Activated Carbon Fiber Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (PAN-based, Pitch-based, Cellulosic Fiber, Phenolic Resin), Application (Solvent Recovery, Air Purification, Water Treatment, Catalyst Carrier), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025-2034

Global Activated Carbon Fiber Market Size is valued at USD 420.4 Mn in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 591.6 Mn by the year 2034 at a 3.6% CAGR during the forecast period for 2025-2034.

The market for high-performance adsorption and filtration materials derived from carbon fibers that have been treated to boost their adsorption capacity is known as the activated carbon fiber (ACF) market. The activated carbon fiber market expansion is expected to rise in the forthcoming years due to the increasing demand for high-performance filtration and adsorption materials in various industries, such as water treatment, air purification, and food and beverage. The activated carbon fiber market demand is also driven by the growth of the end-use industries, technological advancements, and increasing environmental concerns.

ACF is favored over traditional activated carbon due to its high surface area, good adsorption capacity, and low-pressure drop. Due to stringent government regulations and rising public awareness of health issues, ACF applications for water treatment will greatly increase demand. The development of innovative fibers and the application of ACF filters in new water purifiers are expected to accelerate the activated carbon fiber industry growth. However, high production costs and obstacles to environment-friendly production of ACF are some challenges that restrict the activated carbon fiber market growth.

Recent Developments:

• In June 2020, Kuraray Co., Ltd. announced that its American subsidiary, Calgon Carbon Corporation (from now on, "Calgon Carbon"), had decided to increase production capacity at its Pearl River Plant in Mississippi, USA. This decision was made in response to the rising demand for activated carbon on a global scale.

Competitive Landscape:

Some of the activated carbon fiber market players are:

• Toyobo Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Unitika Ltd. (Japan)
• Gun Ei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Evertech Envisafe Ecology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)
• AWA Paper & Technology Company, Inc (Japan)
• Taiwan Carbon Technology Co., Ltd (Taiwan)
• Daigas Group (Japan)
• Auro Carbon & Chemicals (India)
• Hangzhou Nature Technology Co.Ltd. (China)
• Eurocarb Products Technology Co., Ltd (Taiwan)
• Ceram=Materials (US)
• HPMS Graphite (US
• Balfour Beatty PLC 

Market Segmentation:

The activated carbon fiber market is segmented based on type and application. Based on type, the market is segmented as PAN-based, Pitch-based, cellulose fiber, phenolic Resin and others. By application, the market is segmented into solvent recovery, air purification, water treatment, catalyst carrier and others.

Based On Application, The Water Treatment Segment Is A Major Contributor To The Activated Carbon Fiber Market

The water treatment segment dominates the activated carbon fiber (ACF) market, and it is projected to expand. A possible method of treating sewage is the aerated bioreactor. Recently, concerns about activated carbon fibers (ACF), a biomembrane carrier used in wastewater disposal, have grown significantly. ACF made of high modulus polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is frequently utilized as a biomembrane carrier to discharge industrial organic wastewater treatment that is difficult to biodegrade. Using ACF filters in new water purifiers and creating novel fibers will contribute to expanding the activated carbon fiber market in the wastewater treatment industry. However, existing activated carbon fiber (ACF) water purifier filter elements could be more effective because of an unqualified pH increase.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Segment Witnessed Growth At A Rapid Rate

The market for polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based materials is expected to be worth over due to its favorable characteristics, such as quick pyrolysis, a higher melting point, and simple raw material accessibility. Additionally, the growing usage of PAN-based precursors in the ACF industry is expected to boost significantly segment expansion because of their high carbon yield and good tensile strength.

The Asia Pacific Activated Carbon Fiber Market Holds A Significant Revenue Share

APAC is anticipated to account for a sizeable portion of the global activated carbon fiber market in the upcoming years. APAC comprises the following nations: China, Japan, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and the rest of the region. The economic boom in the area, fueled by factors like the affordable supply of labor and materials as well as other advancements and new technology, can be linked to regional growth. In addition, the region is experiencing significant air pollution brought on by the presence of several manufacturing facilities in China and Japan, which has a detrimental effect on human health by increasing the risk of illnesses like bronchitis and asthma, among others. These elements are thus driving the regional market's upward trend. Moreover, the North America activated carbon fiber market is expected to record the highest market share in revenue shortly.

The demand for activated carbon fiber in North America is anticipated to gain more market share. Throughout the analysis, it is anticipated that the expansion of the local chemical sector will be the primary driver of ACF use. The expanding domestic petroleum industry and the rising demand for chemical and solvent recovery equipment are projected to propel regional market statistics further.

Activated Carbon Fiber Market Report Scope:

Segmentation of Activated Carbon Fiber Market-

Activated Carbon Fiber Market By Type-

• PAN-based
• Pitch-based
• Cellulosic Fiber
• Phenolic Resin
• Others 

Activated Carbon Fiber Market By Application-

• Solvent Recovery
• Air Purification
• Water Treatment
• Catalyst Carrier
• Others

Activated Carbon Fiber Market By Region-

North America-

• The US
• Canada

Europe-

• Germany
• The UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Southeast Asia
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America

 Middle East & Africa-

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East and Africa