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Add to CartGlobal Activated Carbon Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2024 - 2030)
By Type;
Powdered Activated Carbon, Granular Activated Carbon, and Others.By Raw Material;
Coal, Coconut, Wood, Peat, and Other.By Application;
Liquid Phase Application and Gas Phase Application.By End-use Industry;
Water Treatment, Food and Beverage, Healthcare, Automotive, Industrial Processing, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2020 - 2030).Introduction
Global Activated Carbon Market (USD Million), 2020 - 2030
In the year 2023, the Global Activated Carbon Market was valued at USD xx.x million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD xx.x million by the year 2030, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of x.x%.
The global activated carbon market, characterized by its estimated size and projected growth, is primarily driven by increasing demand within water treatment and sewage treatment applications. Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is distinguished by its significant number of small pores on the surface, which enhance its adsorption capability. This feature makes it a preferred choice for potable water filtration, sewage treatment plants, and various other applications. Furthermore, ongoing manufacturing advancements are expected to further bolster market growth.
Key raw materials utilized in the manufacturing process include coconut shell, resin, wood, and viscose rayon. The carbon yield is positively correlated with the quantity of raw material used, thus affecting production costs. With rising demand for activated carbon and limited availability of raw materials, manufacturers are compelled to explore methods for optimizing production processes and reducing dependency on costly inputs to sustain profitability.
The purity of activated carbon is closely linked to the raw materials employed. Wood-based activated carbon typically contains calcium, while coal-based variants may contain iron. Additionally, variations in ash content exist among different raw materials, with wood having lower ash content compared to lignite. These distinctions impact the proportion of pores within the activated carbon product, with wood-based variants exhibiting a higher proportion of meso and macropores relative to coal and coconut shell counterparts.
Within the end-use industry spectrum, water treatment emerges as the dominant sector, driven by activated carbon's efficacy in removing particulate and dissolved pollutants, as well as contaminants and chlorine, from water. Beyond water treatment, activated carbon finds application in air purification, removing hazardous gases, odors, and dust particles in manufacturing plants and greenhouses. It also serves diverse industries such as food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, medical, and automotive, underscoring its versatility and wide-ranging utility.
Global Activated Carbon Market Recent Developments & Report Snapshot
Recent Developments:
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In March 2023, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC completed the acquisition of Bob Johnson & Associates, a Texas-based industrial water standard treatment service business from Kemco Systems, to strengthen its presence in North America. America.
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In October 2022, Kuraray commenced its full-scale operations at its Feluy facility in Belgium. This decision was taken after the company successfully tested the operations of reactivated carbon production facilities, enabling Calgon Carbon a stable activated carbon supply at a global level.
| Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Market | Global Activated Carbon Market |
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year (for Activated Carbon Market Size Estimates) | 2023 |
| Drivers |
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| Restraints |
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| Opportunities |
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Segment Analysis
The Global Activated Carbon Market is segmented by Type into Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC), Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), and Others. Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) is widely used in liquid-phase applications, particularly in water treatment for removing organic compounds, chlorine, and other impurities. It is highly effective in applications such as municipal water treatment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial processing. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), on the other hand, is more commonly used in gas-phase applications and offers higher mechanical strength and reusability. GAC is typically employed in air purification systems, including in the automotive and industrial sectors, where it is used for controlling emissions and removing volatile organic compounds. The Others category includes specialized forms like extruded activated carbon and catalyst supports, which are tailored for niche applications such as gold recovery, solvent recovery, and specific environmental cleanup processes.
In terms of Raw Material, the market is segmented into Coal, Coconut, Wood, Peat, and Other sources. Coal-based activated carbon dominates due to its high availability, low cost, and efficiency in large-scale industrial applications, particularly in water treatment and air filtration systems. Coconut-based activated carbon, known for its high surface area, is gaining popularity for air and water filtration applications, especially in high-end filters for medical, food, and beverage industries. Wood-based activated carbon is used for applications that require a high degree of adsorptive capacity and is often chosen for liquid-phase processes, such as in food and beverage decolorization. Peat-based activated carbon is more cost-effective and used in certain regional applications like water treatment, while the Other category, including materials like rice husk and olive pits, is growing in popularity due to their sustainability and lower cost.
