quality in fish farms and hatcheries. Activated carbon is used to remove organic pollutants and maintain a healthy environment for aquatic life.
The increasing focus on environmental sustainability and the need to treat sewage water before discharge are driving the demand for activated carbon in sewage treatment plants with a consumption of 476.5 K Tons in 2025.
Drinking Water Treatment holds the largest market share, accounting for approximately 52.47% of the total market consumption in 2025. This dominance is attributed to the critical need for clean drinking water across the globe, making activated carbon an essential component in water purification systems.
Market Revenue and Consumptio by Segment
Market Value (M USD) in 2025 | Market Share in 2025 | ||
By Type | Powder | 472.51 | 20.84% |
Particles | 1795.30 | 79.16% | |
Market Consumption (K Tons) in 2025 | Market Share in 2025 | ||
By Application | Drinking Water Treatment | 646.2 | 52.47% |
Municipal Water Treatment | 311.8 | 25.32% | |
Residential Water Treatment | 334.4 | 27.15% | |
Aquaculture Water Treatment | 41.1 | 3.33% | |
Sewage Treatment | 476.5 | 38.69% |
5. Regional Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at a significant rate with a consumpiton of 727.4 K Tons in 2025, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing demand for clean water. China and India are major contributors to this growth, with substantial investments in water treatment infrastructure.
Europe’s market consumption is driven by stringent environmental regulations and the need for advanced water treatment solutions with 205.5 K Tons in 2025. The region is focused on sustainability and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies.
North America’s market is driven by high demand for clean drinking water and advanced wastewater treatment technologies with a consumption of 188.2 K Tons in 2025. The United States and Canada are key markets, with significant investments in water treatment facilities.
The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing growth due to increasing water scarcity and the need for effective water treatment solutions. GCC countries and South Africa are leading the demand in this region.
South America’s market is driven by increasing urbanization and industrial activities, particularly in Brazil. The region is focusing on improving water treatment infrastructure to meet growing demand.
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the largest market by consumption in 2025. This dominance is attributed to the region’s rapid economic growth, urbanization, and increasing demand for clean water, particularly in China and India.
Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Consumption (K Tons) by Regions in 2025


6. Top 3 Companies in the Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market
Company Introduction and Business Overview: Kuraray is a leading manufacturer of synthetic and chemical fibers, with a strong presence in the activated carbon market. Established in 1926, the company offers a wide range of products, including special resins, man-made leather, fine chemicals, and non-woven fabrics. Kuraray’s activated carbon products are used in various applications, including water purification and wastewater treatment.
Products Offered: Kuraray provides both powdered and granular activated carbon products. These products are designed to remove contaminants, odors, and organic compounds from water. Their activated carbon is known for its high purity and effectiveness in water treatment applications.
Company Introduction and Business Overview: Established in 1931, Osaka Gas Chemical Group is a major player in the activated carbon market. The company specializes in the production and sale of carbon fiber, activated carbon, and fine materials. Their products are used in various applications, including air conditioning filters and water purifier cartridges.
Products Offered: Osaka Gas Chemical Group offers a range of activated carbon products for liquid treatment, including wastewater and sewage treatment. Their products are known for their high adsorption capacity and durability.
Company Introduction and Business Overview: Norit Activated Carbon is a leading provider of activated carbon products, with over 100 years of experience in the industry. Established in 1916, the company offers a broad range of activated carbon grades for various applications, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment.
Products Offered: Norit offers both powdered and granular activated carbon products for wastewater treatment. Their products are designed for high adsorption efficiency and are used in municipal and industrial water treatment applications.
Major Players
Company Name | Plants Distribution | Sales Region |
Kuraray | Mainly in Asia | Worldwide |
Osaka Gas Chemical Group | Mainly in Asia | Mainly in Asia |
Norit Activated Carbon | Mainly in Europe and Americas | Worldwide |
Ingevity | Mainly in North America and Asia | Worldwide |
Haycarb | Mainly in Asia | Mainly in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe |
Shenhua Group | Mainly in Asia | Mainly in Asia |
Shanxi XinHua Chemical | Mainly in Asia | Mainly in Asia |
Mulinsen Activated Carbon | Mainly in Asia | Mainly in Asia |
DESOTEC | Mainly in Europe | Mainly in Europe |
Ningxia Huahui Environmental Technology | Mainly in Asia | Mainly in Asia and North America |
Jinding Activated Carbon | Mainly in Asia | Mainly in Asia |
Donau Carbon GmbH | Mainly in Europe | Mainly in Europe |
MICBAC India | Mainly in Asia | Worldwide |
MFAR Carbon | Mainly in Asia | Worldwide |
1 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market – Research Scope
1.1 Study Goals
1.2 Market Definition and Scope
1.3 Key Market Segments
1.4 Study and Forecasting Years
2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market – Research Methodology
2.1 Methodology
2.2 Research Data Source
2.2.1 Secondary Data
2.2.2 Primary Data
2.2.3 Market Size Estimation
3 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forces
3.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
3.2 Top Impacting Factors (PESTEL Analysis)
3.2.1 Political Factors
3.2.2 Economic Factors
3.2.3 Social Factors
3.2.4 Technological Factors
3.2.5 Environmental Factors
3.2.6 Legal Factors
3.3 Industry Trend Analysis
3.4 Industry Trends Under COVID-19
3.4.1 Risk Assessment on COVID-19
3.4.2 Assessment of the Overall Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry
3.5 Industry Risk Assessment
4 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market – By Geography
4.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Value and Market Share by Regions
4.1.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Production Value (M USD) by Countries (2017-2022)
4.1.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Production Value Market Share by Regions (2017-2022)
4.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Production and Market Share by Major Countries
4.2.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Production by Major Countries (2017-2022)
4.2.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Production Market Share by Major Countries (2017-2022)
4.3 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Consumption and Market Share by Regions
4.3.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption by Regions (2017-2022)
4.3.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption Market Share by Regions (2017-2022)
5 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market – By Trade Statistics
5.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Export and Import
5.2 U.S. Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Export and Import (2017-2022)
5.3 Europe Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Export and Import (2017-2022)
5.4 China Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Export and Import (2017-2022)
5.5 Japan Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Export and Import (2017-2022)
