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Optical Sorter Market
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Optical Sorter Market

Author: Swarup Sahu - Senior Consultant, Report ID - DS1401150, Published - April 2025

Segmented in Technology Type (Near-Infrared Technology, Laser Technology, CCD Cameras), Application (Food Processing, Waste Recycling, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Others), End-Use Industry, Product Type, Operational Process and Regions - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast 2024 – 2034

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Global Optical Sorter Market Outlook

The market, for Optical sorter was estimated at $2.1 billion in 2024; and it is anticipated to increase to $3.4 billion by 2030 with projections indicating a growth to around $5.1 billion by 2035. This expansion represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% over the forecast period. This promising trajectory in the Optical Sorter market is underpinned by several compelling drivers. Increasing automation in various industrial sectors, especially in food processing and waste management, is propelling the demand for efficient and intelligent sorting solutions like Optical Sorters. These machines, employing cutting-edge technology, are seen as a sustainable solution to ensure improved productivity and cost-effectiveness, all while ensuring adherence to strict quality control and environmental standards that industries are becoming increasingly sensitive to. The need for reducing human error and optimizing process efficiency in sorting operations is also giving a significant push to the adoption of Optical Sorters across diverse sectors. The simultaneous demand for technological innovation and sustainable practices in multiple industries marks the ongoing relevance of Optical Sorter in this dynamic market landscape.


An Optical Sorter is a of machine that employs advanced optics and sensor-based technologies to sort different materials based on their visual properties. This technology is pivotal in various industrial domains and applications. For instance, it is widely used in food processing industries to separate food items by color, size, and shape.


Market Size Forecast & Key Insights

2019
$2.1B2024
2029
$4.7B2034

Absolute Growth Opportunity = $2.5B

The Optical Sorter market is projected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2024 to $4.7 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 8.1%, reflecting rising demand across Food Sorting, Waste Management and Mining Operations.

The Optical Sorter market is set to add $2.5 billion between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Waste Recycling & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Application projected to gain a larger market share.

With The emergence of automation, and Increasing adoption in the recycling industry, Optical Sorter market to expand 118% between 2024 and 2034.

Opportunities in the Optical Sorter Market

Strategic Collaborations

The optical sorter market is also ripe for strategic collaborations. Original equipment manufacturers and technology firms can work together to create integrated solutions, melding expertise in hardware and software development. These collaborations would yield sorting systems with enhanced capabilities, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Technological Innovation and Evolving Consumer Needs

As we swim in the era of Industry 4.0, the potential for technological innovation within the optical sorter market becomes evident. Advances in AI and ML technologies have paved the way for the development of highly efficient and precise sorting systems. These advancements promise to increase production capacity and reduce sorting errors, directly benefiting businesses in industries such as food & agriculture, recycling, and mining.

Consumer demands are continually evolving, pushing industries towards sustainable practices. In light of this trend, industries such as food and recycling can significantly benefit from optical sorting systems. Optical sorter systems can reduce waste, contribute to sustainability, and meet customer expectations for eco-friendly practices, resulting in massive growth opportunities in the market.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

Asia Pacific Outlook

The Asia-Pacific region shows promising prospects in the adoption of optical sorters. The regions exponential growth can be attributed to increasing investment in industrial waste management and a surge in the food processing sector. Significant opportunities lie in the upgrading and replacement of outdated sorting technologies with advanced optical sorters. Comprehensive brand giants like Buhler and Satake are dominant in this region, offering stiff competition. The compelling drive in this market is the regions robust manufacturing sectors and stringent government regulations regarding waste management, triggering the need for precise sorting technologies.

North America Outlook

In North America, the optical sorter market is thriving due to high utilization in various industries, including food processing, waste treatment, and mining. The drive for efficiency and automation is a key propeller of growth in this region. Advanced predictive maintenance technologies integrated into modern optical sorters are creating top opportunities here. The competition is intense, with globally recognized players such as TOMRA and MSS, Inc. leading the industry. The rising sophistication of recycling procedures and growing environmental consciousness have become significant drivers in the market, fuelling the adoption of optical sorters.

North America Outlook

In North America, the optical sorter market is thriving due to high utilization in various industries, including food processing, waste treatment, and mining. The drive for efficiency and automation is a key propeller of growth in this region. Advanced predictive maintenance technologies integrated into modern optical sorters are creating top opportunities here. The competition is intense, with globally recognized players such as TOMRA and MSS, Inc. leading the industry. The rising sophistication of recycling procedures and growing environmental consciousness have become significant drivers in the market, fuelling the adoption of optical sorters.

