A&K Hurt-Market simplifies container returns with TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus reverse vending machine
When A&K Hurt-Market needed a reverse vending solution that could handle high return volumes while delivering a reliable experience for customers, they chose TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus. The machine's durability, ease of use and efficient operation made it the right fit for the store's needs.
With nine stores across Mielec, Tarnobrzeg, and Radomyśl Wielki, A&K Hurt-Market has built its name on local roots and fresh products at low prices. Now, the chain is bringing the same standard to Poland's deposit return system, with the TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus reverse vending machine (RVM). A&K Hurt-Market is a company with its heart in the local community. Working closely with regional farmers and producers, the chain offers fresh, affordable groceries with the kind of service that keeps customers coming back. When Poland's deposit return system arrived, A&K saw an opportunity to extend those same values to container returns.
"At A&K Hurt-Market, quality is always a priority. That is why we wanted to provide our customers with the best possible experience when returning containers." Tomasz Lodarski, President of the Management Board, A&K Hurt-Market.
They settled on the TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus, an outdoor reverse vending machine built for speed, durability, and year-round operation. TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus currently accepts plastic bottles and cans at A&K's stores but will also be able to handle reusable glass bottles in the future.
We wanted an outdoor machine that would operate quickly and reliably, which is why we decided on the TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus. The machine accepts plastic bottles, cans, and, in the future, also glass.
A durable solution for high-volume container returns
Automated container returns have been quickly adopted in Poland. Repeat visits from returning customers, combined with the operational efficiency of an automated system, are already providing great value to the chain.
"Automated container returns in our stores have quickly gained popularity. Thanks to this, we can expect a relatively quick return on investment." Tomasz Lodarski.
"From an operational point of view, TOMRA S2 (Rugged Plus) makes life much easier for us. Automated returns are a great convenience for both us and our customers. The training provided by TOMRA went very smoothly, which helped our team feel confident from day one." Ewelina Grudkowska, Store Manager, A&K Hurt-Market.
Even at peak hours, throughput stays high. The screen remains readable in direct sunlight, and there are no bottlenecks at the machine, important for a store where the return area sits at the entrance.
Even during peak hours, customers can return bottles and cans quickly. The system runs smoothly, there are no bottlenecks, and the screen remains readable even in direct sunlight.
Improving the customer return experience
The TOMRA app plays a role behind the scenes, sending notifications when a bag is full or the machine needs attention, so staff aren't relying on customers to flag issues or making unnecessary trips outside to check.
"TOMRA S2 is easy to use. When a bag is full or the machine requires attention, we receive a notification in the app, so we do not have to wait for customers to inform us or go outside unnecessarily. Our customers appreciate that TOMRA S2 (Rugged Plus) works very quickly and reliably." Ewelina Grudkowska.
For TOMRA, the partnership reflects what reverse vending should look like in a maturing market: reliable technology, responsive service, and a system that adapts as the customer's business evolves.
"Our cooperation with A&K has been going very well from the very beginning. It is important to us that the customer has support at every stage, from implementation to daily operations and service. We respond quickly to service requests, ensuring efficient technical support." Paweł Dulny, Sales Representative, TOMRA Collection Poland.
The S2 Rugged Plus is designed to operate at both low and high temperatures, performing reliably through all weather, even during winter. It also offers a modular design, so retailers can expand capacity as return volumes grow, without having to replace the machine.
"The machine can also be expanded, for example, with a module for accepting reusable glass bottles or a storage module, so it grows with your business. Thanks to its reliability, durability, and space-saving footprint in store, this model quickly became popular on the Polish market." Paweł Dulny.
For A&K Hurt-Market, the result is a return experience that matches the rest of what the store offers: quality, reliability, and customer convenience.
TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus is designed to operate at both low and high temperatures. Therefore, it performs well all year round, including in winter.
Reverse vending machines (RVMs)
TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus
- Designed for semi-outdoors use
- Accept cans, plastic bottles, or glass bottles
- Up to 45 containers per minute
- Footprint of 2.8 - 5.4 m²