Plastic Sorters Market Size, Share, Growth, And Industry Analysis, By Type (Chute-Type Sorters, Belt-Type Sorters), By Application (Plastic Flakes/Particles, Pretreatment Plastics), Regional Insights, and Forecast To 2033

Last Updated: 14 July 2025
SKU ID: 20368068

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PLASTIC SORTERS MARKET OVERVIEW

Global Plastic Sorters Market size was USD 0.23 Billion in 2024 and market is projected to touch USD 0.56 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period.

The plastic sorters market encompasses a range of machinery and technology aimed at the sorting and segregation of plastic waste. These machines employ advanced sensors, cameras, and software to effectively identify and categorize different types of plastics based on their color, material properties, shape, and size. Evidently, plastic sorters are extensively utilized in material recovery facilities (MRFs), recycling plants, and various waste management systems. They efficiently sort plastic waste into various streams, facilitating further processing. Notably, plastic sorters are highly cost-effective, and efficient, and help reduce carbon footprints by diverting plastic waste from landfills. The plastic sorters market is rapidly expanding globally, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable waste management solutions and the adoption of circular economy principles.

The market for plastic sorters is anticipated to experience significant progress in the upcoming years, driven by a multitude of factors. The burgeoning concern for the environment has led to an uptrend in demand for plastic sorting technology. As governments and businesses increasingly recognize the critical importance of effective waste management practices that align with the latest technology, the market for plastic sorters continues to grow. Additionally, technological breakthroughs have given rise to the development of highly efficient plastic sorting solutions, which further stimulate the expansion of this industry. The widespread adoption of sustainable manufacturing methods has also contributed to the escalating demand for plastic sorters, rendering them a pivotal investment for any company wishing to establish an environmentally responsible operation.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Unprecedented Challenges Strike the Market as Pandemic Disrupts Supply Chain and Reduces Demand

The outbreak has had a significant effect on the plastic sorters market, with the sudden closure of non-essential businesses and a drop in consumer demand leading to plastic recycling becoming a lower priority for many firms. This has resulted in a significant drop in market demand for plastic sorters, which has been compounded by supply chain disruptions and a labor shortage caused by the pandemic. Nevertheless, as businesses begin to return to work and production gradually resumes, the plastic sorters market is anticipated to recover gradually. In the meantime, corporations specializing in plastic sorting and recycling should consider adopting the "new normal" and devising methods to overcome the difficulties presented by the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

Revolutionary Technologies and Market Leaders Ignite Explosive Growth in the Industry

The plastic sorting market growth has been skyrocketing due to the rising need to minimize plastic pollution. Several novel products and technologies associated with plastic sorting, including optical sorting and near-infrared sorting, have entered the market, stimulating the plastic sorters industry's growth. Prominent players in the sector are also heavily investing in R&D to create sophisticated sorting solutions that meet the diverse requirements of various industries. Companies such as Sesotec GmbH, TOMRA Sorting GmbH, and CP Manufacturing, Inc. are some of the top players in the plastic sorters market, continually innovating to maintain their lead in the competition. As the demand for sustainable plastic management practices continues to grow globally, the plastic sorters market is expected to experience significant expansion in the years ahead.

Global-Plastic-Sorters-Market-Share,-By-Type,-2033

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PLASTIC SORTERS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

According to type, the market can be segmented into chute-type sorters, belt-type sorters

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market can be divided into plastic flakes/particles, pretreatment plastics

DRIVING FACTORS

Plastic sorting technology plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability, which is expected to drive market growth. This technology promotes energy efficiency, reduces waste, and decreases the amount of plastic pollution in the environment. The plastic sorters market comprises several product types, such as sensors, cameras, and X-rays, that are used to sort different types of plastics, including PET, PVC, and HDPE, and two factors driving the market and boosting the demand for plastic sorting products and services.

Stringent Environmental Regulations

Several countries have imposed laws and regulations to address the growing plastic waste crisis. These regulations require companies to change their manufacturing processes to reduce waste and promote recycling. For instance, in the European Union, the Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Directive prohibits the use of certain single-use plastic products, shields, and microplastics. Also, the China Import Ban prohibits the import of plastic waste. Such regulations are expected to boost the demand for plastic sorting technology, as companies will need to do more to manage their plastic waste.

Growing Demand for Recycled Plastics

The demand for recycled plastics is growing in various industries such as automotive, packaging, and construction. The use of recycled plastics significantly reduces the environmental impact of plastic production and lowers costs. However, the quality of recycled plastic is affected by contamination, such as non-recyclable materials, dirt, and moisture. Plastic sorting technology can help reduce contamination by accurately sorting plastics, ensuring that only high-quality recyclable materials are used.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growth in Plastic Sorting Industry is Hindered by High Initial Costs and Maintenance Expenses

The plastic sorting industry has experienced exceptional progress in recent times because of the growing necessity for efficient plastic waste management. Nonetheless, a constraining factor for market expansion lies in the high upfront expenses of setting up these sorters. Many small and medium-sized enterprises find the cost involved in acquiring this technology too high, rendering it daunting to implement. Additionally, the intricate nature of these machines and the periodic maintenance they require further escalates the cost. Consequently, the demand for plastic sorters is substantially stifled, thereby limiting the growth of this market. Nevertheless, considering the increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection, the plastic sorting industry is anticipated to manifest consistent growth despite these challenges.

PLASTIC SORTERS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific Dominates the Market as Urgent Need for Recycling Rises, Propelling Growth

The market is significantly dominated by the Asia Pacific region, which accounts for the largest plastic sorter market share. The urgent requirement for sorting and recycling of plastic waste due to its increased generation has made the process vital. The rising concerns for the environment have led to the governments of this region making investments in recycling development. The demand for plastic sorters has also increased due to a surge in industrialization and infrastructure creation. Key players in Asia Pacific are continuously investing in product development to cater to the growing demand for advanced and efficient sorters, thereby fueling the market growth. It is expected that the Asia Pacific region will maintain its dominance in the plastic sorters market throughout the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are collaborating by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

List of Top Plastic Sorters Companies

  • Tomra (HQ: Norway)
  • Pellenc ST (HQ: United States)
  • Bühler (HQ: Switzerland)
  • Steinert (HQ: Germany)
  • Satake (HQ: Japan)

REPORT COVERAGE

This report examines an understanding of the plastic sorters market’s size, share, growth rate, segmentation by type, application, key players, and previous and current market scenarios. The report also collects the market’s precise data and forecasts by market experts. Also, it describes the study of this industry’s financial performance, investments, growth, innovation marks, and new product launches by the top companies and offers deep insights into the current market structure, competitive analysis based on key players, key driving forces, and restraints that affect the demand for growth, opportunities, and risks.

Furthermore, the post-COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on international market restrictions and a deep understanding of how the industry will recover, and strategies are also stated in the report. The competitive landscape has also been examined in detail to provide clarification of the competitive landscape.

This report also discloses the research based on methodologies that define price trend analysis of target companies, collection of data, statistics, target competitors, import-export, information, and previous years’ records based on market sales. Moreover, all the significant factors which influence the market such as small or medium business industry, macro-economic indicators, value chain analysis, and demand-side dynamics, with all the major business players have been explained in detail. This analysis is subject to modification if the key players and feasible analysis of market dynamics change.

Plastic Sorters Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 0.23 Billion in 2024

Market Size Value By

US$ 0.56 Billion by 2033

Growth Rate

CAGR of 10% from 2025 to 2033

Forecast Period

2025-2033

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • Chute-Type Sorters
  • Belt-Type Sorters

By Application

  • Plastic Flakes/Particles
  • Pre-treatment Plastics

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