Pelletized Activated Carbon Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Expansion of Industrialization– In 2021, global industrial output increased by 7.2%, approaching pre-pandemic levels. The worldwide manufacturing value-added proportion of total GDP grew from 16.2% in 2015 to 16.9% in 2021. Industrialization significantly contributes to the generation of air pollutants, industries such as chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, power generation, and waste treatment facilities require effective solutions to control emissions.
• Growing Initiatives for Mercury Removal– The Clean Air Mercury Rule was based on the EPA's Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) to significantly lower emissions from coal-fired power plants in the United States. The purpose of these mercury standards was to bring down utility mercury emissions from 48 tonnes per year to 15 tonnes, an improvement of roughly 70%. Pelletized activated carbon has a high surface area, porosity, and adsorption capabilities. Owing to all these properties, they attract and hold mercury onto their surface.
• Rising Use of Fuel Cell Technology– Amazon used more than 15,000 fuel cells to power 70 of its campuses as of 2022. As of January 2022, Walmart operated 10,000 fuel cell at 41 hydrogen fuel sites spread throughout distribution centers. By purifying the fuel and oxidant, the carbon pellets help enhance the efficiency and longevity of the fuel cell.

Challenges

• Concerns Associated with Safe Disposal and Regeneration- After reaching its adsorption capacity, pelletized activated carbon need to be replaced or regenerated. Proper disposal of spent carbon can be challenging, as it may contain adsorbed contaminants that need to be handled and disposed of properly to avoid environmental impact. Regeneration of spent carbon can also be a complex and energy-intensive process, requiring specialized facilities and expertise.
• Limitation in Adsorption Capacity
• Challenge from an Alternative Technology