TOMRA R2 reverse vending machine launches with Digital Vouchers and expanded charity donation

More opportunities for donation 

Retailers have until now been able to add up to four charities or community organizations to which recyclers can choose to donate their deposit refunds. TOMRA kicks things up a notch today, with the ability to add up to nine on-screen donation partners, enabling a wider selection for the recycler while maintaining a fast recycling session. Donation partners can be set by the retail chain or individual store, which can change the list of charities as often as desired.  

This donation functionality has been requested by retailers wanting to give back to their communities. It gives retailers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the local community, build charity partnerships, and create timely campaigns to engage shoppers and grow store loyalty. The expanded donation function debuts on TOMRA R2, with plans to implement it on other TOMRA RVMs in future

TOMRA levels up digital refunds

Recyclers can now get Digital Vouchers for their deposit refunds, no app required. RVMs traditionally print paper vouchers, which users redeem in store for cash or as credit on their next purchase. With Digital Vouchers, recyclers simply use their phone camera to scan a QR code on an RVM screen and the voucher will appear in their mobile browser – for a touch-free, paperless experience for users and stores.

Digital Vouchers will be available for all reverse vending machines in TOMRA’s portfolio. On multi-feed RVMs like TOMRA R1 and R2, Digital Vouchers add particular convenience with the drop and go function: recyclers can even leave the RVM and start shopping while the RVM is still processing their containers and receive their Digital Voucher when the RVM is finished.  

A retailer or redemption center needs to request Digital Vouchers or the expanded charity donation offering from TOMRA, in order to make it available on their reverse vending machine/s.

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.” 

Retailers can contact TOMRA or their local TOMRA representative to arrange a demonstration of the new TOMRA R2 multi-feed reverse vending solution, charity donation and Digital Vouchers.

Putting TOMRA R2 to the test: Results of the market test phase 

The TOMRA R2 market tests across six countries sought to closely collaborate with both retailers and recyclers in the development of the new RVM offerings. Both store employees and consumers focused on the convenience and efficiency of returning all containers at once. One test store experienced as much as a 52% increase in the number of consumer sessions, and another up to an 85% jump in the number of containers returned. 

Consumer and retailer testers for TOMRA R2 commented: 

• Consumer, Sweden: “Absolutely fantastic and time-saving – an innovation indeed! Now I don’t have to queue. I give it 5 out of 5!” 

• Store employee, Finland: “I really like it when the machine can be cleaned quickly and easily without interruptions, from the backroom, and there is no need to go to the customer's side for maintenance. We can now do the maintenance in peace.” 

"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,” explained Jonas Døvik. “We thank all the participants for collaborating with us on making the best possible recycling experience.” 

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