Asia-Pacific Outlook

The Asia-Pacific region shows promising prospects in the adoption of optical sorters. The regions exponential growth can be attributed to increasing investment in industrial waste management and a surge in the food processing sector. Significant opportunities lie in the upgrading and replacement of outdated sorting technologies with advanced optical sorters. Comprehensive brand giants like Buhler and Satake are dominant in this region, offering stiff competition. The compelling drive in this market is the regions robust manufacturing sectors and stringent government regulations regarding waste management, triggering the need for precise sorting technologies.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

Established and Emerging Market's Growth Trend 2025–2034

1

Major Markets : U.S., China, Japan, Germany, France are expected to grow at 5.9% to 8.5% CAGR

2

Emerging Markets : Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa are expected to grow at 7.8% to 10.1% CAGR

Market Analysis Chart

An in-depth market analysis reveals multiple potential drivers for the Optical Sorter industry. Firstly, there is rising consumer demand for higher quality and defect-free products in the food industry. Contemporary quality standards necessitate efficient sorting technologies, significantly driving the need for optical sorter innovation. Secondly, the increasing global initiative towards minimizing waste has led to an upsurge in recycling activities.

Recent Developments and Technological Advancement

December 2024

Tomra Sorting Solutions introduced a highly efficient and technologically advanced Optical Sorter model, enhancing performance in waste management systems

October 2024

Key Technology released an AI-based Optical Sorter model that can identify and sort an extended range of materials with high precision to optimize recycling processes

August 2024

Buhler AG announced a partnership with Microsoft to integrate IOT in their Optical Sorters, aiming at amplifying the production efficiency and automation capabilities.

The Optical Sorter sector experienced significant advancements, reflecting a growth pattern that signifies theindustry'sprogressive evolution. Embracing cutting-edge technologies, industry players are developing innovative solutions to ensure precise sorting procedures, laying the groundwork for increased efficiency and productivity. Notably, automation is driving rapid growth in the Optical Sorting industry.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Optical Sorter Market

As a core segment of the Industrial Tools & Machinery industry, the Optical Sorter market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Advanced Automation Impact and Transition Towards Sustainability have redefined priorities across the Industrial Tools & Machinery sector, influencing how the Optical Sorter market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.

1

Advanced Automation Impact:

The incorporation of advanced automation is undoubtedly one of the most significant transitions in the Optical Sorter industry. The application of automated systems, primarily driven by AI and ML , has significantly accelerated sorting processes while minimizing human intervention. Custombuilt software algorithms and intelligent sorters enable high level preciseness, thereby reducing product waste and increasing productivity. Furthermore, automated Optical Sorters can handle higher capacities and offer data insights into a companys operations, which can optimize efficiency and drive strategic decisionmaking processes.

2

Transition Towards Sustainability:

A more recent yet equally transformative industrial transition has been the shift towards environmental sustainability. There is a rising pressure from regulatory bodies and consumers for industries to reduce waste and promote recycling, and Optical Sorters are playing a pivotal role in supporting these objectives. Optical Sorters with spectral imaging facilities can distinguish between different materials, shapes, sizes, and colors of waste, aiding in efficient waste segregation and recycling processes.

Global Events Shaping Future Growth

The chart below highlights how external events including emerging market developments, regulatory changes, and technological disruptions, have added another layer of complexity to the Industrial Tools & Machinery industry. These events have disrupted supply networks, changed consumption behavior, and reshaped growth patterns. Together with structural industry transitions, they demonstrate how changes within the Industrial Tools & Machinery industry cascade into the Optical Sorter market, setting the stage for its future growth trajectory.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

Driver: The Emergence of Automation, and Advancements in Hyperspectral Imaging

The increasing dependency on efficient systems has also placed automation at the forefront of many industries, including those operating within the optical sorter domain. The incorporation of this trending technology is also perceived to enhance sorting accuracy and bring forth effective product segregation capabilities, significantly driving market growth for optical sorters that are also specifically designed for automation.
The continuous advancements in hyperspectral imaging technology have also fortified its utility in optical sorter systems. Optical sorters innovatively equipped with this advanced imaging technology can also segregate materials more accurately, making them indispensable for industries that require high precision sorting like in the field of agriculture and food & beverages industry.
The recyclingindustrysgrowing commitment to attaining sustainable solutions has also boosted the adoption of optical sorter technology. Such sorting machines, particularly those fabricated for comprehensive material recognition, are also expected to see an upswing in demand due to their ability to precisely sort objects based on color, shape and size while contributing to waste reduction.

