Why Activated Carbon Demand is Soaring Across Various Industries?

Activated carbon, often referred to as activated charcoal, is experiencing a surge in demand across a wide range of industries due to its unique properties and versatile applications. This remarkable material is known for its high porosity and surface area, making it incredibly effective in adsorbing impurities and contaminants from various media. The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, stringent regulatory standards, and the necessity for cleaner processes and products are key factors driving the increased use of activated carbon.

Environmental and Water Treatment Solutions

One of the primary drivers of the rising demand for activated carbon is its pivotal role in environmental protection, particularly in water and air purification. Governments and industries worldwide are facing increasing pressure to reduce pollutants and adhere to more stringent environmental regulations. Activated carbon's ability to remove organic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and industrial pollutants from water sources makes it indispensable in municipal and industrial water treatment plants. Similarly, in air purification, activated carbon is used to filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and harmful gases, thereby improving air quality in both indoor and outdoor environments.

These solutions are necessary as microplastics in our environment create substantial risk. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a prestigious US journal, detected an average of over 240,000 plastic particles per liter in bottled water. 

Notably, 90% of these particles were classified as nanoplastics. Learn more about the microplastics in our food, water and air in this article.

Industrial and Commercial Applications

In the industrial sector, activated carbon is used extensively in the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, where it plays a critical role in decolorization, purification, and solvent recovery processes. The food and beverage industry relies on activated carbon for decolorizing sugar, purifying edible oils, and removing odors and colors from beverages. The mining industry employs activated carbon in the gold recovery process, where it is used to separate gold from its ore using cyanidation. Additionally, in the field of gas purification, activated carbon is used to remove impurities from natural gas and in industrial gas production.

Activated Carbon

Healthcare and Personal Care Products

Activated carbon's ability to adsorb toxins and impurities has also made it popular in the healthcare and personal care sectors. It is a key ingredient in many pharmaceuticals and detoxification treatments, and is widely used in activated carbon filters for medical devices. In personal care, activated carbon is a popular component in skincare products, where it is valued for its deep cleansing and impurity-removing properties. Its application in oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, highlights its versatility and growing demand in this sector.

Consumer Trends and Market Growth

Consumer awareness and preference for eco-friendly and sustainable products are further boosting the demand for activated carbon. This trend is particularly evident in the rise of activated carbon air and water filters for household use, driven by the increasing concern for health and environmental wellbeing. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with projections indicating significant growth across various sectors. 
According to a recent analysis by Fact.MR, the global activated carbon industry is set to estimate a valuation worth US$ 5.4 billion by 2033.

Future Outlook

The future of the activated carbon market looks promising, with continued growth anticipated across multiple industries. The drive for cleaner energy, such as hydrogen fuel cells, and the ongoing need for effective wastewater treatment solutions are expected to further fuel demand. As technology advances and new applications for activated carbon are developed, its role as a critical material in achieving environmental sustainability and improving industrial processes will only expand.

The soaring demand for activated carbon across industries is a testament to its exceptional versatility and effectiveness in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from environmental protection to industrial efficiency and consumer health.

Activated Carbon; Credits: Wikimedia Commons

FAQs

What's the difference between charcoal and activated carbon?

Although both are produced from carbon-rich materials, charcoal and activated carbon have distinct functions. Burning wood or other organic materials in a low-oxygen atmosphere produces charcoal, which is helpful for heating or grilling. 

On the other hand, charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to increase its porosity is known as activated carbon. Through this process, activated carbon is far more effective at extracting chemicals and impurities. Activated carbon, subsequently, has a unique structure that makes it superior for filtering and cleaning even though both originate from the same core material.

Is activated carbon good or bad for you?

Activated carbon is frequently used in products like water filters as well as specific medical treatments, and it is generally safe to use. It has the potential to be advantageous because it functions by ensnaring toxic materials. It's crucial to use it carefully, though, as inappropriately using it or consuming too much of it can prevent your body from absorbing nutrients and medications. Always abide by the instructions, and if in doubt, get advice from a medical expert.

Can we consume activated carbon?

It is possible to consume activated carbon, but doing so should be done carefully and usually under a doctor's supervision. Since it can trap toxins and gases in the stomach, it is utilized in some therapies to deal with poisoning or digestive problems. It is crucial to take it safely and consult with your medical professional before taking it on a frequent basis, since consuming excessively in it or using it improperly might affect the extent to which nutrients are absorbed and even how productively drugs work.

What are the benefits of taking activated carbon?

In some circumstances, taking activated carbon can be beneficial. For instance, it may trap poisons and stop them from being absorbed into the human organs, it is frequently employed in medical emergencies to treat poisoning. As it may eliminate pollutants and enhance flavor, it is also present in various items, such as water filters. It's advised to use it under a healthcare provider's guidance. Some people also take it for aiding with digestive problems like gas and bloating.