Abstract: A process for producing activated carbon granules in which (a) a mixture of distillation residues from isocyanate production, a carbon-containing processing auxiliary substance, and optionally one or more other additives is shaped into flowable granules; (b) the resulting granules are then carbonized at low temperatures, and (c) the carbonized product is activated. The activated carbon granules produced in this way can be used to manufacture adsorbent substrate structures loaded with this product, in particular adsorption filters, filter mats, odor filters, surface filters for protective suits against chemical poisons, and ambient air purifying filters.