Tomra introduces automated reusable cup return machines at German train station
Key takeaways
- Tomra Reuse has installed two automated return machines at Freiburg Central Station, Germany.
- The solutions enable consumers to return reusable cups and receive instant digital deposit refunds.
- The machines currently accept cups from Recup and are designed to support additional reusable packaging formats in the future.
Tomra Reuse has installed two return machines in Freiburg Central Station, Germany, supporting cup returns at any time, without a counter interaction, and with immediate deposit refund to the user’s digital payment method.
Tomra Reuse provides the physical return infrastructure and supporting digital platform. The machines accept cups from Recup, a reusable packaging system for F&B businesses. According to Tomra, the infrastructure can be used for returning other reusable packaging formats in the future.
Sven Hennebach, senior manager at Tomra Reuse, tells Packaging Insights: “For cities, promoting reusables or making single-use less attractive isn't enough. The right infrastructure — and the right financial incentives — are needed so consumers can naturally integrate reusables into their daily lives.”
“Our ambition is to demonstrate that the convenience, efficiency and system integrity offered by our automated solutions can help boost the performance of reusable packaging systems.”
Easy process for everyday use
Tomra notes that Freiburg is the first city in Germany to integrate automated returns into an existing reusable environment. The network of Recup partners is said to be growing in Freiburg as the city rolled out a single-use packaging tax for meal containers and beverage cups earlier this year.
Tomra says its automated returns can improve and extend the city’s existing return system. The new solution offers consumers an additional return point, increasing network density, and making the overall system more practical for everyday use.
Phillip Goos, CEO at Recup, says: “Freiburg demonstrates how the Recup network can be expanded with additional return infrastructure where there is high demand. Central stations are busy hubs: people from across the region come together here, traveling into or out of the city.”
“Reusables need to work as simply as possible, even across city borders — and we’ve achieved that.”
Recently, Tomra Collection also launched the Tomra S2 Rugged Plus reverse vending machine, designed for outdoor use that can withstand cold weather.
