Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Growth and Analysis by 2028

The Asia-Pacific activated carbon market is projected to reach US$ 4307.9 million by 2028 from US$ 2192.1 million in 2021; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2021 to 2028.

Activated carbon is a highly adsorptive material used primarily in water treatment and gas & air purification applications. The material is highly versatile and useful in numerous applications across multiple industries. Activated carbon is also customized as per the specific application requirements by increasing or decreasing the porosity, subsequently changing the properties of the material. Continuous research and development activities support such wide-range applications of activated carbon, which boosts its overall demand.

In 2020, China held the largest share of the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market. China is a vigorously developing country with large-scale manufacturing and rapid-paced industrialization. The country reports high volumes of activated carbon manufacturing and consumption. The recent efforts of the country toward mitigating pollution and its harmful effects have been benefitting the activated carbon market growth. In 2015, the Chinese government announced Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan to keep a check on the discharge of heavy-polluting sectors in water sources. The large-scale manufacturing results in huge volumes of wastewater, which needs to be treated using activated carbon filtration systems, which is a main factor propelling the consumption of activated carbon in China.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Asia-Pacific Activated carbon Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the manufacturing sector in terms of operational efficiency owing to extended lockdown periods across different regions, restrictions imposed on international trades, shutdown of manufacturing units, prohibitions on travel activities, restrictions on supply chain, and shortage of raw materials. These consequences of the pandemic, coupled with financial instability, have hindered the activated carbon market growth in Asia-Pacific. The reallocation of resources toward healthcare consolidation has led to the lack of funds for the water supply and sanitation sector in many Asia-Pacific countries. However, with the ease of lockdown restrictions and resumption of manufacturing activities in the region, from late 2020, the activated carbon supply and demand activities are recovering at a healthy pace. The innovative applications of activated carbon, such as its use in the manufacturing of activated carbon powdered masks, are further bolstering the demand.

Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market

Market Insights

Growing Regulations About Mercury Emissions Drive Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Progress

Mercury emissions are hazardous to environment and human health. Coal-fired power plants are the major contributors to these emissions. Many countries in Asia-Pacific have set regulations on toxin levels released from these power plants. The Asia-Pacific Mercury Partnership has intensified regulations and policies in developed countries. In developing countries, regulatory or legislative frameworks on mercury are not specifically established; however, mercury management is designed to prevent harmful emissions. Advanced control technologies, including hardware and software, are applied to reduce mercury levels in emissions. Activated carbon is one of the most prominent part of hardware used in these technologies to filter air. For treating mercury vapors in electric power plants and combustion facilities, adsorption technology is used with zeolites or activated carbon. Moreover, impregnated activated carbon has also been developed by the addition of other materials, such as sulfur, to control mercury emissions efficiently. Therefore, the growing stringency of regulations pertaining to mercury emissions is driving the demand for activated carbon in Asia-Pacific countries.

Type Insights

Based on type, the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market is segmented into granular, powdered, pelletized, and others. The powdered segment accounted for the largest market share in 2020 and is expected to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. Powdered activated carbon is beneficial in water treatment applications as its smaller sized particles come in contact with all the water when applied in the form of dilute slurry. The particles can also be removed using basic filtration methods, making them further convenient for use. However, powdered activated carbon has a high risk of dusting during operations; therefore, dust collectors or dusting equipment are ideally used with the product to carry out operations effectively.

Application Insights

Based on application, the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market is segmented into water treatment, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and others. The water treatment segment accounted for the largest market share in 2020, and the automotive segment is expected to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. A greater number of countries are imposing restrictions on vehicle emissions, and the vehicles have to pass strict pollution control tests, which is driving the demand for activated carbon in the automotive sector in Asia-Pacific. Activated filter pads or granular activated carbon materials are also used in cabin air filters in vehicles to reduce odors.

Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market, by Application – 2020 and 2028

Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market: Strategic Insights

A few players operating in the activated carbon market are Osaka Gas Chemical Co Ltd; KURARAY CO., LTD.; HAYCARB (PVT) LTD.; CABOT CORPORATION; KUREHA CORPORATION; Activated Carbon Technologies Pty Ltd; ALBEMARLE CORPORATION; CPL ACTIVATED CARBONS; JACOBI CARBONS GROUP; CALGON CARBON CORPORATION; and James Cumming and Sons Pty Ltd. These companies provide a wide range of products and have significant presence in developing regions, such as Asia-Pacific. These players are developing high-quality and innovative products to fulfil the customer’s requirements.

Report Spotlights

• Progressive industry trends in the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market to help players develop effective long-term strategies
• Growth strategies adopted by the market players operating in developed and developing markets
• Quantitative analysis of the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market from 2019 to 2028
• Estimation of the demand for activated carbon in Asia-Pacific
• Porter’s Five Forces analysis to illustrate the efficacy of buyers and suppliers operating in the chemicals and materials industry
• Recent developments to understand the competitive market scenario
• Market trends and outlook, and factors driving and restraining the growth of the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market
• Assistance in decision-making process by highlighting market strategies that underpin commercial interest, leading to the market growth
• Size of the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market size at various nodes
• Detailed overview and segmentation of the market, and the Asia-Pacific activated carbon industry dynamics
• Size of the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market in various regions with promising growth opportunities.

The report includes the segmentation of the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market as follows:

By type, the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market is segmented into granular, powdered, pelletized, and others. By application, the market is segmented into water treatment, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and others. By country, the Asia-Pacific activated carbon market is broadly segmented into Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Company Profiles

• Osaka Gas Chemical Co Ltd
• KURARAY CO., LTD.
• HAYCARB (PVT) LTD.
• CABOT CORPORATION
• KUREHA CORPORATION
• Activated Carbon Technologies Pty Ltd
• ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
• CPL ACTIVATED CARBONS
• JACOBI CARBONS GROUP
• CALGON CARBON CORPORATION
• James Cumming and Sons Pty Lt

Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Report Scope

Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

The Asia-Pacific Activated Carbon Market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.