How does it work?
Shoppers simply open the hatch and pour their empty cans and plastic bottles into the machine, and close the lid to begin the counting and sorting process. They then collect their voucher and start shopping. Ineligible containers are returned to the user via the reject chute.
The multi-feed TOMRA R1 has been tested in the field by retailers and recyclers in Norway and Sweden since 2016. Test stores registered an up to 60% increase in the number of consumer recycling sessions compared to the year before, and up to 218% more containers returned. Consumer response to TOMRA R1 has been enormous, with a demonstration video uploaded to social media by one of the tests stores now viewed over 425,000 times. Making recycling easy for consumers also enables retailers to demonstrate their sustainability commitments.
With an accessible product design, the new TOMRA R1 is easy to clean and maintain. TOMRA R1 is also the first RVM with an operator interface screen located inside the machine, so store personnel have all the information they need at their fingertips.
“TOMRA R1 enables stores and redemption centers to offer the best recycling experience and truly wow their customers,” said Harald Henriksen, Head of TOMRA Collection Solutions. “The multi-feed concept fundamentally transforms the recycling experience. During our tests we have seen recyclers come with trailers full of containers, drive past other stores in order to use TOMRA R1, and tag family and friends on social media encouraging them to try it out.”
Features at a glance
Bringing together the premium products from different categories in TOMRA’s reverse vending portfolio, TOMRA R1 can pair with the T9 reverse vending machine to add handling of glass containers, and connect to TOMRA’s MultiPac Air high-speed, high-capacity storage cabinets.
TOMRA partners with retailers on TOMRA R1 in offering reverse vending as a service, not merely being a supplier of machinery. As well as the cutting-edge reverse vending equipment, TOMRA is offering the product as part of an all-inclusive package:
TOMRA R1 is powered by TOMRA Flow Technology for industry-leading recognition and system integrity , and compatible with TOMRA’s full portfolio of Digital products, which add value for both recyclers and retailers.
For redemption centers, TOMRA R1 empowers facilities to move toward automated returns and away from manual, over-the-counter handling of containers, or to increase a facility’s capacity by moving from single-feed machines to multi-feed offerings.