Optical Sorter Market (Updated Version Available)

Key Market Overview:

Optical Sorter Market is estimated to reach over USD 137.9 Billion by 2030 from a value of USD 34.5 Billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% from 2022 to 2030.

Optical sorting is a process that uses cameras and sensors to detect and sort materials based on their physical characteristics, such as color, shape, size, and texture. Optical sorters are typically used in industries such as food and beverage, recycling, and mining to separate and sort products or materials. The functioning of optical sorting starts by capturing images of the materials and analyzing them using computer algorithms to determine the characteristics of the materials. The materials are then sorted according to predefined criteria, such as color or size, and directed to different output channels. Optical sorting technology is highly precise and have applications such as to sort materials that are smaller, delicate, and difficult to separate by other means. For instance, Kiron Food Processing Technologies, an India based company offers camera sorting machine for vegetable, frozen food and organic product operating industry. The machine eliminates the undesirable unfamiliar material, deformed item and staining, with maximum yield.

The optical sorter market is a rapidly growing industry, driven by the increasing demand for more efficient and precise sorting solutions in various industries such as food and beverage, recycling, and mining. The technology has proven to be highly effective in reducing human error, increasing productivity, and reducing costs. As a result, the optical sorter market is expected to grow in the near future, with many companies investing in research and development to improve their products and expand into new markets.

Report Attributes	Report Details
Study Timeline	2016-2030
Market Size in 2030 (USD Billion)	137.9 Billion
CAGR (2022-2030)	18.9%
By Type	Cameras, Lasers, NIR Sorters, Hyperspectral Cameras & Combined Sorters and Others
By End Use	Food & Beverage, Recycling Industry, Mining Industry, Pharmaceutical and Others
By Geography	Asia-Pacific [China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia] Europe [Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland] North America [United States, Canada, Mexico] Middle East & Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa] South America [Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru]
Key Players	Bühler, Key Technology Private limited, GREEFA, Sesotec GmbH, Allgaier Process Technology Gmbh, STEINERT, CP Manufacturing, Inc., OGENSEN (A Division of Grantham Engineering Ltd), and SORTEX (Buhler Group)

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Market Dynamics:

Driver:

In the food and beverage industry, optical sorters are commonly used for sorting and grading fruits and vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits, as well as for separating foreign objects such as glass and metal from food products. In addition, the adoption of automation systems by food and beverage companies for the packaging of packed food items has been propelling the demand for optical sorter machines. Moreover, the requirement for improvement in food supply chain has raised the need for efficient sorting and grading systems, hence, accelerating the demand for optical sorters in the market. Furthermore, with increasing awareness associated with environmental concern, the recycling sector also seeks the demand for optical sorters in the market. For instance, PICVISA, a Spain based firm, offers optical separation equipment to recover and classify recyclable materials from waste. The firm accumulates knowledge and experience in artificial intelligence and machine vision.

Restraint:

The cost of optical sorting equipment and systems are quite high, making it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt the technology especially for the one\'s have low capital to invest in the technology. Moreover, the lack of adequate infrastructure in some countries hinders the growth of the optical sorter market. For instance, regions such as Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Indonesia, and others) lack the support including adequate power supply, internet connectivity, and other infrastructure making it difficult for companies to adopt the technology.

Opportunities

With the increasing trend of Industry 4.0, the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT to enhance the performance of optical sorters, offers lucrative opportunity. Thus allowing optical sorters to adapt to changing conditions, improve accuracy, and reduce costs.

Optical Sorter Market Segmentation:



By Type

The type segment is divided into cameras, lasers, NIR (near-infrared) sorters, hyperspectral cameras & combined sorters. Camera sorters hold the dominant market share in terms of revenue attributed to the factor such as sorters are widely used in the food processing industry to sort grains, nuts, and other food products based on color differences. Camera sorters find wide variety of application in the recycling industry to sort plastics, based on color differences. Camera sorters operate using cameras to capture images of the material being sorted and then use computer algorithms to analyze the images and sort the material based on color differences. Camera sorters are also known for high accuracy and speed and are becoming increasingly popular due to the ability to improve efficiency of sorting processes.
Furthermore, NIR (near-infrared) sorters are also projected to lead the market in the forecasted period in terms of CAGR. Due to the rising in various industries, including agriculture, recycling, and mining, owing to the ability of NIR to provide better efficiency and effective quality of sorting processes. Such sorters operate by using NIR (near-infrared) sensors to detect differences in molecular structure and then use computer algorithms to sort the materials accordingly.

By End Use

The end-user segment is categorized as food & beverage, recycling industry, mining industry, pharmaceutical, and others. The food & beverage industry accounted for the largest contributor to the optical sorter market shares. The industry includes various applications such as processors, packagers, and manufacturers of food products including grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. For example, a grain processing company uses an optical sorter to sort grains based on color differences, to ensure that the grains are of high quality and free from impurities. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry is estimated to register the fastest growing CAGR in the optical sorter market during the forecast period. With the help of optical sorters, pharmaceutical companies ensure that only high-quality and consistent products are produced. In addition, optical sorters also help pharmaceutical companies to comply with good manufacturing practice (GMP) and good automated manufacturing practice (GAMP) regulations, which are crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products.

By Region

The regional segment comprises of Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America accounted for the largest share contributor to the market growth in the year 2021. In North America, the optical sorter market is driven by the presence of a large number of food and beverage, agriculture, and recycling companies, as well as a growing demand for high-quality and sustainable products. Moreover, the region has a well-developed infrastructure, a high level of technology adoption, and a large number of players operating in the market.



Furthermore, Europe is projected to lead in the optical sorter market during the forecast period owing to the growing demand for high-quality and sustainable products. Along with that, the increasing demand for automation and efficiency in various industries is expected to drive the growth of the market in Europe in the near future.

Optical Sorter Market Competitive Landscape:

Shareholders have the opportunity to estimate parameters such as SWOT analysis, market dynamics, and business strategies. Thus, the nature of the global market is mainly competitive or high due to the presence of the majority of the market players. Listed are the prominent market players that consist of the latest market concentration-

• Bühler
• Key Technology Private limited
• GREEFA
• Sesotec GmbH
• ALLGAIER PROCESS TECHNOLOGY GMBH
• STEINERT
• CP Manufacturing, Inc.
• OGENSEN (A Division of Grantham Engineering Ltd)
• SORTEX (Buhler Group)

Recent Developments

• In 2022, TOMRA, a Norway-based recycling company launched its new AI-powered optical sorter, the TOMRA 5C, which features industry-leading sensors along with machine learning and huge data analysis to make sure the removal of the most accurate foreign material. TOMRA 5C allows user to take a clear picture of each foreign material and product to make real-time decisions. Thus, the machine fuels the chances of better quality yield and better profit.

• In 2022, Bühler, a Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer based in Uzwil, Switzerland unveiled the launch of its latest optical sorter the SORTEX H SpectraVision. For wheat, rye, oats, grains, coffee, and pulses. It offers three key benefits for customers high performance, unmatched ease of use, and enhanced connectivity, coupled with increased sustainability.