Restraint: High Initial Investment

The deployment of optical sorters involves significant initial investment, and thus, is potentially a major market. The high costs are attributed to factors like leading-edge technology, customized machinery, and software involved in the production of optical sorters. This large upfront investment may deter small and mid-sized companies from implementing optical sorting technology, thereby negatively impacting the market demand for optical sorters. Moreover, the additional costs associated with maintenance and specialized training for the operation of these machines can also deter potential buyers.

Challenge: Limited Efficacy with Complex Materials

Another challenge the optical sorter market faces is the limited sorting efficiency with complex and mixed materials. While optical sorter technology has evolved tremendously, it is still inherently limited in its ability to accurately identify and sort a wide variety of materials. This is due to the sorters reliance on color and optical properties which may not only always be characteristic of the material.

Supply Chain Landscape

Component Production

Keyence Corporation

Panasonic Corporation

Device Assembly

Bhler Group

TOMRA

Distribution & Retail
Duravant / Pellenc ST
End Users
Food and Beverages / Waste Recycling / Pharmaceutical
Component Production

Keyence Corporation

Panasonic Corporation

Device Assembly

Bhler Group

TOMRA

Distribution & Retail

Duravant

Pellenc ST

End Users

Food and Beverages

Waste Recycling

Pharmaceutical

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Leading Providers and Their Strategies

Application AreaIndustryLeading Providers / ConsumersProvider Strategies
Food Sorting
Food Processing
TOMRA Sorting Solutions
Combining traditional optical sorting technology with artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for effective removal of defects
Recyclables Sorting
Recycling
Pellenc ST
Emphasizing on high-performance innovative technologies to sort materials based on color, shape, and size
Minerals Sorting
Mining
Mogensen
Offering robust and efficient optical sorting machines to handle tough mining conditions
Pharmaceutical Sorting
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
National Recovery Technologies (NRT)
Tailoring optical sorter systems to specifically identify and reject nonconforming items, ensuring product safety and integrity

Elevate your strategic vision with in-depth analysis of key applications, leading market players, and their strategies. The report analyzes industry leaders' views and statements on the Optical Sorter market's present and future growth.

Our research is created following strict editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy

Applications of Optical Sorter in Waste Management, Mining Operations and Food Sorting

Waste Management

Another prominent application of optical sorters is within waste management. Here, the use of NIR optical sorters is widespread as it recovers recyclables and separates differents of waste materials efficiently based on their spectral properties. Waste kings like Machinex and MSS, Inc. dominate this application region with their advanced, cutting-edge optical sorters.

Mining Operations

Optical sorters have found substantial use in the mining industry. Laser optical sorters are the most favored as they sort mined materials based on atomic composition and density, contributing to higher quality yield, and conserving resources. Prominent industry players like STEINERT and OreSort Solutions are renowned for their robust and reliable optical sorters that optimize mining operations.

Food Sorting

The application of optical sorters in the food industry has seen a considerable increase due to its efficiency in detecting and removing foreign material. It predominantly employs a colour optical sorter that ensures high-quality yield by classifying raw foodstuffs based on colour variations. Top players like Buhler and TOMRA excel in providing highly efficient optical sorters for this purpose, establishing their strong market position.

Optical Sorter vs. Substitutes:
Performance and Positioning Analysis

Unique for its sophisticated color detection and sorting capabilities, the Optical Sorter outperforms traditional sorting methods in speed and accuracy. Its market potential lies in its versatile applications across various industries and likely technology advancements. These Alternatives specially X Ray Baggage Scanner has experienced a rapid growth as detailed in our latest report.

Optical Sorter
  • Color Sorter /
  • Automatic Sorting Machine /
  • X Ray Baggage Scanner
    High efficiency, accuracy and speed in sorting operations, ability to manage high-volume throughput
    Sizeable initial investment, demands regular maintenance and calibration for optimal performance
    Low cost of installation, Ease of use
    High maintenance costs, Less accurate sorting capabilities

Optical Sorter vs. Substitutes:
Performance and Positioning Analysis

Optical Sorter

  • High efficiency, accuracy and speed in sorting operations, ability to manage high-volume throughput
  • Sizeable initial investment, demands regular maintenance and calibration for optimal performance

Color Sorter / Automatic Sorting Machine / X Ray Baggage Scanner

  • Low cost of installation, Ease of use
  • High maintenance costs, Less accurate sorting capabilities

Unique for its sophisticated color detection and sorting capabilities, the Optical Sorter outperforms traditional sorting methods in speed and accuracy. Its market potential lies in its versatile applications across various industries and likely technology advancements. These Alternatives specially X Ray Baggage Scanner has experienced a rapid growth as detailed in our latest report.

