Tomra is expanding its range of reverse vending machines for reusable applications.
The new system builds on the world’s first reuse system for hot and cold drink cups which piloted in Aarhus, Denmark, for the past year.
The Norway-based sorting machinery manufacturer has now unveiled a Reuse Collection Point (RCP) capable of handling food packaging like boxes and bowls.
The new reverse vending machine was unveiled at the Reuse Economy Expo in Paris.
The pilot system will begin in the French capital from the first quarter of 2026.
TOMRA’s reuse solution, called Rotake, is a fully integrated platform for collecting, transporting, sanitising, quality-assuring, and redistributing reusable takeaway containers.
It relies on serialised QR codes to track every item’s journey, from cafés, bars and restaurants which serve meals in QR-coded reusable containers to RCPs where consumers return their items.
Consumers are instantly refunded for the deposit they paid for the reusable container when they scan the item’s QR code at the RCP.
Returned containers are automatically cleaned and inspected. Approved containers are then redeployed to participating outlets through distribution partners as a recurring subscription on on-demand via an online portal.
By comparing the number of rotations against single-use alternatives, the system delivers hard data on carbon and waste savings. According to a Eunomia study, reusable plastic cups need to be used six times to out-perform the lowest-impact single-use option (recycled cardboard cups) on environmental metrics. That requires an 82% return rate.
Since the launch of Tomra’s reusable cup pilot in January 2024 in Aarhaus, more than 1 million cups have been returned, yielding an 85 % return rate.
“What we have learnt from these pilots is that effective circular systems must combine bold environmental targets and supportive regulations with smart infrastructure and consumer incentives to shift behaviour,” said Geir Sæther, head of Tomra Reuse. “Our open-managed approach adapts to any QR-coded packaging, providing cities and event organisers with a simple way to reduce waste and protect resources.”
A recent survey has shown that four in five consumers don’t choose reusable packaging despite demonstrating good intentions towards reducing the use of single-use plastics.