The Global Activated Carbon Market is also segmented by Application into Liquid Phase Applications and Gas Phase Applications. Liquid phase applications account for a significant portion of the market, as activated carbon is highly effective in purifying liquids in industries such as water treatment, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It helps in removing contaminants like organic compounds, chlorine, and heavy metals. Gas phase applications, on the other hand, involve the adsorption of gases and vapors, including in air purification systems, industrial emissions control, and automotive cabin air filters. The End-use Industry segmentation includes major sectors like Water Treatment, Food and Beverage, Healthcare, Automotive, Industrial Processing, and others. Water treatment remains the largest end-use industry, driven by the need for clean and safe water globally. The food and beverage industry also represents a significant application, as activated carbon is used for decolorization and purifying consumables. The healthcare industry uses activated carbon in medical devices and treatments, while the automotive and industrial sectors rely on activated carbon for emissions control and other specialized applications. These diverse applications across industries indicate strong growth potential for the activated carbon market.
Global Activated Carbon Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Type, Raw Material, Application, End-use Industry, and Geography.
Global Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Type into Powdered Activated Carbon, Granular Activated Carbon, and Others.
Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is characterized by its finely ground particles, which possess a high surface area and enhanced adsorption capacity. Due to its small particle size, PAC is commonly used in liquid phase applications, including water treatment, wastewater purification, and the removal of organic contaminants and pollutants from aqueous solutions. Its fine texture allows for efficient mixing and dispersion in liquid media, facilitating effective adsorption of impurities and improving water quality. In contrast, granular activated carbon (GAC) comprises larger particles with a more porous structure, offering advantages in gas phase applications and certain liquid phase applications where a longer contact time is required. GAC is commonly utilized in air purification systems, industrial gas processing, and gas phase filtration processes to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and harmful gases from ambient air or process streams. Its larger particle size allows for slower flow rates and extended contact time with the gas stream, maximizing adsorption efficiency and ensuring effective removal of contaminants.
Global Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by Raw Material
The Global Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Raw Material into Coal, Coconut, Wood, Peat, and Other.
The Global Activated Carbon Market is primarily segmented by Raw Material, which plays a significant role in determining the properties and applications of activated carbon. Coal-based activated carbon is widely used due to its high carbon content, making it effective for various applications such as air and water purification, as well as in industrial processes. Coal-based activated carbon is especially favored in large-scale applications like municipal water treatment and environmental cleanup due to its ability to remove contaminants efficiently. This type of activated carbon is also used in the automotive industry for air filtration systems, contributing to the growing demand from sectors focused on environmental sustainability.
Another important raw material segment is Coconut-based activated carbon, which has gained popularity due to its eco-friendly nature and high surface area, which makes it highly effective in adsorbing gases and chemicals. Coconut-based activated carbon is predominantly used in air and water purification systems, especially for applications where high adsorption capacity is required, such as in the food and beverage industry, medical uses, and air purifiers. Its renewable nature and sustainability make it a preferred choice in regions with stringent environmental regulations. This demand is expected to grow as consumers and industries continue to shift toward more sustainable and natural products.
Wood-based activated carbon is another significant segment, typically known for its use in the removal of low molecular weight organic compounds. It is widely employed in the food and beverage industry, specifically for decolorization and purification processes, and in the medical field for treating poisonings and overdoses due to its ability to absorb toxins. Peat, although less common than coal and coconut-based products, is used in specific applications such as water treatment in regions where it is abundant, and it offers a cost-effective solution. The Other category includes alternative raw materials like rice husk, olive pits, and fruit seeds, which are gaining traction due to their lower cost and sustainability profile. Overall, the diverse raw materials used to produce activated carbon cater to a wide range of industries, driving the market's growth globally.
