TOMRA appointed a network operator role in Singapore's upcoming Beverage Container Return Scheme, opens new office

TOMRA’s contribution to Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme

In its role as the Return Point Network Operator for the Central and North-Eastern regions of Singapore, TOMRA will install at least 350 reverse vending machines at mandated supermarkets with a floor area larger than 200m², as well as in publicly-accessible spaces like town centers and residential buildings. Reverse vending machines automate the return of beverage containers, making returns more efficient and convenient than through manual handling.

As well as the deployment of state-of-the-art reverse vending infrastructure, TOMRA’s role will cover site acquisition and management, site cleaning and maintenance, and transportation of collected containers to the processing plant, which will be supported by local service provider Chye Thiam Maintenance.

TOMRA was founded on an innovation in 1972 that began with the design, manufacture and sale of the first fully-automated reverse vending machine for collecting used beverage containers. With an installed base of approximately 87,000 machines in over 60 markets, TOMRA facilitates the collection of more than 50 billion empty beverage containers each year. It provides return sites with an effective and efficient way of collecting, sorting and processing these containers.

TOMRA also previews the SoftSlide concept for extending existing reverse vending installations to handle returns of glass bottles, supporting the growing demand for systems for reusable drink containers and the inclusion of reusable containers in the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). With this concept, TOMRA demonstrates the flexibility of its systems to be retro-fitted for changing recycling needs, while ensuring a smooth, streamlined transition for store operations.

These two early concepts seek to gather feedback and insights from customers at EuroShop toward developing the final version. 

Opening of new office

TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus launched in November following the success TOMRA S1 Rugged, TOMRA’s first RVM specifically designed for outdoor use, so that retailers don't have to take up valuable floor space inside. Responding to customer demand and changing regulations such as the PPWR, TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus offers greater storage and adaptability for retailers. With its modular design, retailers can add a SoftDrop module to handle reusable glass bottles, or an extra module dedicated to storage. (For single-use bottles, an optional glass crusher configuration is integrated within the unit.) Built for durability in all weather conditions, the TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus features resilient materials and a high-visibility screen that remains clear even under direct sunlight. 

Also debuting is the updated TOMRA R2, becoming TOMRA's first “multi-feed” RVM to accept glass bottles. This feature for gentle glass handling has been requested by several regions with deposit return systems that feature glass, to provide consumers with a one-stop location to return all types of containers. Also new with TOMRA R2 is a cleaning assist module, the first TOMRA offering of its kind, which automatically sprays water periodically on key inner areas of the machine. This maintains performance, keeps the machine cleaner for longer and minimizes manual cleaning effort, freeing up valuable time for staff.

The TOMRA MultiPac backroom storage solution upgrades with a switch from steel cabinet doors to polymer ones, making the doors lighter and easier for retail staff to handle, and reducing the carbon emissions related to the production of the doors. The addition of transparent tunnels simplifies error detection. As a bonus for countries where consumers return drink containers in crates, the new and space-efficient TOMRA Side-By-Side crate unit enables crate returns as a companion beside selected TOMRA RVM models, to fit more storage room layouts and make it easy to upgrade reverse vending systems to accept crates.