The world’s most experienced reverse vending machine (RVM) manufacturer has unveiled a new small-format machine tailor made for convenience stores.
TOMRA has introduced the small-footprint, big performance ‘TOMRA B3’ in the UK as retailers prepare for the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) in 2027. From October next year, consumers will pay a refundable 20p deposit on eligible plastic drinks bottles and cans, which they’ll get back from retailers when they return their empty containers.
TOMRA, a global leader in recycling innovation, manufactures reverse vending machines (RVMs) that automate the return process, and has designed TOMRA B3 with convenience stores and independent retailers in mind. It occupies just 0.45sqm of floor space, enabling convenience retailers to benefit from offering automated returns, as well as accessing the higher handling fees available through automated collection.
“TOMRA B3 is the smallest reverse vending machine in our product portfolio, and gives convenience stores and independent retailers a practical way to automate returns without sacrificing valuable store space. It also provides customers with an easy and reliable return experience,” explains Sondre Henningsgård, Managing Director for TOMRA Collection UK.
“At TOMRA we want to enable retailers to invest in the right technology from day one and TOMRA B3 meets that need by offering proven technology in a smaller format, designed by an experienced partner that has over 95,000 machines operating all over the world.”
TOMRA B3’s small footprint enables automated container returns into stores without taking away valuable selling space from retailers. The machine can handle two types of containers – PET plastic and metal cans – and is also available on wheels, offering greater flexibility on where it can be positioned in the store.
Using barcode recognition, weight detection and image-based recognition, TOMRA B3 accurately identifies containers to deliver a quick and seamless recycling experience.
Exchange for Change, the deposit return scheme operator, will pay retailers a handling fee for every drinks container they collect. Retailers who use automated collection will receive a higher handling fee.
“Convenience retailers are assessing the advantages of automating collection instead of handling containers manually, and the larger handling fee is just one of many incentives. Having a reverse vending machine can save staff time and make the process easier for customers. We see in other DRS markets that shoppers value a quick and reliable return experience, and retailers that provide this can benefit from attracting shoppers," adds Sondre Henningsgård.
“We know that investing in a reverse vending machine is a significant decision for a convenience retailer. TOMRA B3 has been designed as a cost-effective and reliable answer for stores with limited space. Qualifying sites can also apply for grant funding through Exchange for Change, so we’d recommend retailers to check if they are eligible.”