TOMRA Launches Basic Line RVMs: Streamlining Retail Recycling Initiatives

TOMRA Collection, a leading manufacturer of reverse vending machines (RVMs), has unveiled its new Basic Line tailored for retailers entering deposit return schemes (DRS). This initiative aims to simplify the process of collecting empty beverage containers for recycling, making it accessible while conserving space and resources.

The inaugural product in the Basic Line is the TOMRA B5 Combi, boasting a compact footprint of 0.8 square meters, ideal for small-scale retailers or locations with limited space. Featuring a user-friendly 21.5-inch touch display, the free-standing RVM facilitates easy interaction for consumers new to deposit return systems. It accommodates a combination of plastic bottles and cans in separate bins or focuses on a single material type, providing flexibility to retailers.

The TOMRA B5 Combi is initially launched in Ireland, coinciding with the country’s recent implementation of a DRS on 1st February. This system mandates retailers to accept returned drink containers and refund deposits, aligning with national efforts to combat litter and boost recycling rates. Powered by TOMRA Essential Technology, the Basic Line ensures precise identification of objects through 360° barcode scanning, integrated camera, and weight and metal sensors, thereby guaranteeing accurate refunds.

Further expanding the Basic Line, TOMRA will introduce the TOMRA B5 Flaker in France, designed to shred PET beverage bottles into small pieces, facilitating direct recycling. Anticipated releases in 2024 include the TOMRA B5 SoftDrop, catering to refillable glass bottles.

Elsa Sørensen, product manager for the Basic Line at TOMRA Collection, underscored the crucial role of retailers in DRS and highlighted the Basic Line’s contribution to simplifying recycling initiatives, enhancing compliance, and streamlining operations.

In Ireland, consumer research conducted by Every Can Counts revealed some uncertainties and concerns regarding the DRS scheme. However, a majority of respondents expressed optimism about increased recycling rates and willingness to purchase recyclable containers.

Meanwhile, Hungary has initiated its own DRS scheme in collaboration with TOMRA and central system administrator MOL Hulladékgazdálkodási Zrt. (MOHU), focusing on single-use drink containers. With a deposit-refund mechanism, this scheme aims to incentivise recycling among consumers while optimizing the recycling process for new recyclers.