Optical Sorter Market

• Rising demand for the product from food packers drives the market growth

Market CAGR for the optical sorter market is driven by the growing demand for the product from cultivators, food packers, and food processing units for optical sorter systems of objects by minimizing wastage. It also decreases the process and delivery time needed for sorting food items. These are utilized for discovering the flaws and distinguishing between different types. These optical sorter use reflected light with selected wavelengths to emphasize the distinction between abandoned and accepted products. These sorters can segregate all the solid elements varying from 0.1 mm to 100 mm.

Additionally, recent advancements in detection technologies and intelligent software have enabled optical sorters to influence product quality, maximize yield, and better recognize aspects of processing operations. However, despite these advancements, manufacturers are still facing several challenges, mainly in terms of the difficulty of operation of optical sorters. To overcome these challenges, new software developments focus on user-friendly machines that give processors the power to control rejection specifications. In addition to becoming more intelligent, optical machines are also becoming easier to operate. Advanced statistics and data analysis tools are easily accessible to monitor the performance parameters of optical sorters.

Integrating data generated by optical sorters throughout the MRF (material recovery facility) into the main PLC (programmable logic controller) or SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system makes monitoring groups of machines and adjusting mechanical separation equipment and optical sorters easier.

Automation employs the production industry to enhance its performance by limiting errors and productivity to escalate measures and maintain the high caliber of the finished product. This allows these industries to reduce manual work, speed-up processes, and improve hygiene. Automated sorting is becoming the key unit of many industries' processing operations, and the rising demand for this technology is consistent with its quality product and detectable adulteration. Hence, the market for optical sorters is exploding in numerous industries for their productivity and cost-reduction.

In addition, increasing labor-cost in several nations and high-quality commodities are expected to drive the market growth of the optical sorting market.

The top players' rising adoption and development of the advanced technology-based sorter aids the market growth. This is primarily owing to an enhancement in adoption from the end-use industries, such as pharmaceuticals, recycling, and food & beverage industries. For instance, in June 2021, Satake introduced an advanced technology-based large-quantity sorter for food grain processing in large sizes with high capacity. The recent solution established the NIRAMI series with the latest specification of the optical sorter. It was created to sort food grains, pulses, seeds, and many other food products. Thus, driving the optical sorter market revenue.

The Global Optical Sorter Market Industry is witnessing a surge in sustainability initiatives, prompting organizations to adopt eco-friendly practices. Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly advocating for waste reduction and resource conservation, which aligns with the capabilities of optical sorting technologies. For instance, recycling facilities utilize optical sorters to efficiently separate materials, thereby minimizing landfill waste and promoting recycling efforts. This alignment with sustainability goals not only enhances corporate social responsibility but also attracts environmentally conscious consumers. As a result, the market is likely to benefit from this trend, with organizations investing in optical sorting solutions to meet sustainability targets.

The Global Optical Sorter Market Industry is experiencing rapid technological advancements that enhance sorting efficiency and accuracy. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly integrated into optical sorting systems, allowing for real-time data analysis and improved decision-making. For instance, advanced imaging technologies enable the identification of materials at a granular level, which is crucial for sectors like food processing and recycling. As a result, the market is projected to grow from 2.25 USD Billion in 2024 to 5.25 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2025 to 2035.

The Global Optical Sorter Market Industry is bolstered by the expansion of the recycling industry, which increasingly adopts optical sorting technologies to improve material recovery rates. As global awareness of environmental issues rises, recycling facilities are investing in advanced optical sorters to efficiently separate recyclable materials from waste. For example, optical sorters can distinguish between different types of plastics, metals, and paper, thereby enhancing the efficiency of recycling processes. This trend is likely to continue, as municipalities and organizations strive to meet recycling targets and reduce landfill contributions, further propelling the growth of the optical sorter market.

The Global Optical Sorter Market Industry is significantly influenced by the growth of the food processing sector, which increasingly relies on optical sorting technologies to enhance operational efficiency. As consumer preferences shift towards high-quality and safe food products, food processors are adopting optical sorters to ensure the removal of contaminants and defective items. This trend is particularly evident in the fruit and vegetable processing industry, where optical sorters are employed to maintain product quality. The expansion of the food processing sector is expected to drive the market, as businesses seek to leverage optical sorting solutions to meet consumer demands and regulatory requirements.

In the Global Optical Sorter Market Industry, the increasing emphasis on quality control across various sectors drives the adoption of optical sorting technologies. Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and recycling are prioritizing quality assurance to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. For example, food processors utilize optical sorters to eliminate defective products, ensuring only high-quality items reach consumers. This focus on quality not only enhances brand reputation but also reduces waste, thereby improving operational efficiency. Consequently, the demand for optical sorters is expected to rise significantly, contributing to the overall market growth.

By Region, the study delivers market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. The North American optical sorter market will dominate, owing to the growing demand from waste recycling plants with early adoption and expansion of the enhanced technology-based sorter in this region. Further, the US optical sorter market held the largest market share, and the Canada optical sorter market was the fastest-growing market in the North America region.

Further, the prominent countries studied in the market report are Canada, the U.S., German, France, UK, Spain, Italy, China, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: Optical Sorter Market SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Europe optical sorter market accounts for the second-largest market share owing to growing demand from food and beverage manufacturers around the U.K., France, and Italy. Further, the German optical sorter market held the largest market share, and the UK optical sorter market was the fastest-growing in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific optical sorter Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is owing to the large population that drives the market growth in this region. The company operates in this region, consisting of Sortex & Rice, Grain Logistics, Leybold Optics, Grinding & Dispersion, Grain Milling, and others. These prominent players are developing advanced optical sorter for this region's food and recycling plants. Moreover, China’s optical sorter market held the largest market share, and the Indian optical sorter market was the fastest-growing in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will assist the optical sorter market to grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking several strategic activities to enhance their global footprint, with important market developments including new product introduction, mergers and acquisitions, contractual agreements, higher investments, and collaboration with other firms. The optical sorter industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the global optical sorter industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector. Major players in the optical sorter market, including Raytec Vision S.p.A. (Italy), STEINERT Global (Germany), CP Manufacturing Inc. (US), Pellence ST (France), Sesotec GmbH (Germany), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Key Technology, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells, and services process automation systems for the food processing industry and other industries such as tobacco, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. The Company's systems integrate electro-optical automated inspection and sorting systems, specialized conveying systems, and product preparation systems. In November 2022, Key Technology Inc. launched its Herbert OCULUS whole potato optical sorter, showcasing its range of other high-performance solutions for fresh and processed potatoes and vegetables. These sorters identify and remove potatoes with defects and diseases and those outside the specified length and width profile if desired.

Buehler Holding AG operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets food and chemical processing, die casting, and material handling machinery. The company also offers bag conveyors, aerodry impingement ovens, rail vehicle loading, steel storage bins, small filter, magnetic separator, and other machinery worldwide. In July 2022, Bühler Holding AG announced the newly added three SORTEX H SpectraVision optical sorters to its oat mills following an initial investment in one machine at the start of the year.

In contrast, The SORTEX H offers three key benefits to customers: unmatched ease of use, high performance, and enhanced connectivity, all of which contribute to increased sustainability.