Summary

Introduction to Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment

The Europe activated carbon market for water treatment is projected to reach $825.0 million by 2035 from $371.4 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.45% during the forecast period 2025-2035. Activated carbon is obtained in the European market either by reactivating spent carbon or as fresh material from wood, coconut shell, or coal. Pyrolysis of raw materials, activation, pelletizing or milling, application engineering, and closed-loop regeneration are all included in the regional value chain. High initial adsorption capacity is provided by virgin grades, and reactivated carbon lowers expenses and waste by repeatedly replenishing used media. European technological advancements focus on digital monitoring to maximize breakthrough cycles, steam-efficient rotary kiln reactivation, and customized pore-size distributions for PFAS and microorganism removal. Investment in low-energy activation technologies and bio-based feedstocks is being driven by stricter EU rules and sustainability goals.

Market Introduction

The market for activated carbon in water treatment in Europe is essential to guaranteeing clean, safe water for use in industrial, municipal, and environmental settings. Because of its remarkable adsorption ability, activated carbon is used to rid drinking and process water of impurities like microorganisms, PFAS, medications, pesticides, and chlorine byproducts. Both virgin carbon, which is made from coal, coconut shell, or wood, and reactivated carbon, which restores spent media for repeated use, provide a sustainable and economical alternative for the supply of carbon in Europe.

The regional value chain consists of raw material processing, activation, shape or milling, application engineering, and closed-loop regeneration. Because of their sophisticated water treatment systems, strict environmental laws, and robust industrial demand, Germany, the UK, France, and Italy are important markets. Technological developments concentrate on improving rotary-kiln reactivation efficiency, customizing pore architectures for particular pollutants, and incorporating digital monitoring to maximize performance.

The transition to bio-based feedstocks and low-energy activation techniques is being accelerated by EU regulations, especially the Drinking Water Directive, and sustainability objectives. The market for activated carbon water treatment in Europe is expected to increase steadily due to rising water shortages, industrial discharge limits, and public health awareness, all while striking a balance between innovation, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

Market Segmentation

Segmentation 1 : by End-Use Industry
• Municipal Water Treatment
• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceutical and Medical
• Mining and Metal Recovery
• Chemical Industry
• Textile Industry
• Others

Segmentation 2: by Application
• Liquid-Phase Adsorption
• Gas-Phase Adsorption

Segmentation 3: by Activated Carbon Type
• Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
• Others

Segmentation 4: by Region
• Europe

Market Trends, Drives and Challenges of Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment

Market Trends

• Growing demand for advanced water purification due to aging municipal water infrastructure in Europe.
• Shift toward environmentally friendly and sustainable activated carbon production methods, including reactivation and bio-based sources.
• Increasing application of powdered activated carbon (PAC) in municipal water treatment plants for micro-pollutant removal.
• Integration of hybrid treatment systems combining activated carbon with membrane filtration or UV disinfection.
• Adoption of stringent EU water quality regulations (e.g., Drinking Water Directive updates) driving continuous technological upgrades.

Key Market Drivers

• Declining freshwater availability and rising water stress levels in Southern and Eastern Europe.
• Stringent environmental regulations on industrial effluent discharge and municipal water treatment.
• Rapid urban population growth increasing the demand for safe drinking water.
• Rising industrial water treatment needs in sectors like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
• Increased public awareness on waterborne diseases and microplastics contamination

Major Market Challenges

• High production and reactivation costs for activated carbon compared to some chemical alternatives.
• Availability of low-cost substitutes (e.g., advanced oxidation processes, ion exchange resins) in certain applications.
• Complexity of EU regulatory compliance for imports and product specifications.
• Volatility in raw material supply (e.g., coconut shell, coal, wood) leading to cost fluctuations.
• Difficulty in handling and disposal of spent activated carbon with adsorbed hazardous compounds.

