Carbon Reactivation Market Surges as PFAS Rules Drive Capacity Expansions

LOS ANGELES - Aug. 21, 2026 - PRLog -- The activated carbon industry is witnessing a structural shift toward circular economy models as two major players announce significant expansions in thermal reactivation capacity, driven by tightening PFAS regulations and growing demand for sustainable water treatment solutions.

Major Investments in Reactivation Infrastructure

Calgon Carbon, a Kuraray subsidiary, is investing nearly $100 million to expand its Columbus, Ohio, drinking water carbon reactivation plant. The project will add approximately 27 million pounds of annual capacity, with operations expected to begin in 2028. The expansion meets demand driven by U.S. EPA PFAS regulations, which require utilities to comply by 2031.

Meanwhile, Kemira plans to build a €20 million activated carbon reactivation plant in Tarragona, Spain—the first facility of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula—targeting the region's drinking water and wastewater market. The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2029.

Science Behind the Surge

The investments follow peer-reviewed research confirming that thermal reactivation can achieve >99.9% PFAS destruction removal efficiency, with no reformed PFAS detected in stack emissions. Reactivation also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to virgin activated carbon production.

Supply Pressures Accelerate the Shift

Coconut shell prices rose roughly 38% between early 2024 and late 2025 due to drought-related shortages in Southeast Asia. This price volatility is pushing utilities and industrial buyers to favor suppliers with diversified feedstock portfolios and reactivation capabilities. Procurement records show utilities increasingly favor bids that combine media supply with long-term reactivation services.

Implications for the Industry

Thermal reactivation has moved from a supplementary service to a core requirement in competitive bids. Suppliers unable to offer closed-loop reactivation alongside media supply are losing ground in framework tenders.

About ACC

Xiamen All Carbon Corporation (ACC), an activated carbon supplier since 2005, supports sustainable water treatment solutions with products meeting NSF, Kosher, and BV certifications.

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