The global optical sorter market is projected to grow from $3.3 billion in 2024 to $5.4 billion by 2030, representing an 8.8% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030, according to BCC Research's report Optical Sorter: Global Market. Growth is being driven by automation in recycling, food processing and mining, tighter regulatory mandates, demand for high-purity material recovery and advances in AI-driven sorting. North America holds the largest regional share at 33.3%. Circular-economy frameworks and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules are supporting demand, while EU packaging waste reduction targets of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040, Japan's 15% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) rule effective January 2026 and South Korea's 10% rPET mandate for large beverage manufacturers add policy support. The report highlights AI imaging, machine learning, hyperspectral imaging, near-infrared sensors, X-Ray Transmission sensors and advanced 4K camera systems as technologies improving precision and efficiency. It identifies TOMRA Systems ASA, Bühler AG, Key Technology, Sesotec Group, Pellenc ST, Binder+Co AG, Cimbria A/S (Grain & Protein Technologies), Machinex Industries Inc., MEYER Europe s.r.o. and Satake Corp. as key industry participants.