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: The study dissects demand by carbon type (GAC, PAC, others), by application (liquid-phase adsorption, gas-phase adsorption), and end-use industry (municipal water treatment, food and beverages, pharmaceutical and medical, mining and metal recovery, chemical industry, textile industry, and others). It outlines advances in pore-engineering that enhance PFAS uptake and highlights trends in renewable feedstocks, providing R&D teams with insights to align new grades with high-growth market segments.

Growth/Marketing Strategy: Market-share tables identify key incumbents and the service gaps they leave, guiding go-to-market plans for emerging suppliers or technology partners.

Competitive Strategy: Profiles of key players map capacities, reactivation footprints, and recent acquisitions so corporate strategists can benchmark M&A or partnership targets. Pricing-forecast and patent-filing analyses inform negotiation baselines and IP positioning.

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary
Scope and Definition
1 Market: Industry Outlook
1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment
1.1.1 Sustainability and Circular Use of Activated Carbon
1.1.2 Increasing Public Awareness and Adoption of Filtration
1.2 Supply Chain Overview
1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis
1.2.1.1 Virgin Activated Carbon
1.2.1.2 Reactivated Carbon
1.2.2 Market Map
1.2.3 Pricing Forecast
1.3 Research and Development Review
1.3.1 Patent Filing Trend (by Number of Patents, by Country, and Company)
1.4 Regulatory Landscape
1.5 Stakeholder Analysis
1.5.1 Use Case
1.5.2 End User and Buying Criteria
1.6 Market Dynamics
1.6.1 Market Drivers
1.6.1.1 Stricter Water Quality Regulations
1.6.1.2 Growing Water Pollution and Demand for Clean Water
1.6.2 Market Challenges
1.6.2.1 Raw Material Supply Constraints and Cost Volatility
1.6.2.2 Spent Carbon Disposal and Environmental Concerns
1.6.3 Market Opportunities
1.6.3.1 Emerging Contaminant Remediation
1.6.3.2 Investment in Water Infrastructure and Reuse Projects
2 Region
2.1 Regional Summary
2.2 Europe
2.2.1 Regional Overview
2.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth
2.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market
2.2.4 Application
2.2.5 Product
2.2.6 Europe (by Country)
2.2.6.1 Germany
2.2.6.1.1 Application
2.2.6.1.2 Product
2.2.6.2 France
2.2.6.2.1 Application
2.2.6.2.2 Product
2.2.6.3 U.K.
2.2.6.3.1 Application
2.2.6.3.2 Product
2.2.6.4 Italy
2.2.6.4.1 Application
2.2.6.4.2 Product
2.2.6.5 Spain
2.2.6.5.1 Application
2.2.6.5.2 Product
2.2.6.6 Poland
2.2.6.6.1 Application
2.2.6.6.2 Product
2.2.6.7 Rest-of-Europe
2.2.6.7.1 Application
2.2.6.7.2 Product
3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles
3.1 Jacobi Carbons AB (Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.)
3.1.1 Overview
3.1.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.1.3 Top Competitors
3.1.4 Target Customers
3.1.5 Key Personal
3.1.6 Analyst View
3.1.7 Market Share, 2024
3.2 Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH
3.2.1 Overview
3.2.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.2.3 Top Competitors
3.2.4 Target Customers
3.2.5 Key Personal
3.2.6 Analyst View
3.2.7 Market Share, 2024
3.3 Norit
3.3.1 Overview
3.3.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.3.3 Top Competitors
3.3.4 Target Customers
3.3.5 Key Personal
3.3.6 Analyst View
3.3.7 Market Share, 2024
3.4 CarboTech AC GmbH
3.4.1 Overview
3.4.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.4.3 Top Competitors
3.4.4 Target Customers
3.4.5 Key Personal
3.4.6 Analyst View
3.4.7 Market Share, 2024
3.5 Donau Carbon GmbH
3.5.1 Overview
3.5.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.5.3 Top Competitors
3.5.4 Target Customers
3.5.5 Key Personal
3.5.6 Analyst View
3.5.7 Market Share, 2024
3.6 Desotec NV
3.6.1 Overview
3.6.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.6.3 Top Competitors
3.6.4 Target Customers
3.6.5 Key Personal
3.6.6 Analyst View
3.6.7 Market Share, 2024
3.7 Other Key Companies
4 Research Methodology
4.1 Data Sources
4.1.1 Primary Data Sources
4.1.2 Secondary Data Sources
4.1.3 Data Triangulation
4.2 Market Estimation and Forecast
List of Figures
Figure 1: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Scenario), $Million, 2025, 2030, and 2035
Figure 2: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment, 2024 and 2035
Figure 3: Market Snapshot, 2024
Figure 4: Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment, $Million, 2024 and 2035
Figure 5: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024, 2030, and 2035
Figure 6: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $Million, 2024, 2030, and 2035
Figure 7: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment ((by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024, 2030, and 2035
Figure 8: Pricing Forecast, $Million/Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Figure 9: Patent Analysis (by Country and Company), January 2021- December 2024
