With the release of the TOMRA R2 reverse vending machine (RVM), TOMRA Collection plans to offer multi-feed returns at smaller retail venues and allow consumers to convert their deposit refunds into digital vouchers or donate them to charity.
Consisting of a compact, wall-mounted unit that faces the consumer, the TOMRA R2 was designed for minimalism and aspires for visual appeal, accessibility, and discretion on shop floors. It is also designed to fully optimize the space on its screen, walk end users through the deposit return process, and provide more features for user accessibility.
After conducting market testing in German, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish and Dutch stores, TOMRA believes that the smaller footprint of the new machine – compared to the TOMRA R1, which was designed for retailers with high volumes – makes it more compatible with a wider range of stores. One test store claims to have experienced up to a 52% increase in consumer sessions and an 85% rise in the number of containers returned.
Reportedly, consumers can pour over 100 empty drink containers into the TOMRA R2 at once. Then they can opt to donate their deposit refund to a charity or community organization, with up to nine options able to be displayed on-screen – five more than previous models. Individual stores or the retail chain at large can set the donation partners, which can then be changed at will.
TOMRA says that the option to donate stems from consumer demand. It believes that this feature will benefit local communities, help retailers build partnerships with charities, and grow store loyalty with timely campaigns.
The expanded donation function will make its debut on the TOMRA R2, but the company plans to implement it into its other RVMs in the future.
Alternatively, consumers can choose to receive their deposit refunds in the form of digital vouchers. Rather than printing paper vouchers to be redeemed in store, consumers can now use their phone camera to scan an on-screen QR code and view the voucher on their mobile browser. This process does not require an app and enables users to redeem their vouchers for cash or as credit towards their next purchase.
TOMRA plans to roll out its digital voucher function across its RVM portfolio. The TOMRA R1 and R2 models also come with a ‘drop and go’ function, in which consumers can walk away from the RVM and shop while the machine processes their containers, receiving the digital voucher when the process is complete.
In order to utilize the expanded charity donation or digital voucher functions on their RVMs, retailers and redemption centres must contact TOMRA and make a request.
“Today’s launch makes you rethink recycling and the reverse vending user experience,” said Jonas Døvik, product manager for multi-feed solutions at TOMRA Collection. “It brings benefit for all reverse vending stakeholders – with TOMRA R2’s convenience for both retailers and recyclers, Digital Vouchers for consumers, and greater donation opportunities to contribute to the wider community.
“We have taken a truly user-centric approach to the design and development of TOMRA R2, and we have been excited to get both consumers’ and retailers’ insights to further refine the products. We thank all the participants for collaborating with us on making the best possible recycling experience.”
TOMRA R2 can be used with TOMRA’s backroom storage solutions, such as TOMRA MultiPac 2, EasyPac 1, EasyPac 2, and RollPac. This is set to enable customers to upgrade the front end of their reverse vending machines without paying for new backroom equipment.
Furthermore, service and cleaning of the machine takes place in the backroom instead of the consumer-facing side, which is hoped to prevent disturbance on the retail floor and help staff save both time and effort.
Other developments from TOMRA this year include its Basic Line RVMs, which were designed to save space and resources while serving as an entry point for retailers starting new deposit return schemes; and, more recently, its installation of a detection system at Henkel’s test laboratory in Düsseldorf in an effort to advance packaging sortability.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments have joined forces to encourage consumers to recycle empty 500ml plastic bottles via RVMs at select UK attractions – including Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, and Warwick Castle – in exchange for VIP experiences.
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