Activated carbons are produced from carbon of vegetable origin (peat, lignite, coal or nutshells). The activation process creates an extensive pore structure that allows considerable adsorption. They are produced and marketed as a black or dark grey solid, in granulate, powder, cloth or pellet form, without odour.

Activated carbon can be put to a range of uses, including the purification, concentration and separation of gases from liquids, purifying drinking water, waste water and sewage treatment as well as controlling emissions. They also have further applications in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

The Activated Carbons Producers Association (ACPA) is a Sector Group within Cefic, one of the leading European trade associations with offices in Brussels.
It is a non-profit organisation representing major producers of activated carbon in Europe.