Tomra unveils new automated collection point for reusable takeaway food packaging

Tomra has unveiled the new Rotake system that accepts reusable food boxes, bowls and cups – and refunds deposits instantly to consumers’ mobile wallets or credit cards.

Building on the world’s first ‘open managed’ reuse system for hot and cold drink cups in Aarhus, Denmark, Tomra Reuse has unveiled a reuse collection point (RCP) capable of handling food packaging for the first time. The new reverse vending machine (RVM) demonstrates the next step in Tomra’s Rotake solution: a fully integrated platform for collecting, transporting, sanitising, quality assuring and redistributing reusable takeaway containers.

The Rotake system relies on serialised 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.

Sanitisation and 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.

This latest innovation marks a significant step forward for enabling a truly circular economy and world without waste. Additionally, 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 only need to be used six times to out perform the lowest impact single use option (recycled cardboard cups) on environmental metrics.

Once rolled out, the Rotake system could play an important part in keeping Europe’s cities clean and healthy, as Geir Sæther, senior vice president and head of Tomra Reuse, explained: ‘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. We want to make reuse as convenient as single use, which is why our new reuse collection point builds on over 50 years of our expertise in deposit return systems, to help cities tackle their growing amounts of waste.’

Since the launch of Tomra’s city wide cup pilot in January 2024, Aarhus consumers have paid a DKK5 deposit for reusable cups – redeemable instantly at collection points across the city centre. To date, more than one million cups have been returned, yielding an 85% redemption rate and substantial reductions in single use waste.

‘What we have learnt from these pilots is that effective circular systems must combine bold environmental targets and supportive regulations with smart infrastructure and consumer incentives to shift behaviour,’ Geir Sæther said. ‘Our open managed approach adapts to any QR coded packaging, providing cities and event organisers with a simple way to reduce waste and protect resources.’

In addition to additional city pilots, Tomra is fast tracking Rotake Venue, optimised for large events and stadiums with high throughput and instant collection needs.