Optical Sorter Market Size

Market Size Snapshot

Note – Market size depicts the revenue generated over the financial year

In the market for sorting equipment, the optical sorter has a major role. The optical sorter is a sorting machine with a sensitivity of 25,000 to 40,000. The CAGR is a very strong 7.96 % from 2023 to 2032. The demand for automation in various industries, especially food, mining and recycling, is driving this growth. The increasing efficiency and cost reduction in companies has led to the increased use of this sorting technique. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are a further impetus for this growth. These innovations make it possible to sort more accurately, thus improving the quality of the products and reducing waste. The main players in the optical sorter market, such as Tomra Sorting, Buhler and Key Technology, are investing heavily in research and development. Strategic initiatives, such as cooperation and partnership agreements to extend the market reach and technological capabilities, are also shaping the competitive landscape and ensuring that the optical sorter market remains agile and responsive to the needs of the various industries.

Regional Market Size

Regional Deep Dive

The Optical Sorter Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during the forecast period, owing to the advancement in technology and growing automation in industries such as food processing, mining, and others. Various factors such as the regulatory framework, economic conditions, and the rate of technological adoption vary from region to region. The market is characterized by the need for efficiency, quality, and sustainability. The sorting solutions are increasingly being adopted by companies to increase productivity and reduce waste.

Europe

• Europe is at the forefront of innovation in the optical sorter market, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction, as seen in initiatives by companies like Sesotec and Cimbria, which are developing eco-friendly sorting technologies.
• The European Union's stringent regulations on waste management and recycling are pushing industries to invest in optical sorting systems, particularly in the recycling sector, to meet recycling targets and reduce landfill waste.

Asia Pacific

• The optical sorting technology is rapidly being adopted in the Asia-Pacific region, mainly because of the growing food and beverage industry. Leading manufacturers like Buhler and Satake are expanding their activities in this region to meet the growing demand for sorting solutions.
• Government initiatives in countries like China and India aimed at improving food safety and quality are encouraging food processors to implement optical sorting systems, thus enhancing market penetration.

Latin America

• Latin America is experiencing growth in the optical sorter market, particularly in the agricultural sector, where companies like Agt Food and Ingredients are utilizing optical sorting to enhance the quality of processed foods.
• The region's diverse agricultural landscape and the increasing focus on export quality are prompting farmers and processors to invest in optical sorting technologies to meet international standards.

North America

• The North American market is experiencing a sharp increase in the demand for optical sorters, especially in the food industry. Tomra and Key Technology are leading the way with advanced sorting systems that improve the quality of the end product and reduce labor costs.
• Recent regulatory changes aimed at enhancing food safety standards have prompted food manufacturers to adopt optical sorting solutions to ensure compliance, thereby driving market growth.

Middle East And Africa

• In the Middle East and Africa, the optical sorter market is gaining traction due to increasing investments in the mining and minerals sector, with companies like TOMRA Mining providing advanced sorting solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• The region's unique economic challenges, such as fluctuating commodity prices, are driving mining companies to adopt optical sorting technologies to optimize resource extraction and reduce operational costs.

Did You Know?

“Optical sorters can achieve sorting accuracy levels of up to 99.9%, significantly reducing the amount of waste generated during processing.” — Tomra Sorting Solutions

Segmental Market Size

The optical sorter market is booming, driven by the rising demand for accuracy and efficiency in sorting processes across a number of industries. The need for quality control in the food and recycling industries is the main driver of the market, along with the development of machine vision technology, which enhances sorting capabilities. Regulations promoting food safety and reducing waste also drive the demand for optical sorting solutions. The current optical sorter market is at the implementation stage, with companies such as TOMRA and Bühler leading the way in deploying the technology across Europe and North America. The main applications are in the food and beverage industry, and in mining and mineral extraction, where accuracy is paramount. The increasing trend towards automation in the manufacturing industry is also driving growth. In the long term, the market is expected to be driven by technological developments such as artificial intelligence and advanced camera systems, which enable more sophisticated sorting capabilities.

Future Outlook

From 2024 to 2032, the optical sorter market is expected to rise from $2.25 billion to $4.17 billion, at a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.96%. It is mainly driven by the growing automation in various industries, such as food, mining and metal, where precise sorting is essential for the efficiency and quality of the process. The penetration of optical sorting systems in key industries is expected to rise from about 15% in 2024 to more than 30% in 2032. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optical sorters will improve their capabilities, enabling them to sort more accurately and more quickly. In addition, the stricter regulations on waste management and the sustainable development of society will also promote the use of optical sorting technology in the field of waste management. Food safety and quality assurance are also a new driving force for the optical sorter market. Companies are striving to ensure food safety and comply with hygiene standards. The need for optical sorting is expected to grow steadily, driven by technological innovation and industry needs.