The Global Granular Activated Carbon Market was valued at USD 2.13 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.98 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.1% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is being driven by stringent environmental regulations on water purification, rising demands for industrial wastewater treatment, and the increasing adoption of advanced adsorption solutions in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and air purification sectors.

As the purification industry evolves toward sustainable and efficient contaminant removal, the focus turns to the leading manufacturers who are innovating in production processes, expanding capacities, and promoting eco-friendly sourcing. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Granular Activated Carbon Industry—a blend of global giants, specialized producers, and innovators advancing water quality, air filtration, and industrial applications worldwide.

---

🔟 1. Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH

Headquarters: Kirchberg, Germany
Key Offering: Coal-based and coconut shell-based granular activated carbon for water and air purification

Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH stands out as a European leader in granular activated carbon production, supplying high-quality adsorbents to municipal water treatment facilities, industrial plants, and environmental services across the continent. The company emphasizes customized particle sizes and impregnation technologies to target specific contaminants like VOCs and heavy metals effectively.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Implementation of energy-efficient reactivation processes

• Partnerships for recycled carbon utilization in circular economy projects

• Certification for sustainable forestry sourcing of raw materials

Download FREE Sample Report: Granular Activated Carbon Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

9️⃣ 2. CPL Carbon Link Ltd.

Headquarters: Newbury, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Wood-based and coal-based GAC for gold recovery and water treatment

CPL Carbon Link Ltd. operates extensively in mining and environmental sectors, providing granular activated carbon optimized for gold adsorption and wastewater remediation. With a strong presence in Africa and Europe, the company supports large-scale operations by delivering reliable, high-capacity adsorbents that enhance recovery rates and compliance with discharge standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low-emission production facilities

• Collaboration with mining firms on carbon regeneration to minimize waste

---

8️⃣ 3. Donau Chemie Group

Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Key Offering: Specialized GAC for industrial air purification and chemical processing

Donau Chemie Group excels in producing granular activated carbon tailored for chemical industries, offering solutions that remove impurities in gases and liquids. Its products are widely used in petrochemical plants and refineries, where precise adsorption is critical for operational efficiency and environmental protection.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in renewable energy for manufacturing processes

• Initiatives to reduce water usage in activation procedures

---

7️⃣ 4. Ingevity Corporation

Headquarters: North Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Key Offering: Coconut shell-based GAC for air and water filtration systems

Ingevity Corporation is a key player in performance materials, supplying granular activated carbon for automotive evaporative emissions control and industrial air purification. The company’s innovative formulations support stringent emission regulations while maintaining high adsorption capacities for a variety of pollutants.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Goal to source 100% sustainable raw materials by 2030

• Expansion of carbon regeneration services to promote reuse

Download FREE Sample Report: Granular Activated Carbon Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

6️⃣ 5. Carbotech AC GmbH

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Coal-based GAC for municipal water treatment and industrial applications

Carbotech AC GmbH provides robust granular activated carbon solutions for large-scale water purification projects, serving utilities and industries focused on removing organic compounds and taste-odor issues. Its emphasis on quality control ensures consistent performance in fixed-bed and fluidized-bed systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Utilization of advanced thermal reactivation to extend product life

• Commitment to carbon-neutral operations by 2040

---

5️⃣ 6. Jacobi Carbons (Osaka Gas Chemicals)

Headquarters: New Castle, Delaware, USA (with global operations)
Key Offering: Coconut shell and wood-based GAC for food processing and pharmaceuticals

Jacobi Carbons, backed by Osaka Gas Chemicals, leads in high-purity granular activated carbon for sensitive applications like beverage clarification and API purification. The company maintains a global network of production sites to ensure supply reliability and compliance with food-grade standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Current production of over 50,000 tons annually with sustainable focus

• Target to increase recycled content in products to 20% by 2027

---

4️⃣ 7. CECA (Arkema Group)

Headquarters: La Garenne-Colombes, France
Key Offering: Specialized GAC for gas separation and water demineralization

CECA, part of Arkema Group, specializes in granular activated carbon for natural gas treatment and high-purity water production in power plants. Its products are engineered for durability in harsh environments, supporting energy sector transitions toward cleaner operations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integration of bio-based precursors in select product lines

• Research into low-pressure drop adsorbents for energy efficiency

---

3️⃣ 8. Calgon Carbon Corporation (Kuraray)

Headquarters: Moon Township, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Reactivated and virgin GAC for PFAS removal and mercury control

Calgon Carbon Corporation, under Kuraray, is renowned for its activated carbon technologies in environmental remediation, particularly for treating groundwater contaminated with PFAS and controlling mercury emissions in utilities. The company operates multiple reactivation facilities to support sustainable practices.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• $50 million investment in U.S. reactivation capacity in 2023

• Public-private collaborations for contaminated site cleanups

Download FREE Sample Report: Granular Activated Carbon Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

2️⃣ 9. Cabot Corporation (Norit)

Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Diverse GAC portfolio including EcoSorb for water and air applications

Cabot Corporation, through its Norit brand, dominates with an extensive range of granular activated carbon for municipal drinking water and industrial process streams. Recent launches like the EcoSorb series highlight its focus on reduced environmental impact while meeting demanding adsorption needs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• 30% reduced carbon footprint in new product lines

• Expansion of production capacity in the U.S. for mercury removal

---

1️⃣ 10. Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-performance GAC for pharmaceuticals and advanced water treatment

Kuraray Co., Ltd. tops the list as a global innovator in chemical materials, producing premium granular activated carbon for ultra-pure applications in electronics and healthcare. Its acquisitions and R&D investments position it at the forefront of sustainable purification technologies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Strategic acquisitions enhancing pharmaceutical-grade production

• Global partnerships for sustainable raw material supply chains

Get Full Report Here: Granular Activated Carbon Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Granular Activated Carbon Is Sustainable and Advanced

The granular activated carbon market is experiencing a profound transformation. Although traditional coal-based products remain prevalent, the sector is channeling significant resources into sustainable feedstocks, reactivation technologies, and specialized adsorbents for emerging contaminants.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption of coconut shell and biomass-based GAC in Europe and Asia

• Regulatory mandates for PFAS and microplastics removal boosting demand by 2030

• Advancements in on-site regeneration and digital monitoring of adsorption beds

• Collaborations between manufacturers and end-users for customized sustainability solutions

Get Full Report Here: Granular Activated Carbon Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled here are not only purifying water and air globally—they are leading the charge toward a more sustainable and contaminant-free future.