Activated Carbon Market Report

Chemical warfare agents (CWA) are intended to be very hazardous, producing serious health consequences even at low levels of exposure. This toxicity can cause fast incapacitation and, in rare cases, death within minutes or hours of exposure. Defence Study and Development Establishment (DRDE) Gwalior created Activated Carbon Fabric (ACF) as an adsorbent material after considerable study, development, and testing. ACF has several benefits over other commercial porous materials in terms of high adsorption capacity, well-defined microporous structure, flexibility, and stability. This material can be used as an adsorbent layer in protective ensembles such as the NBC suit. Innovation in ACF provides considerable opportunity for the defence sector by developing lighter, more comfortable, and more effective protective gear for soldiers.

According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, the use of an oral solution of activated charcoal is advised in poisonings when gastrointestinal decontamination is required, since it helps to minimize the absorption of ingested poisons and perhaps reduces their adverse effects on the body. It remains an important part of the early treatment procedures for many forms of acute poisoning such as overdose of medication, chemical exposures, and others. Activated carbon is formulated from organic raw materials like peat, coal, wood, and coconut shells. However, consumers prefer natural ingredients over synthetic ones and seek them as more environmentally friendly. These factors promote market growth for activated carbon.

Biochar is formulated from biomass and has a porous structure capable of adsorbing contaminants. Biochar and activated carbon have comparable applications for water treatment. The total production cost of biochar is US$1.06/kg and activated carbon is US$1.34/kg activated carbon is manufactured at high temperatures and typically undergoes chemical treatments, resulting in significant energy use. This not only boosts operational costs but also raises environmental concerns such as carbon emissions and sustainability. Furthermore, the availability of alternative technologies like Ion Exchange, Membrane Filtration, and UV treatment provides competitive benefits in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and particular treatment capabilities. The availability of alternative products and technologies limits the activated carbon market.

Activated carbon is produced from coconut shells, coal, and wood however the fluctuation in price and supply of raw materials can impact manufacturing cost and price consistency in the sector. Furthermore, in November 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a notice of continuation of the Antidumping Order (AD) on activated carbon from China. The activated carbon imported from China was being sold in the United States below its appropriate market value. These dumping practices will hamper the domestic activated carbon industry.

The demand for activated carbon is rising as worldwide awareness of environmental concerns grows although continuous developments in production techniques and product development are expanding the use of activated carbon. For instance, in October 2023, Calgon Carbon Corporation increased its production capacity of activated carbon to 25,000 tons. The world's largest manufacturer of activated carbon, Calgon Carbon, will now produce more than 100,000 tons of activated carbon. In addition, on October 2023, ADA Carbon Solutions, a top supplier of powder-activated carbon revealed it was considering options for a possible US$251 million enlargement of its manufacturing plant in Red River Parish. The enhanced plant will implement a new in-house method that transforms refined coal waste into granular activated carbon for municipal water treatment, soil and groundwater pollution clean-up, and renewable energy purposes.

Furthermore, activated carbon is commonly utilized for purifying water and air because of its strong adsorption capabilities. Nevertheless, ongoing growth has broadened its uses to encompass fields like environmental clean-up, gas filtering, pharmaceuticals, and storing energy. During Achema 2024, Norit Activated Carbon Company presented different uses of activated carbon, such as industrial purification, catalysts, refineries, and petrochemicals, as well as tablets and capsules.

The Asia Pacific region dominates in the production of activated carbon, growing populations in China and India developed a larger need for clean water, propelling the usage of activated carbon in water treatment procedures. Other Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea, make significant contributions to the development, manufacture, and application of activated carbon throughout Asia and around the world. Their technological expertise, industrial capability, and dedication to environmental sustainability position them as essential participants in influencing the regional activated carbon market. In addition, the accessibility of raw materials for activated carbon production is key factor in Asia's dominance in the activated carbon market.

Meanwhile, established manufacturing plants in North America ensure quality activated carbon products and enhance supply chain efficiency. The United States government promotes environmental sustainability, supports the economy, and drives innovation in the region. For instance, in January 2024, Calgon Carbon, aided by US$150,000 from the New Mexico State's LEDA fund, for their Bloomfield location facility expansion. Together, these factors contribute to the overall development and steady foundation of the activated carbon market in North America.

The European Union (EU) was seeing a prominent increase in the activated carbon market due to the growing importance of strict government regulations on toxic gas emissions and industrial water recycling. Industries in Europe are increasingly employing onsite water reuse, mostly because of the need to reduce pollution and preserve energy. As per data published in the World Bank by 2023, the European Union imported 194,185 metric tons of activated carbon, holds a position as leading importer for the year.