Global Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Application into Liquid Phase Application and Gas Phase Application.
Liquid phase applications of activated carbon are primarily focused on the treatment and purification of liquids, encompassing a wide range of industries such as water treatment, wastewater management, and liquid filtration processes. Activated carbon is extensively utilized in these applications due to its exceptional adsorption properties, which enable the removal of impurities, contaminants, and pollutants from liquid streams. In water treatment, activated carbon plays a crucial role in the removal of organic compounds, disinfection byproducts, and taste and odor-causing substances from drinking water sources, ensuring the delivery of clean and potable water to consumers. Similarly, in wastewater management, activated carbon aids in the removal of organic pollutants, heavy metals, and toxic substances from wastewater streams, facilitating the treatment and safe disposal of wastewater effluents. Moreover, activated carbon finds application in liquid filtration processes across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemical processing, where it is utilized for the purification and separation of liquids, ensuring product quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
In gas phase applications of activated carbon focus on the purification and treatment of gases, encompassing industries such as air purification, industrial gas processing, and emission control. Activated carbon's high surface area and microporous structure make it highly effective in adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and harmful gases from gas streams, thereby improving air quality and reducing environmental pollution. In air purification applications, activated carbon filters are commonly used in HVAC systems, air purifiers, and respirators to remove airborne contaminants and allergens, providing clean and healthy indoor air environments. Furthermore, in industrial gas processing, activated carbon is utilized for the purification and separation of gases, such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide, in various manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality and process efficiency. Additionally, activated carbon plays a crucial role in emission control applications, where it is employed to capture and mitigate harmful emissions from industrial processes, power plants, and automotive exhaust systems, contributing to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Global Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by End-use Industry
The Global Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by End-use Industry into Water Treatment, Food and Beverage, Healthcare, Automotive, Industrial Processing, and Others.
Water treatment stands out as a prominent segment within this classification, reflecting the critical role of activated carbon in addressing water quality and purification challenges. Activated carbon is extensively utilized in municipal water treatment facilities, drinking water purification processes, and groundwater remediation projects to effectively remove contaminants, pollutants, and undesirable substances from water sources. Its high adsorption capacity and versatility make it an indispensable component in ensuring clean and safe water supplies for communities around the globe. Furthermore, the food and beverage industry represents another significant end-use sector for activated carbon products. In this industry, activated carbon finds widespread applications in various processes, including decolorization, deodorization, and purification. Activated carbon is employed to remove impurities, off-flavors, and unwanted substances from food and beverage products, enhancing their quality, appearance, and taste. From sugar refining to alcoholic beverage production, activated carbon plays a vital role in ensuring product quality and meeting stringent regulatory standards imposed by food safety authorities.
The healthcare sector also presents lucrative opportunities for activated carbon utilization, particularly in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Activated carbon is utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes for purification and separation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), as well as removal of toxins and impurities from drug formulations. In medical settings, activated carbon is employed in various medical devices, such as respirators and masks, for gas adsorption and filtration purposes, contributing to respiratory health and safety. Moreover, the automotive industry represents a growing market segment for activated carbon products, driven by increasing regulatory requirements for emissions control and air quality management. Activated carbon-based solutions are utilized in automotive emission control systems, such as catalytic converters and evaporative emission control systems (EVAP), to adsorb and capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful gases from vehicle exhaust emissions, thereby reducing environmental pollution and improving air quality.
Global Activated Carbon Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Activated Carbon Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Global Activated Carbon Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2023
Asia-Pacific dominates the global activated carbon market and is projected to achieve a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.49% during the forecast period. The region's growth is primarily driven by the flourishing chemicals, food and beverage, and energy industries in countries such as China, India, and Indonesia. China, in particular, serves as both the leading producer and consumer of activated carbon globally, buoyed by its status as a major electric vehicle manufacturer. Anticipated increases in consumption for energy storage and pharmaceutical applications are expected to further propel market growth in the region. Additionally, the pressing need for water purification and reuse in Asia-Pacific's industrial sector, driven by water scarcity concerns, is poised to drive significant demand for activated carbon in the coming years. The expansion of the automotive industry in the region, coupled with the escalating adoption of activated carbon to mitigate gaseous emissions from automobiles, is also forecasted to contribute to regional market expansion.
