Europe Carbon Brush Market Size, Share & Growth Forecast (2020-2035)
The Europe carbon brush market is experiencing robust growth, driven by demand across automotive, industrial, and electrical sectors, as well as advancements in brush technologies. Carbon brushes, essential for conducting electrical current in rotating machinery, are increasingly sought after in applications like electric vehicles, railways, and power generation. The market is being shaped by trends such as sustainable manufacturing and integration with smart technologies. With key players such as Mersen S.A., Morgan Advanced Materials, and Schunk Group leading innovation, the industry is set for continued expansion from 2025 to 2035. The market's adaptability to new technologies and growing emphasis on energy-efficient motors further support its dynamic outlook.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising Electric Vehicle Adoption: Europe’s focus on sustainable transportation is boosting demand for carbon brushes in EV manufacturing. Major players like Morgan Advanced Materials have ramped up production capacities to meet this demand in 2025.
Industrial Automation Surge: Automation in sectors such as manufacturing and logistics fuels carbon brush usage in robotics and industrial machinery. Schunk Group recently expanded its product line to cater to automated systems.
Key Trends
Smart Brush Technology Integration: Technological advancements, like sensors embedded in carbon brushes for predictive maintenance, are driving efficiency. Mersen S.A. introduced IoT-enabled brush monitoring solutions in 2025.
Eco-friendly Materials Adoption: Increased emphasis on sustainability is driving innovation in non-toxic, recyclable brush materials. Toyo Tanso launched eco-friendly brushes in mid-2025, reducing carbon footprint.
Key Opportunities
Growth in Renewable Energy Sector: The shift toward wind and solar energy requires robust electrical components. Companies like AEG Industrial Engineering secured new contracts for wind turbine brushes in June 2025.
Expanding Railway Electrification: European rail modernization projects are increasing demand for advanced carbon brushes, with Morgan Advanced Materials securing substantial orders from state rail operators.
Key Challenges
Technological Displacement: The rise of brushless motor technologies poses a threat to traditional carbon brushes. Companies like Ohio Carbon Industries are investing in hybrid solutions to stay relevant.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Geopolitical tensions and fluctuating raw material prices challenge production consistency, impacting firms like Schunk Group in early 2025 as they adjusted sourcing strategies.
Key Restraints
Environmental Regulations: Stricter European environmental standards constrain manufacturing processes, prompting companies to modify materials, as seen with Donon Carbon’s compliance upgrades in 2025.
Volatility in Raw Material Prices: Fluctuations in graphite and metal expenses pressurize margins, with Mersen S.A. highlighting cost control measures in its June 2025 financial report.
Electrographite leads the Europe carbon brush market by type in 2025, commanding the highest share due to its superior conductivity and wear resistance, which makes it ideal for automotive, railway, and industrial motors. Metal graphite brushes come next, finding application in high-load environments, while carbon graphite follows closely for its versatility in household and electrical appliances. The adoption of silver graphite remains niche, primarily serving high-performance, low-voltage equipment. Ongoing innovation in resin-bonded and pitch-bonded brushes caters to specialized, evolving applications, ensuring a diverse competitive landscape.
Europe Carbon Brush Market Share by Applications, 2025
The automotive sector is projected to hold the largest share of the Europe carbon brush market by application in 2025, as electric and hybrid vehicles proliferate across the region. Industrial machinery follows, driven by ongoing automation and modernization in manufacturing and logistics plants. Electrical applications, including generators and power tools, represent a steady segment due to the widespread use of carbon brushes in maintenance and commercial devices. Household appliances, railways, and aerospace also contribute meaningful shares, underlining the market’s broad, multi-industry end-user base.
Europe Carbon Brush Market Revenue, 2020-2035 (USD Million)
The Europe carbon brush market demonstrates a steady growth trajectory from 2020 to 2035. In 2025, the market is estimated at USD 730 Million, forecasted to reach approximately USD 1,130 Million by 2035. This growth is fueled by the booming electric vehicle sector, industrial automation, and the rollout of green energy projects. Sustained investments in next-generation brush materials and smart technology integration are set to accelerate market expansion, with notable revenue surges expected around 2028 as large infrastructure upgrades come online.
Europe Carbon Brush Market YoY Growth Rate, 2020-2035 (%)
The Europe carbon brush market exhibits a consistent year-over-year (YoY) growth pattern, averaging around 3.5% over the forecast period. In 2025, the market’s YoY growth stands at 2.5%, reflecting the maturity of the key segments, but this rate is expected to climb in the coming decade with renewed demand from the automotive and renewable energy sectors. Notable upticks in YoY growth will likely occur post-2028 as advancements in smart carbon brushes and increased public infrastructure spending drive market momentum.
Germany is set to dominate the regional distribution of the carbon brush market in 2025, attributed to its strong industrial base and leading role in automotive manufacturing. France and the UK follow as significant markets, propelled by investments in industrial automation, railway electrification, and advanced manufacturing. Italy, Spain, and the rest of Europe contribute to a diversified regional landscape, fostering innovation and steady market growth across the continent.
The competitive landscape is led by Mersen S.A. and Morgan Advanced Materials, together accounting for a significant portion of the market share in 2025. Schunk Group, Helwig Carbon Products, and Toyo Tanso round out the top players, leveraging global supply chains, R&D capabilities, and strong customer relationships in the region. Smaller and regional players collectively maintain a sizeable share, ensuring diversity and innovation in the market’s offerings.
In 2025, the major buyers in the Europe carbon brush market comprise OEMs, which account for the largest share due to their role in automotive and industrial manufacturing. Distributors and wholesalers follow, driven by distribution to maintenance and repair segments. The aftermarket and specialty stores cater to niche or replacement markets, while direct sales and online channels are gradually gaining traction for their convenience and broader reach.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
Revenue (USD Million)
Regions
Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Rest of Europe
Segments
By Type (Electrographite, Metal Graphite, Silver Graphite, Carbon Graphite, Resin-Bonded, Pitch-Bonded), By Application (Automotive, Industrial, Electrical, Household Appliances, Railway, Aerospace), By Distribution Channels (Direct Sales, Distributors/Wholesalers, Online Retail, OEMs, Aftermarket, Specialty Stores), By Technology (Conventional, Advanced, Nanotechnology, Hybrid, Composite, Smart Technology), By Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large)
June 2024: Mersen S.A. unveils a new line of IoT-enabled smart carbon brushes targeting the wind energy sector.
July 2024: Morgan Advanced Materials expands production at its UK facility to support rising demand from European automotive OEMs.
August 2024: Toyo Tanso launches environmentally friendly brushes made from recycled composite materials.
September 2024: Schunk Group collaborates with a leading railway manufacturer to co-develop advanced carbon brushes for high-speed trains.
October 2024: Helwig Carbon Products announces strategic partnership for distribution expansion across Central and Eastern Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Raj K
Senior Market Research Analyst
Raj K is a Senior Market Research Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Construction. Raj K brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Raj K has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