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Research Methodology

This market research methodology defines the Optical Sorter market scope, gathers reliable data, and validates findings using integrated primary and secondary research. Our systematic framework ensures precise market sizing, growth trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking.


Secondary Research Approach


We begin secondary research by defining the targeted market at macro and micro levels. As part of the Industrial Tools & Machinery ecosystem, we analyze Optical Sorter across Food Processing, Waste Recycling, and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Applications. Our team gathers data systematically from country level ministerial sources, industry associations & federations, trade databases, company annual & quarterly reports and other credential sources, enabling us to map global and regional market size, pricing trends, regulatory standards, and technology advancements.



Key Sources Referenced:

Prodcom / Census US / Statcan / e-stat Japan / ABS Australia / KOSIS Korea

Annual Reports / Industry Magazines / Country Level Ministerial Sources / World Mining Data

• Trade Sources (USA Trade Census, EU Comext, China Customs)

Interviews of Industry Stake Holders

Industry Views of Consultants

merics.org

• NAICS - Economic Statistics (US, Canada)

DataString Database

We benchmark competitors such as TOMRA, Buhler Group, and Key Technology by reviewing company financial statements, and regulatory filings. Our secondary insights identify key market drivers and constraints, forming the analytical foundation for primary research.


Primary Research Methods


We conduct structured interviews and surveys with industry stakeholders, including Component Production, Device Assembly, and Distribution & Retail. Our geographic coverage spans Americas (40%), Europe (30%), Asia-Pacific (25%) and Middle East & Africa (5%). Our online surveys generally achieve a response rate of above 65%, and telephone interviews yield 60%, resulting in above 92% confidence level with a ±7% margin of error.


Through targeted questionnaires and in-depth interviews, we capture purchase intent, adoption barriers, brand perception across Segment Type. We use interview guides to ensure consistency and anonymous survey options to mitigate response bias. These primary insights validate secondary findings and align market sizing with real-world conditions.


Market Engineering & Data Analysis Framework


Our data analysis framework integrates Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Company Market Share approaches to estimate and project market size with precision.


Top-down & Bottom-Up Process


In Top-down approach, we disaggregate global Industrial Tools & Machinery revenues to estimate the Optical Sorter segment, using historical growth patterns to set baseline trends. Simultaneously, in Bottom-up approach, we aggregate Country-Level Demand Data to derive regional and global forecasts, which provide granular consumption insights. By reconciling both approaches, we ensure statistical precision and cross-validation accuracy.


We evaluate the supply chain, spanning Component Production (Keyence Corporation, Panasonic Corporation), Device Assembly (Bhler Group, TOMRA), and Distribution & Retail. Our parallel substitute analysis examines Color Sorter, Automatic Sorting Machine, and X Ray Baggage Scanner, highlighting diversification opportunities and competitive risks.


Company Market Share & Benchmarking


We benchmark leading companies such as TOMRA, Buhler Group, and Key Technology, analyzing their capabilities in pricing, product features, technology adoption, and distribution reach. By assessing company-level revenues and product portfolios, we derive market share comparisons, clarifying competitive positioning and growth trajectories across the ecosystem.


Our integration of data triangulation, supply chain evaluation, and company benchmarking, supported by our proprietary Directional Superposition methodology enables us to deliver precise forecasts and actionable strategic insights into the Optical Sorter market.


Quality Assurance and Compliance


We cross-reference secondary data with primary inputs and external expert reviews to confirm consistency. Further, we use stratified sampling, anonymous surveys, third-party interviews, and time-based sampling to reduce bias and strengthen our results.


Our methodology is developed in alignment with ISO 20252 standards and ICC/ESOMAR guidelines for research ethics. The study methodology follows globally recognized frameworks such as ISO 20252 and ICC codes of practice.