Figure 10: Use Case 1: Heavy Metals and Organic Removal in Industrial Wastewater (Germany, 2021)
Figure 11: Use Case 2: Reusing Rinse Water by Removing Surfactants in Automotive Manufacturing (Germany, 2022)
Figure 12: Use Case 3: Cutting COD Peaks in Biofuel Plant Wastewater (Spain, 2021)
Figure 13: Use Case 4: Mobile PFAS Removal for Drinking Water Supply (France, 2023)
Figure 14: Stakeholder Analysis
Figure 15: Germany Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment, $Million, 2024-2035
Figure 16: France Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment, $Million, 2024-2035
Figure 17: U.K. Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment, $Million, 2024-2035
Figure 18: India Activated Carbon Market, $Million, 2024-2035
Figure 19: Spain Activated Carbon Market, $Million, 2024-2035
Figure 20: Poland Activated Carbon Market, $Million, 2024-2035
Figure 21: Rest-of-Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment, $Million, 2024-2035
Figure 22: Strategic Initiatives, January 2021-May 2025
Figure 23: Data Triangulation
Figure 24: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
Figure 25: Assumptions and Limitations
List of Tables
Table 1: Market Snapshot
Table 2: Competitive Landscape Snapshot
Table 3: Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment
Table 4: Regulatory Landscape
Table 5: Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities, 2025-2035
Table 6: Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Region), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 7: Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Region), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 8: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 9: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 10: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 11: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 12: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 13: Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 14: Germany Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 15: Germany Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 16: Germany Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $ Million, 2024-2035
Table 17: Germany Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 18: Germany Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 19: Germany Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 20: France Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 21: France Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 22: France Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $ Million, 2024-2035
Table 23: France Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 24: France Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 25: France Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 26: U.K. Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-User Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 27: U.K. Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-User Industry), Kilo Ton,2024-2035
Table 28: U.K. Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 29: U.K. Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 30: U.K. Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 31: U.K. Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 32: Italy Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 33: Italy Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 34: Italy Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 35: Italy Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 36: Italy Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 37: Italy Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton,2024-2035
Table 38: Spain Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 39: Spain Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 40: Spain Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 41: Spain Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 42: Spain Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 43: Spain Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 44: Poland Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 45: Poland Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 46: Poland Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $Million,2024-2035
Table 47: Poland Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 48: Poland Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 49: Poland Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 50: Rest-of-Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 51: Rest-of-Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by End-Use Industry), Kilo Ton,2024-2035
Table 52: Rest-of-Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 53: Rest-of-Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Application), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 54: Rest-of-Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), $Million, 2024-2035
Table 55: Rest-of-Europe Activated Carbon Market for Water Treatment (by Activated Carbon Type), Kilo Ton, 2024-2035
Table 56: Market Share, 2024

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