Petter Planke obituary – TOMRA co-founder’s legacy

27 Feb 2026

It is with great sadness that we received the news that Petter Planke, who founded TOMRA together with his brother Tore, passed away on 25 February 2026 at the age of 89.

Petter was a true pioneer in every sense of the word – an entrepreneur, economist, marketer and visionary who helped transform how the world understands the value of resources, recycling, and circularity. When he and his brother Tore developed the world’s first fully-automated reverse vending machine in a basement in Asker in 1972, it was the beginning of far more than a new product. It was the start of a global movement that today enables millions of people to return beverage bottles and cans and contribute to a more sustainable society.

What began as an innovative idea has grown into an international technology company with nearly 6,000 employees, 98% export, operations in more than 100 markets, and solutions that every year sort and handle tens of millions of tonnes of resources. In 2025, TOMRA collected over 50 billion containers – bottles and cans that did not end up on beaches, in oceans, incinerators or landfills. TOMRA has become a global driving force for the circular economy – built on entrepreneurship, respect for people and the planet we all share, innovation, and a culture that has never been afraid to have a little fun along the way. Values that can be traced directly back to Petter’s way of thinking and working.

Petter and Tore’s motto – “better today than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow” – remains a cornerstone of the company. It reminds us to always seek improvement, always be curious, and always contribute positively to the world around us.

Our warmest thoughts go to his brother Tore, to Petter’s wife Grete – who was also an important part of TOMRA in the company’s early years – and to all of the family. For them, and for the many who worked alongside Petter, this is a deeply personal loss.

For us at TOMRA, Petter will also be remembered for his steadfast presence at our annual Christmas gathering. He always showed up with a smile, a genuine interest in how the company was developing, and a contagious joy in meeting colleagues. Last year, illness prevented him from joining. We missed him then, and we will miss his inspiring presence and love for TOMRA in the time to come.

We will honor Petter’s memory in a way that reflects the profound impact he has had – on the company, on the industry, and on the communities that today benefit from the solutions he and his brother helped create. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will live on for generations.

Rest in peace, Petter.