Global Optical Sorter Market Overview:
The Optical Sorter Market size was valued at USD 2.07 Billion in 2023. The optical sorter industry is projected to grow from USD 2.25 Billion in 2024 to USD 4.17 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.96% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). The rising adoption in the food sector for food processing operations, reduced process and delivery time, increases in the wages of manual workers in multiple nations, and stringent government rules surrounding food safety are the key market drivers expanding the market.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Analyst Review, and MRFR Database.
Optical Sorter Market Trends
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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.
Optical Sorter Market Segment Insights:
Optical Sorter Platform Insights
The Optical Sorter Market segmentation, based on platform, includes hybrid platform, lane platform, freefall platform, and belt platform. The freefall platform category generated the most income over the forecast period. The advantages of a freefall sorter over a belt sorter are its lower price, smaller size (takes up less space), and absence of moving elements such as the belt, making it more comfortable to maintain.
Optical Sorter Type Insights
The Optical Sorter Market segmentation, based on type, includes hyperspectral cameras, near-infrared sorting systems, combined sorters, lasers, and cameras. The near-infrared sorting systems segment dominated the market owing to the growing demand for cutting-edge technology-based optical sorter for recycling and food processing units. Various leading players are establishing NIR sorters to satisfy the global demand for progressive sorters for the food processing industry.
December 2021: NRT introduced next-generation SpydIR NIR sorters at Waste Expo. This SpydIR features NIR detection for fiber film recycling units, plastics, and others. This equipment is made up of in-flight sorting technology with a constant auto-calibration system.
Optical Sorter Application Insights
The Optical Sorter Market segmentation, based on application, includes the recycling industry, mining industry, and food processing industry. The food processing industry category generated the major income over the forecast period due to the leading players' growing developments of food grain sorters. Increasing cereal production and consumption across the globe assists the demand for sorter machines. Optical sorting machines are utilized to release unwanted cereal grains and avoid contamination.
Figure 1: Optical Sorter Market, by Application, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Optical Sorter Regional Insights
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.
Optical Sorter Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
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.
Key Companies in the Optical Sorter market include
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Raytec Vision S.p.A. (Italy)
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STEINERT Global (Germany)
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CP Manufacturing Inc. (US)
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Pellence ST (France)
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Sesotec GmbH (Germany)
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National Recovery Technologies (US)
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Cimbria Heid GmbH (Denmark)
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Buhler Group (Switzerland)
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NEWTEC (Denmark)
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GREEFA (Netherlands)
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TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway)
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Allgaier Werke Group (Germany) SATAKE Group (US)
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BINDER GmbH (Austria)
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Key Technologies Inc. (US)
Optical Sorter Industry Developments
August 2023
Key Technology has launched the COMPASS range of food optical sorters. COMPASS is an easy-to-use optical sorter powered by inspection technology, a novel sort engine, and an ergonomic user interface, achieving accurate foreign material (FM) and product fault removal while simplifying system operation, cleaning, and maintenance. COMPASS is intended to assist processors in automating and improving quality management of their food products, while maximising production and enhancing profitability.
June 2022
The SORTEX H SpectraVision optical sorter for wheat, rye, oats, grains, coffee, and pulses has been launched by the Swiss Bühler Group. Using British and Swiss engineering, it provides three main benefits to customers: unrivalled ease of use, excellent performance, and greater connectivity, all of which contribute to increased sustainability. The SORTEX H additionally provides up to 50% higher reject concentrations.
May 2022
Cimbria introduced a new line of optical sorter machines that employ a combined multispectral vision technology to recognise the right order of pieces during manufacturing with the highest definition. Cimbria is a global leader in industrial grain processing, handling, and storage, as well as animal feed, food, and other bulk items.
June 2021
Satake announces the release of its newest and largest optical sorter in terms of size and capacity: the "NIRAMI series." The latest high-performance Optical Sorter "NIRAMI" from Satake is designed to efficiently sort grains, pulses, seeds, and a variety of other items. Nirami's numerous sizes, all with exceptionally broad chutes and customizable combinations, make it perfect for a wide range of applications and processing capabilities.
Optical Sorter Market Segmentation:
Optical Sorter Platform Outlook
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Hybrid Platform
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Lane Platform
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Freefall Platform
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Belt Platform
Optical Sorter Type Outlook
Optical Sorter Application Outlook
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Recycling Industry
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Mining Industry
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Food Processing Industry
Optical Sorter Regional Outlook
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North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
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Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
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Rest of the World
- Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2023 |
USD 2.07 billion |
| Market Size 2024 |
USD 2.25 billion |
| Market Size 2032 |
USD 4.17 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
7.96% (2024-2032) |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
| Historical Data |
2019- 2021 |
| Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Growth Factors, Market Competitive Landscape, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
Platform, Type, Application, and Region |
| Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered |
The U.S., Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Key Technology Inc. (U.S.), BINDER GmbH (Austria), SATAKE Group (U.S.), Allgaier Werke Group (Germany), TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway), GREEFA (Netherlands), NEWTEC (Denmark), Bühler Group (Switzerland), Cimbria Heid GmbH (Denmark), National Recovery Technologies (U.S.), Sesotec GmbH (Germany), Pellenc ST (France), CP Manufacturing Inc. (U.S.), STEINERT Global (Germany), and Raytec Vision S.p.A. (Italy) |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Advancements in detection technologies and ease of operation |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Growing focus on automation for increasing productivity in various industries |
Optical Sorter Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Optical Sorter Market size was valued at USD 2.07 Billion in 2023.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.96% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
North America had the major share of the global market
The key players in the market are Key Technology Inc. (U.S.), BINDER GmbH (Austria), SATAKE Group (U.S.), Allgaier Werke Group (Germany), TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway), GREEFA (Netherlands), NEWTEC (Denmark), Bühler Group (Switzerland).
The near-infrared sorting systems category dominated the market in 2022.
