TOMRA Unveils Automated Collection Point for Reusable Takeaway Food Packaging

Key Highlights

• First global demo of TOMRA’s reverse vending machine (RVM) for reusable food packaging at the Reuse Economy Expo in Paris.
• Open‐managed system accepts any QR-coded, reusable container programmed to be accepted by the system — from coffee cups to salad bowls.
• Instant refunds of deposits (in Aarhus: DKK 5 / EUR 0.67 per cup) directly to consumers’ preferred payment option (major debit/credit cards and some local payment options).
• Proven success: Aarhus pilot has collected more than 1 million cups at an 85% return rate in 17 months.
• Full traceability via serialized QR codes, enabling robust reporting on return rates, rotations and environmental impact.
• Delivery from Q1 2026: The new Reuse Collection Point will be available for delivery in the first quarter of 2026.

Paris, 27 May 2025 — Building on the world’s first “open‐managed” reuse system for hot and cold drink cups in Aarhus, Denmark, TOMRA Reuse this week unveiled at the Reuse Economy Expo a Reuse Collection Point (RCP) capable of handling food packaging. The new reverse vending machine (RVM) demonstrates the next step in TOMRA’s Rotake solution: a fully integrated platform for collecting, transporting, sanitizing, quality-assuring and redistributing reusable takeaway containers.

An integrated infrastructure handling all parts of the reuse value chain

TOMRA’s Rotake system relies on serialized QR codes to track every item’s journey:

• Distribution: Cafés, bars and restaurants serve drinks and meals in QR-coded reusable containers.
• Collection: Consumers return used items to conveniently located RCPs.
• Sanitization & Quality Check: Returned containers are automatically cleaned and inspected.
• Redistribution: Approved containers are redeployed to participating outlets through distribution partners as a recurring subscription on on-demand via an online portal.

By comparing the number of rotations against single-use alternatives, the system delivers hard data on carbon and waste savings. According to a Eunomia study, reusable plastic cups must be used at least six times to out-perform the lowest-impact single-use option (recycled cardboard cups) on environmental metrics.

Enabling vibrant European city lives – with cleaner and healthier places to live and play

“European cities come alive in summer — coffee on the go, park picnics, open-air festivals, and more. But this vibrancy also drives litter and waste,” said Geir Sæther, SVP and Head of TOMRA Reuse. “With over 50 years of expertise in deposit return systems, TOMRA Reuse makes reuse as convenient as single use. Our new Reuse Collection Point extends that convenience to food packaging, helping cities tackle their growing waste challenges.”

Since the launch of the city-wide cup pilot in January 2024, Aarhus consumers have paid a DKK 5 deposit for reusable cups — redeemable instantly at collection points across the city center. To date, more than 1 million cups have been returned, yielding an 85 % redemption rate and substantial reductions in single-use waste.

Expanding to new cities and venues

TOMRA Reuse is now recruiting new city partners, targeting densely populated European hubs. The three-year pilot in Aarhus continues through 2026.

“Effective circular systems combine bold environmental targets, supportive regulations — such as bans or levies — and consumer incentives to shift behavior,” added Sæther. “Our open-managed approach adapts to any QR-coded packaging, providing cities and event organizers with a turnkey solution.”

In addition to city pilots, TOMRA is fast-tracking Rotake Venue, optimized for large events and stadiums with high throughput and instant collection needs. A working demonstration is on display at the TOMRA stand this week at the Reuse Economy Expo.

Also introducing solution customized for the French CITEO ReUse project

The Reuse Collection Point is not the only product launching from TOMRA at the Reuse Economy Expo. TOMRA is also introducing the TOMRA T70 Dual BottleGlide – a customized solution developed to support the CITEO ReUse project in France. Based on the TOMRA T70 Dual platform, it has been specifically adapted for the return of reusable glass bottles. The zigzag bottle return system is designed to slow and align bottles to prevent damage, allowing them to be effectively sanitized and reused by producers, instead of being downcycled or discarded.

"Effective reuse systems need three things: smart infrastructure, regulation, and user incentives,” added Stéphan Arino, Vice President of Public Affairs at TOMRA. “With TOMRA Reuse and TOMRA Collection, we provide the backbone cities and producers need to comply with EPR obligations and deliver a functional circular system.”

“As France and the EU continue to push for circularity through regulations like PPWR, TOMRA Collection France is proud to offer solutions that are ready today,” said Paul Fabiano, Managing Director, TOMRA Collection France. “Our participation in the Reuse Economy Expo is an important opportunity to connect with partners, cities, and businesses ready to act on reuse.”

More on the RCP and the TOMRA Rotake system

For further information on the Reuse Collection Point (RCP), visit TOMRA Reuse Collection Point info page

For more information on TOMRA Reuse and the Rotake system, visit www.tomra.com/reusable-takeaway-packaging

In Paris this week? See the TOMRA RCP at the Reuse Economy Expo at Parc Floral, stand D1.