TOMRA Clean Loop Recycling: Revolutionizing Sustainability

Worldwide, around 1.4 trillion bottles and cans are used every year. While some of these containers are recycled, too many of them end up in streets, oceans, landfills and incinerators. At TOMRA, we strive to reduce society’s reliance on raw materials. By making it easy, convenient, and rewarding for people to return their used containers, we enable bottles, cans, and other packaging to be continually recycled in a Clean Loop.

Every year, TOMRA's reverse vending solutions capture more than 48 billion drink containers across the globe. That might sound like a lot, but it’s actually less than 3% of what’s sold annually! By helping you, society's recycling heroes, enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more convenient recycling experience, we hope to bring the remaining 97% into the loop.

What puts the "Clean" in Clean Loop Recycling?

Beverage containers recycled through a reverse vending machine stay clean enough to keep their "food grade" status meaning they can be recycled into new beverage containers. Containers that come into contact with other household waste can be contaminated, so are often downcycled into different products.

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A man standing in front of a blue circular background in an office building

Steve Han President, TOMRA Korea

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What are recycled bottles made of?

Curious about PET and rPET plastic? Explore their benefits and why they’re essential for recycling innovation!
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A guide to Clean Loop Recycling

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Return rate of drinks containers in Norway

When it comes to Clean Loop Recycling, Norway is leading the way!

Regarded as the world role model for beverage container recovery and recycling, Norway’s deposit return system is one of the most efficient in the world. With more than 92% of containers returned to reverse vending machines and around 6% collected through alternative channels, less than 1% of all beverage containers in Norway are littered!

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How do I use a reverse vending machine?

It's an easy, fast, and convenient way to recycle. If you want to know how to use a reverse vending machine, you've come to the right place!

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Where do my drinks containers go?

What happens after you put a bottle in a reverse vending machine? That's a great question. It depends where you are and what kind of recycling facilities are available.

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What's DRS and how can it help?

Deposit return systems provide a simple and smart solution to cutting down waste and reducing plastic pollution.

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How can deposit return systems reduce carbon emissions?

Drinks containers made from recycled materials have a smaller carbon footprint than those made from scratch.

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Yes, it's a big problem.

That's why we're working to do something about it!

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It's the key to tackling the plastic pollution crisis at scale

The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution provides a unique opportunity to bring about a much-needed transformation in the way we manage and recycle plastic waste.

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We're part of a coalition of businesses calling for a strong Global Plastics Treaty

Convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, the coalition brings together businesses and financial institutions committed to supporting the development of an ambitious, effective and legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution.
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Policies, pollution and people

Countries around the world are committing to more aggressive measures in response to the growing plastic pollution problem. Deposit return systems, in combination with reverse vending technology, give policymakers, retailers, and consumers the power to play their part and make an impact.
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