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Optical Sorter Market Data: Size, Segmentation & Growth Forecast

Report AttributeDetails
Market Value in 2025USD 2.3 billion
Revenue Forecast in 2034USD 4.7 billion
Growth RateCAGR of 8.1% from 2025 to 2034
Base Year for Estimation2024
Industry Revenue 20242.1 billion
Growth OpportunityUSD 2.5 billion
Historical Data2019 - 2023
Growth Projection / Forecast Period2025 - 2034
Market Size UnitsMarket Revenue in USD billion and Industry Statistics
Market Size 20242.1 billion USD
Market Size 20272.7 billion USD
Market Size 20293.2 billion USD
Market Size 20303.4 billion USD
Market Size 20344.7 billion USD
Market Size 20355.1 billion USD
Report CoverageMarket revenue for past 5 years and forecast for future 10 years, Competitive Analysis & Company Market Share, Strategic Insights & trends
Segments CoveredTechnology Type, Application, End-Use Industry, Product Type, Operational Process
Regional scopeNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa
Country scopeU.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, UAE and South Africa
Companies ProfiledTOMRA, Buhler Group, Key Technology, Binder+Co AG, Allgaier Werke GmBH, SATAKE Group, Raytec Vision SpA, Sesotec GmbH, National Recovery Technologies, Pellenc ST, CP Manufacturing and Steinert GmbH.
CustomizationFree customization at segment, region or country scope and direct contact with report analyst team for 10 to 20 working hours for any additional niche requirement which is almost equivalent to 10% of report value

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Table of Contents

Industry Insights Report - Table Of Contents

Chapter 1

Executive Summary

Major Markets & Their Performance - Statistical Snapshots

Chapter 2

Research Methodology

2.1Axioms & Postulates
2.2Market Introduction & Research MethodologyEstimation & Forecast Parameters / Major Databases & Sources
Chapter 3

Market Dynamics

3.1Market OverviewDrivers / Restraints / Opportunities / M4 Factors
3.2Market Trends
3.2.1Introduction & Narratives
3.2.2Market Trends - Impact Analysis(Short, Medium & Long Term Impacts)
3.3Supply Chain Analysis
3.4Porter's Five ForcesSuppliers & Buyers' Bargaining Power, Threat of Substitution & New Market Entrants, Competitive Rivalry
Chapter 4

Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities & Strategic Insights, by Technology Type

4.1Near-Infrared Technology
4.2Laser Technology
4.3CCD Cameras
Chapter 5

Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities & Strategic Insights, by Application

5.1Food Processing
5.2Waste Recycling
5.3Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
5.4Others
Chapter 6

Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities & Strategic Insights, by End-Use Industry

6.1Agricultural
6.2Mining
6.3Consumer Goods
6.4Others
Chapter 7

Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities & Strategic Insights, by Product Type

7.1Belt
7.2Freefall
7.3Channel
7.4ADR
Chapter 8

Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities & Strategic Insights, by Operational Process

8.1Automated
8.2Semi-Automated
Chapter 9

Optical Sorter Market, by Region

9.1North America Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities, Key Trends & Strategic Insights
9.1.1U.S.
9.1.2Canada
9.2Europe Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities, Key Trends & Strategic Insights
9.2.1Germany
9.2.2France
9.2.3UK
9.2.4Italy
9.2.5The Netherlands
9.2.6Rest of EU
9.3Asia Pacific Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities, Key Trends & Strategic Insights
9.3.1China
9.3.2Japan
9.3.3South Korea
9.3.4India
9.3.5Australia
9.3.6Thailand
9.3.7Rest of APAC
9.4Middle East & Africa Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities, Key Trends & Strategic Insights
9.4.1Saudi Arabia
9.4.2United Arab Emirates
9.4.3South Africa
9.4.4Rest of MEA
9.5Latin America Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities, Key Trends & Strategic Insights
9.5.1Brazil
9.5.2Mexico
9.5.3Rest of LA
9.6CIS Optical Sorter Market Size, Opportunities, Key Trends & Strategic Insights
9.6.1Russia
9.6.2Rest of CIS
Chapter 10

Competitive Landscape

10.1Competitive Dashboard & Market Share Analysis
10.2Company Profiles (Overview, Financials, Developments, SWOT)
10.2.1TOMRA
10.2.2Buhler Group
10.2.3Key Technology
10.2.4Binder+Co AG
10.2.5Allgaier Werke GmBH
10.2.6SATAKE Group
10.2.7Raytec Vision SpA
10.2.8Sesotec GmbH
10.2.9National Recovery Technologies
10.2.10Pellenc ST
10.2.11CP Manufacturing
10.2.12Steinert GmbH.