Now emerging from market testing, the TOMRA R2 RVM is the next generation in multi-feed returns (where consumers pour in bags of multiple drink containers at once), building on the success of TOMRA R1. While TOMRA R1 is designed for retailers with high volumes, TOMRA R2’s smaller physical footprint fits a wider range of stores. TOMRA R2 was tested in stores in Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands.
TOMRA R2 seeks to “rethink recycling” and disrupt traditional reverse vending design. The most visible difference is the minimalist design, with a wall-mounted and compact unit facing the consumer, made to be more stylish, discreet, and accessible in the store environment. It also makes the most of screen to give more visual guidance and better user flow to make the process more intuitive for end users, and provide more features for user accessibility.
TOMRA R2 is compatible with TOMRA backroom storage solutions (like TOMRA MultiPac 2, EasyPac 1 & 2 and RollPac), allowing retailers to upgrade their reverse vending front-end without investing in new backroom equipment. Access for service and cleaning is in the backroom rather than the front, consumer-facing side – saving staff time and effort and reducing disturbance on the retail floor.
More opportunities for donation
Retailers have until now been able to add up to four charities or community organizations to which recyclers can choose to donate their deposit refunds. TOMRA kicks things up a notch today, with the ability to add up to nine on-screen donation partners, enabling a wider selection for the recycler while maintaining a fast recycling session. Donation partners can be set by the retail chain or individual store, which can change the list of charities as often as desired.
This donation functionality has been requested by retailers wanting to give back to their communities. It gives retailers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the local community, build charity partnerships, and create timely campaigns to engage shoppers and grow store loyalty. The expanded donation function debuts on TOMRA R2, with plans to implement it on other TOMRA RVMs in future.
TOMRA levels up digital refunds
Recyclers can now get Digital Vouchers for their deposit refunds, no app required. RVMs traditionally print paper vouchers, which users redeem in store for cash or as credit on their next purchase. With Digital Vouchers, recyclers simply use their phone camera to scan a QR code on an RVM screen and the voucher will appear in their mobile browser – for a touch-free, paperless experience for users and stores.
Digital Vouchers will be available for all reverse vending machines in TOMRA’s portfolio. On multi-feed RVMs like TOMRA R1 and R2, Digital Vouchers add particular convenience with the drop and go function: recyclers can even leave the RVM and start shopping while the RVM is still processing their containers and receive their Digital Voucher when the RVM is finished.
A retailer or redemption center needs to request Digital Vouchers or the expanded charity donation offering from TOMRA, in order to make it available on their reverse vending machine/s.
Innovations in Food (& Beverage) Processing & Packaging is a quarterly magazine distributed globally both in Print and Digital formats. www.innovationsfood.com. Twitter: @Innovfoodtech. Instagram: @innovationsinfoodtechnology. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/terry-prior52
