PDF Cover

Nir Sorting Systems Market

Nir Sorting Systems Market

The market for Nir Sorting Systems was estimated at $794 million in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $1.37 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $2.15 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1406017
Author:Swarup Sahu - Senior Consultant
Published Date:April 2025
Datatree
Industrial Tools & Machinery
Specialized Industrial Products
Nir Sorting Systems
Share
Report Summary
Table of Contents
Methodology
Market Data

Global Nir Sorting Systems Market Outlook

Revenue, 2024

$794M

Forecast, 2034

$1.97B

CAGR, 2024 - 2034

9.5%
The Nir Sorting Systems industry revenue is expected to be around $869.4 million in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 9.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. This considerable growth rate highlights the critical role NIR Sorting Systems have established in various industries globally. Immediate factors pushing this growth encompass advancements in automation and digital technologies, rising need for efficient waste management solutions, and the constant endeavor for quality control in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Their ongoing relevance is also due to the increasing environmental regulations and practices promoting cleaner and greener solutions, propelling the need for advanced and effective sorting systems.

NIR (Near InfraRed) Sorting Systems are innovative machineries designed to accurately sort materials based on their spectral properties. These systems are typically utilized in recycling facilities, pharmaceutical companies, food processing units, and mining operations, providing a highly efficient means of segregating differents of materials. The systems are increasingly gaining recognition due to their ability to handle different kind of properties like color, shape, structure, and density.

Nir Sorting Systems market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2024-2034

Market Key Insights

  • The Nir Sorting Systems market is projected to grow from $793.9 million in 2024 to $1.97 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 9.5%, reflecting rising demand across Recycling, Agricultural and Food Processing Industry.
  • TOMRA Sorting Solutions, Bhler Group, Key Technology are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
  • U.S. and Germany are the top markets within the Nir Sorting Systems market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 6.9% to 10.0% between 2024 and 2030.
  • Emerging markets including Vietnam, Turkey and Brazil are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 9.1% to 11.9%.
  • Transition like Automation in Waste Management is expected to add $170.8 million to the Nir Sorting Systems market growth by 2030
  • The Nir Sorting Systems market is set to add $1.2 billion between 2024 and 2034, with industry players targeting Food Processing & Agriculture Application Type projected to gain a larger market share.
  • With Rise in demand for automated sorting systems, and Growing emphasis on waste management and recycling, Nir Sorting Systems market to expand 148% between 2024 and 2034.
nir sorting systems market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032

Opportunities in the Nir Sorting Systems

Recent advancements in NIR Sorting Systems present market opportunities for future growth. Leveraging advancements in technology will not only increase system efficiency but also enhance accuracy. These technologies range from high-resolution imaging and color sorting to user-friendly touch screen interfaces. Continued research and development into these technologies could unlock significant potential for NIR Sorting Systems.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe

North America Outlook

The North American market for NIR Sorting Systems boasts a robust stage due to the presence of key market players and technological advancements. The regions growth hinges on the increased automation in industries such as food processing and waste management. The adverse effects of improper waste sorting on the environment have been underscored, prompting enterprises across the region to transition towards efficient sorting solutions such as NIR systems. Intense market competition and the drive towards sustainable practices are significant drivers in this region. The United States, being a major tech hub, presents prominent opportunities for the proliferation of NIR Sorting Systems.

Europe Outlook

Transitioning towards the European market, the demand for NIR Sorting Systems is also on the rise. Accelerated by strict government regulations and mandates on recycling and waste management, the region has seen a surge in adoption of sophisticated waste sorting technologies. European countries, particularly Germany and the UK, present lucrative opportunities owing to their advanced industry bases. The ever-increasing need for material recovery and recycling in these markets, coupled with intensive competition, is driving the adoption of NIR Sorting Systems. Meanwhile, the drivers in this region also include a definitive move towards a circular economy, fostering the demand for precise and efficient sorting systems.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rise in Demand for Automated Sorting Systems, and Technological Advancements in Optical Sorting

With automation becoming a growing trend across industries, the demand for NIR Sorting Systems is also projected to increase. These systems use the technique of near-infrared spectroscopy for sorting materials, thus ensuring speed, precision, and efficiency. Particularly in industries such as recycling, food processing, and mining, this increased automation is also expected to foster the growth of specific sorting systems that exploit NIR technology. Recent technological advancements in the field of optical sorting have also expanded the capabilities of NIR Sorting Systems. New developments in software algorithms and sensor technology are also enabling these systems to detect and distinguish materials with more precision than ever before, fostering growth in industries where the detailed classification of materials is also critical.
The escalating global concern for sustainability and the environment has also led to a surge in waste management and recycling efforts. NIR Sorting Systems play an essential role in these initiatives by enabling the accurate segregation of waste materials based on their spectroscopic profiles. The growth in this application of NIR sorting technology is also predicated upon the ongoing global push towards sustainable practices.
02

Restraint: High Initial Investment

Investing in NIR Sorting Systems involves a significant upfront cost. These technologically advanced systems require not only the initial purchase of the equipment but also specialized training for operators, regular maintenance, and system upgrades over time. While the return on investment might be high for larger enterprises, small to medium-sized businesses often grapple with financial dilemmas, thereby reducing the demand for such advanced systems.
03