North America is forecasted to register a notable CAGR of 7.27% over the forecast period, driven by increasing regulatory pressure from bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US government to curb mercury emissions across industries. The region's market growth is further supported by the availability of advanced technologies and the heightened demand for water purification in the US industrial sector. Moreover, the widespread use of activated carbon in water purification applications continues to underpin market growth in the region.
In Europe, stringent government regulations pertaining to toxic gas emissions and the growing momentum towards industrial water reuse initiatives are key drivers of market growth. The adoption of onsite water reuse by industries, motivated by pollution reduction and energy conservation objectives, is gaining traction across European nations. Additionally, the extensive utilization of activated carbon for decolorization purposes in the food and beverage sector, particularly in developed countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia, is expected to drive market growth in the region.
Latin America's market growth is primarily fueled by substantial consumption of activated carbon in water purification applications, driven by water quality challenges in the region. Furthermore, the treatment of wastewater using activated carbon for agricultural irrigation purposes is contributing to market expansion. Additionally, concerns surrounding automotive air pollution are expected to further boost demand for activated carbon in emission control applications.
In the Middle East and Africa, the oil and gas sector emerges as the primary user of activated carbon, given the region's prominence as a major crude oil producer and holder of extensive natural gas reserves. The sector relies on activated carbon for various purification processes, including the removal of heavy polynuclear aromatics (HPNA) during hydrocracking and desulfurization of natural gas. Moreover, investments in the oil and gas industry aimed at boosting production are anticipated to drive demand for activated carbon for air purification purposes in the years ahead.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Activated Carbon Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing Demand for Water and Sewage Treatment
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Increasing Focus on Air Purification- The rising air pollution across the globe has surged the demand for air purification systems in factories and generators. Over the past few years, rapid industrialization and the increasing number of coal-based electricity-generating power plants have increased air pollution. As a result, the governments of different countries have issued new policies to control pollution.
Product consumption has increased in end products, such as carbon filters. These filters extract the micro impurities from the air when they pass through it as their bed structure is made of powdered or granular carbon. Additionally, such carbon filters offer remarkable filtration against Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), chemicals, and hazardous gases, such as SOX and NOX.The number of dyspnea (breathing illness) patients has increased drastically in the past few years due to the presence of micro-pollutants in the air. This has created a massive demand for activated carbon from air filtration systems in residential areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 90% of the global population breathes polluted air, and more than 4.1 million people die from air pollution every year.
Restraints
- High Production Costs
- Limited Availability of Raw Materials
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Hike in Prices Due to Raw Material Shortage to Impede- The scarcity of raw materials, particularly coconut shell charcoal, poses a significant challenge to the growth of the activated carbon market. With increasing demand for activated carbon across various industries, the prices of raw materials have surged, impacting production costs. Additionally, coal-based products have witnessed price hikes due to heightened energy requirements in sectors like cement production, iron and steel manufacturing, and electricity generation, notably in China. This surge in demand has led to a shortage of coal grades essential for activated charcoal production.
The decrease in coconut production has further exacerbated the situation, as coconut shell charcoal is a key raw material for activated carbon production. To address this shortage, producers have sought to ramp up their production capacities by up to 50-60%. However, this increased production has resulted in additional costs, leading to further price hikes for activated carbon products. Overall, the scarcity of raw materials presents a significant challenge for market players, necessitating strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions and manage cost pressures effectively.
