Kuraray To Expand Reactivated Carbon Production Capacity In The United States

Calgon Carbon to Add 12,300 Tons per Year of Production Capacity at Its Columbus Plant

Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hitoshi Kawahara) announced that its U.S.-based subsidiary, Calgon Carbon Corporation (hereinafter “Calgon Carbon”), has decided to expand its reactivated carbon production capacity at the company’s Columbus Plant in Ohio, U.S.A., in response to the growing global demand for activated carbon.

Background of the Production Facility Expansion

• Produced from such materials as bituminous coal and coconut shells, activated carbon is a class of carbon substrate with numerous micropores. 　Activated carbon can be used in a wide variety of applications, depending on the size and shape of its micropores.
• In recent years, the use of activated carbon has become increasingly widespread, particularly for applications related to the environment, including 　water and air purification. In the United States especially, demand for activated carbon in the area of drinking water processing, including the removal of 　contaminants, is growing.
• In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS chemicals in 　drinking water. All U.S. public water systems are required to comply with these PFAS regulatory levels by April 2031.
• By adding new production capacity dedicated to reactivated carbon for drinking-water applications at the Columbus Plant, Calgon Carbon will be well 　positioned to support the growing need for PFAS treatment among U.S. water utilities.
• The Kuraray Group will continue to strengthen its supply system for activated carbon to meet the rapidly expanding drinking-water market and will 　contribute to environmental challenges by providing sustainable solutions.