Opportunity: Untapped Industrial Segments and Strategic Collaborations

Several emerging industrial segments are currently untapped, presenting significant growth opportunities for NIR Sorting Systems. Industries such as medical waste management, e-waste recycling, and automotive components recycling have specific sorting needs that can be effectively addressed with NIR Sorting Systems. These systems can be tailored to sort out different materials based on their unique infrared spectral properties, making them indispensable for these industries.
A major exists in forming strategic collaborations with recycling facilities and waste management companies across the globe. These businesses stand to benefit from the high-efficiency operation offered by NIR Sorting Systems, which can significantly increase their waste sorting capacity and accuracy. By forming strategic collaborations, NIR Sorting Systems producers can achieve broader market penetration and access to a larger customer base.
04

Challenge: Slow Adoption of Advanced Technology

Another is the slow adoption of advanced technologies such as NIR sorting systems, particularly in developing economies. Many industries are still reliant on traditional sorting methods due to technical skill limitations or resistance to change. This reluctance hinders the market growth and expansion of NIR sorting system manufacturers.

Supply Chain Landscape

1
Material Sourcing

Systematix

MSK Covertech Group

2
Component Manufacturing

Sesotec

Sortex Buhler Group

3
System Assembly

TOMRA Sorting Solutions

Raytec Vision

4
Market Distribution

Bulk Handling Systems

MSS

Inc

*The illustration highlights the key stakeholders within the supply chain ecosystem.

Applications of Nir Sorting Systems in Recycling, Agricultural & Food Processing Industry

Recycling Industry

In the recycling sector, NIR sorting systems are extensively utilized to differentiate and sort various materials based on their chemical composition. These systems, especially spectrometer-based sorting machines, play a pivotal role in streamlining operations. Top players like Tomra and Pellenc ST leverage these systems to ensure efficient material recovery, significantly enhancing their market position.

Agricultural Industry

NIR technology is increasingly pivotal in the agricultural field, where efficient grain and seed sorting can be the difference between profitability and loss. Again, spectrometer-based NIR sorting systems shine in this regard, allowing for high-speed, high-volume sorting of grains with precision. Companies like Buhler AG and Satake Corporation consistently use these systems to improve product quality and reduce waste.

Food Processing Industry

NIR sorting systems have become integral in the food processing industry. More specifically, camera-based NIR sorting systems are used in the sorting of fruits and vegetables. This technology allows for the rapid detection and removal of foreign material or damaged goods, ensuring the end products high quality and safety. Companies such as Key Technology and Sesotec are known for their excellent use of these systems in their operations.

Mining and Metallurgy

The mining and metallurgy sectors greatly benefit from the utilization of NIR sorting systems. Here, systems using both spectrometer and camera-based NIR technologies are essential for efficient ore sorting and quality control, enhancing resource utilization and profitability.

Recent Developments

December 2024

TOMRA Sorting Solutions announced the launch of a new upgraded version of its NIR Sorting Systems offering enhanced efficiency and sorting accuracy of recycled materials.

October 2024

National Recovery Technologies introduced its innovative OptiSort NIR Sorting System, ensuring higher throughput and purer material sorting, marking a significant advancement in waste management industry.

August 2024

Sesotec GmbH unveiled its compact NIR Sorting Systems designed for recycling small-sized plastic waste, providing an efficient solution tailored for smaller recycling businesses.

In the sphere of waste management and recycling, Near Infrared Sorting Systems have been capturing significant attention due to their efficacy. Their high-resolution detection capabilities, coupled with robust functionality, make them the first choice for many businesses in the recycling sector. Taking cue from the recent trends, There is a marked rise in automated sorting systems, due to adoption of innovative technologies like NIR.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Nir Sorting Systems Market

As a core segment of the Specialized Industrial Products industry, the Nir Sorting Systems market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Automation in Waste Management and Agrifood Industry Revolution have redefined priorities across the Specialized Industrial Products sector, influencing how the Nir Sorting Systems market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Automation in Waste Management

The pervasion of NIR Sorting Systems in the waste management industry is a significant transitionthat'sshaping the landscape. New techdriven initiatives are moving the industry from heavily manual processes to automated ones, elevating efficiency, and accuracy. NIR technology can effectively differentiate between differents of waste based on their spectral properties, permitting more meticulous sorting. This doesnt just streamline operations but also amplifies recycling rates, contributing to a more sustainable ecosystem. This industry transition is expected to add $170.8 million in the industry revenue between 2024 and 2030.
02

Agrifood Industry Revolution

A noticeable shift in the agrifood sector has been the adoption of NIR Sorting Systems, primarily aimed at maintaining quality control and reducing waste. These systems can detect the subtlest variations in crop quality, enabling farmers or food processors to sort produce, grains, and other commodities swiftly and efficiently. The ripple effects are multifaceted, allowing for enhanced product quality, improved yield, reduced waste, and maximized profitability. These transitions underline the critical role that NIR Sorting Systems are playing in modernizing and optimizing industries.

Related Reports

Loading related reports...