Opportunities
- Technological Advancements
- Rising Industrialization and Urbanization
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Rising Adoption in Food and Beverage Industry- Activated carbon is increasingly utilized in various processes within the food and beverage sector, including decolorization, deodorization, and purification. One of the primary applications of activated carbon in this industry is in the purification of food and beverage products. Activated carbon effectively removes impurities, off-flavors, and unwanted substances from food and beverage ingredients, additives, and final products, thereby enhancing their quality, appearance, and taste. Additionally, activated carbon plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and quality requirements set by food safety authorities. By effectively removing contaminants and undesirable substances, activated carbon helps food and beverage manufacturers maintain product integrity and safety, thereby bolstering consumer confidence and trust.
The versatility of activated carbon enables its application across a wide range of food and beverage products, including alcoholic beverages, juices, sweeteners, edible oils, and food additives. This versatility, coupled with its high adsorption capacity and efficiency, makes activated carbon a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking to improve product quality and meet consumer expectations. Furthermore, as consumer preferences shift towards healthier and cleaner-label products, the demand for activated carbon in the food and beverage industry is expected to rise further. Activated carbon offers a natural and effective solution for purifying and enhancing the quality of food and beverage products without the need for artificial additives or chemical treatments, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for clean and transparent labeling. Overall, the rising adoption of activated carbon in the food and beverage industry not only presents lucrative opportunities for market growth but also underscores the vital role of activated carbon in ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of food and beverage products consumed by consumers worldwide
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Activated Carbon Market include:
- CarbPure Technologies
- Boyce Carbon
- Cabot Corporation
- Kuraray Co.
- Carbo Tech AC GmbH
- Donau Chemicals AG
- Haycarb (Pvt) Ltd.
- Jacobi Carbons Group
- Kureha Corporation
- Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd
- Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
- Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC
- Carbon Activated Corporation
- Hangzhou Nature Technology Co., Ltd
- Datong Coal Jinding Activated Carbon Co
- CarbUSA, Sorbent JSC
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Raw Material
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End-use Industry
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Activated Carbon Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Increasing Demand for Water and Sewage Treatment
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Increasing Focus on Air Purification
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- Restraints
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High Production Costs
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Limited Availability of Raw Materials
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Hike in Prices Due to Raw Material Shortage to Impede
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- Opportunities
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Technological Advancements
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Rising Industrialization and Urbanization
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Rising Adoption in Food and Beverage Industry
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Activated Carbon Market, By Type, 2020 - 2030 (USD Million)
- Powdered Activated Carbon
- Granular Activated Carbon
- Others
- Global Activated Carbon Market, By Raw Material, 2020 - 2030 (USD Million)
- Coal
- Coconut
- Wood
- Peat
- Other
- Global Activated Carbon Market, By Application Method, 2020 - 2030 (USD Million)
- Liquid Phase Application
- Gas Phase Application
- Global Activated Carbon Market, By End-use Industry, 2020 - 2030 (USD Million)
- Water Treatment
- Food and Beverage
- Healthcare, Automotive
- Industrial Processing
- Others
- Global Activated Carbon Market, By Geography, 2020 - 2030 (USD Million)
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North America
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United States
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Canada
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Europe
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Germany
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United Kingdom
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France
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Italy
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Spain
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Nordic
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Benelux
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Rest of Europe
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Asia Pacific
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Japan
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China
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India
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Australia & New Zealand
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South Korea
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ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
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Rest of Asia Pacific
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Middle East & Africa
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GCC
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Israel
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South Africa
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Rest of Middle East & Africa
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Latin America
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Brazil
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Mexico
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Argentina
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Rest of Latin America
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- Global Activated Carbon Market, By Type, 2020 - 2030 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
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CarbPure Technologies
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Boyce Carbon
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Cabot Corporation
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Kuraray Co.
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Carbo Tech AC GmbH
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Donau Chemicals AG
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Haycarb (Pvt) Ltd.
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Jacobi Carbons Group
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Kureha Corporation
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Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd
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Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
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Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC
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Carbon Activated Corporation
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Hangzhou Nature Technology Co., Ltd
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Datong Coal Jinding Activated Carbon Co
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CarbUSA, Sorbent JSC
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- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market