Buhler (Switzerland) and TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway) are Leading Players in the Optical Sorter Market

The optical sorter market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.06 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.79 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2025 to 2032. The optical sorter market is projected to grow due to the rising demand for automation and efficiency in industrial processing. Companies are focusing on improving product quality, yield, and consistency while reducing labor costs and human error. Additionally, stricter food safety, recycling, and quality standards are pushing manufacturers to adopt advanced sorting technologies. Rapid advances in sensors, cameras, AI, and machine vision are improving sorting accuracy and speed. Growth in food processing, waste recycling, and mining further supports market expansion.

The optical sorter market is highly competitive, with numerous medium and small-sized players offering a range of products. These companies serve end users, such as food & beverages, recycling, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Major players in the optical sorter market include TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway), Hefei Meyer Optoelectronic Technology INC. (China), Bühler (Switzerland),  STEINERT (Germany), and Key Technology (US). Product launches, collaborations, and acquisitions are key strategies adopted by players to increase their market share, enhance product portfolios, and expand presence in the optical sorter market.

In March 2025, Bühler (Switzerland) partnered with West-Link (US) to open a state-of-the-art optical sorting research and training center in Stockton, California. The partnership aimed to provide food processors in the western US with access to Bühler’s latest optical sorting technologies, hands-on training, and testing services, strengthening local support and service capabilities. Similarly, in February 2025, TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway) partnered with Gerhard Lang Recycling GmbH (Germany) to implement its AUTOSORT PULSE system. This technology enables precise sorting of aluminum alloy stamping scrap from automotive production, enhancing the quality and efficiency of recycled aluminum.

Top Optical Sorter Companies

Bühler (Switzerland)

Bühler is one of the global providers of industrial manufacturing solutions, specializing in food processing and advanced materials. The company operates across two main business pillars: Grains & Food and Advanced Materials. The grains & food division deals in agricultural seeds, grains, coffee, oilseeds, pulses, rice, spices, dried sssssfruits, vegetables, nuts, aniseed, and other grains. Under the advanced materials division, the company offers optical sorting machines that sort plastics. Bühler’s optical sorting equipment integrates advanced technologies, including high-resolution cameras, lasers, near-infrared (NIR) sensors, specialized lighting, and machine learning software. These systems detect and remove product defects and foreign materials based on color, shape, and texture. The company offers sorting solutions tailored to different budgets, production capacities, and quality requirements. With a presence in over 140 countries, Bühler serves a global clientele through an extensive network of over 100 service stations, over 30 manufacturing sites, and 25 application centers. The company has a strong customer base across North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway)

TOMRA Systems ASA specializes in designing, manufacturing, and selling sensor-based solutions to enhance resource productivity across various industries worldwide. The company provides optical sorters and solutions for food and recycling applications. It operates through three key divisions: Collection, Recycling, and Food. The collection division offers reverse vending and material recovery. The recycling division provides advanced optical sorting systems to the recycling industry, and the food division provides advanced optical sorting systems for the food industry. TOMRA Systems ASA has approximately 105,000 installations in over 100 markets worldwide. The company has a presence in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It caters to clients in over 100 countries.

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Market Ranking

The optical sorter market is highly competitive, with five leading players collectively holding a market share of 36–52%. Bühler (Switzerland) has established a strong position through its comprehensive portfolio of optical sorting solutions for food processing and grains, supported by advanced sensor technologies, digital platforms, and global service capabilities. TOMRA Systems ASA (Norway) stands out as a market leader with its high-performance optical and sensor-based sorting systems, widely adopted across food, recycling, and mining applications, and driven by continuous innovation in AI-based detection and sustainability-focused solutions. STEINERT GmbH (Germany) is recognized for its robust optical and sensor-based sorting technologies, particularly in recycling and mining, leveraging expertise in X-ray, induction, and AI-driven sorting for high-precision material separation. Hefei Meyer Optoelectronic Technology Inc. (China) has gained significant traction, particularly in the grain and agricultural processing segments, by offering cost-competitive, high-speed optical sorters with strong adoption in the Asia Pacific region and an expanding global reach. Key Technology (US) is known for its advanced digital sorting and inspection systems for food processing, emphasizing high accuracy, gentle product handling, and integration with smart factory environments. The remainder of the market comprises several regional and emerging players, focusing on niche applications and price-sensitive segments. The increasing demand for AI-enabled sorting, multi-sensor platforms, automation, and compliance with food safety and recycling regulations continues to intensify competition and drive innovation in the optical sorter market.