5.6 India Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Export and Import (2017-2022)
6 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market – By Type
6.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Production and Market Share by Types (2017-2022)
6.1.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption by Types (2017-2022)
6.1.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption Market Share by Types (2017-2022)
6.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Value and Market Share by Types (2017-2022)
6.2.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Value by Types (2017-2022)
6.2.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Value Market Share by Types (2017-2022)
6.3 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption, Price and Growth Rate of Powder (2017-2022)
6.3.1 Global Powder Consumption and Growth Rate (2017-2022)
6.3.2 Global Powder Price (2017-2022)
6.4 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption, Price and Growth Rate of Particles (2017-2022)
6.4.1 Global Particles Consumption and Growth Rate (2017-2022)
6.4.2 Global Particles Price (2017-2022)
7 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market – By Application
7.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption and Market Share by Applications (2017-2022)
7.1.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption by Applications (2017-2022)
7.1.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption Market Share by Applications (2017-2022)
7.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption and Growth Rate of Drinking Water Treatment (2017-2022)
7.3 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption and Growth Rate of Aquaculture Water Treatment (2017-2022)
7.4 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Consumption and Growth Rate of Sewage Treatment (2017-2022)
8 North America Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market
8.1 North America Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
8.2 U.S. Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
8.3 Canada Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
8.4 Mexico Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
8.5 The Influence of COVID-19 on North America Market
9 Europe Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Analysis
9.1 Europe Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
9.2 Germany Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
9.3 United Kingdom Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
9.4 France Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
9.5 Italy Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
9.6 Spain Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
9.7 The Influence of COVID-19 on Europe Market
10 Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Analysis
10.1 Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
10.2 China Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
10.3 Japan Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
10.4 South Korea Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
10.5 Southeast Asia Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
10.6 India Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
10.7 The Influence of COVID-19 on Asia Pacific Market
11 Middle East and Africa Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Analysis
11.1 Middle East and Africa Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
11.2 GCC Countries Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
11.3 South Africa Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
11.4 The Influence of COVID-19 on Middle East and Africa Market
12 South America Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Analysis
12.1 South America Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
12.2 Brazil Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Size
12.3 The Influence of COVID-19 on South America Market
13 Company Profiles
13.1 Kuraray
13.1.1 Kuraray Basic Information
13.1.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.1.3 Kuraray Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.2 Osaka Gas Chemical Group
13.2.1 Osaka Gas Chemical Group Basic Information
13.2.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.2.3 Osaka Gas Chemical Group Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.3 Norit Activated Carbon
13.3.1 Norit Activated Carbon Basic Information
13.3.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.3.3 Norit Activated Carbon Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.4 Ingevity
13.4.1 Ingevity Basic Information
13.4.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.4.3 Ingevity Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.5 Haycarb
13.5.1 Haycarb Basic Information
13.5.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.5.3 Haycarb Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.6 Shenhua Group
13.6.1 Shenhua Group Basic Information
13.6.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.6.3 Shenhua Group Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.7 Shanxi XinHua Chemical
13.7.1 Shanxi XinHua Chemical Basic Information
13.7.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.7.3 Shanxi XinHua Chemical Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.8 Mulinsen Activated Carbon
13.8.1 Mulinsen Activated Carbon Basic Information
13.8.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.8.3 Mulinsen Activated Carbon Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.9 DESOTEC
13.9.1 DESOTEC Basic Information
13.9.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.9.3 DESOTEC Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.10 Ningxia Huahui Environmental Technology
13.10.1 Ningxia Huahui Environmental Technology Basic Information
13.10.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.10.3 Ningxia Huahui Environmental Technology Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.11 Jinding Activated Carbon
13.11.1 Jinding Activated Carbon Basic Information
13.11.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.11.3 Jinding Activated Carbon Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.12 Donau Carbon GmbH
13.12.1 Donau Carbon GmbH Basic Information
13.12.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.12.3 Donau Carbon GmbH Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.13 MICBAC India
13.13.1 MICBAC India Basic Information
13.13.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.13.3 MICBAC India Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
13.14 MFAR Carbon
13.14.1 MFAR Carbon Basic Information
13.14.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Product/Service Profiles, Application and Specification
13.14.3 MFAR Carbon Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Performance (2017-2022)
14 Market Forecast – By Regions
14.1 North America Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast (2022-2029)
14.2 Europe Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast (2022-2029)
14.3 Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast (2022-2029)
14.4 Middle East and Africa Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast (2022-2029)
14.5 South America Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast (2022-2029)
15 Market Forecast – By Type and Applications
15.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast by Types (2022-2029)
15.1.1 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast Consumption and Market Share by Types (2022-2029)
15.1.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast Value and Market Share by Types (2022-2029)
15.2 Global Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Market Forecast by Applications (2022-2029)
16 Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers
16.1 Marketing Channel
16.2 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Distributors List
16.3 Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Customers