Tomra, Shift4 partner on reuse system technology

Shift4, an integrated payments and commerce technology company based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has partnered with Norway-based waste collection and sorting company Tomra to introduce a fully digital payment process for Tomra’s solutions for reusable takeaway packaging, which the companies say will enable consumers to exchange reusable materials for a monetary reward, with Shift4 acting as the acquirer and point-of-sale (POS) gateway provider.

The companies say the aim of this partnership is to redefine the reuse experience, offering convenience and efficiency to consumers while advancing environmentally conscious practices and supporting the European Union’s Emissions Trading System regulation in reducing CO₂ emissions.

RELATED: Tomra supplies ambitious Swedish plastics facility

According to Tomra, there are around 55 billion takeaway packages used annually in Europe, and disposable cups are used for an average of 15 minutes before ending up as waste, creating a need to accelerate global reuse efforts and reduce waste through the circular economy. Tomra says its system addresses this, facilitating the transition from single use to reusable packaging by providing an infrastructure which enables a deposit system for reusable takeaway packaging. 

To launch this initiative, Tomra has signed a collaboration agreement with Aarhus Municipality for a three-year trial, initially focusing on takeaway cups, and with the intention of expanding the system to cover all takeaway packaging and help ensure a convenient and sustainable system.

“Our collaboration with Tomra highlights the power of innovation in reshaping traditional processes to drive sustainability and promote the circular economy,” says Ruben Frimand Nielsen, vice president of sales and business development for the Nordics at Shift4. “Consumers today expect flexible and convenient payment solutions, and this expectation doesn’t end with vending machines. By facilitating a seamless, secure, digital return payment experience, we are able to support Tomra in its mission to reduce waste and promote responsible reuse and circular economy initiatives.”

Leveraging Shift4’s payments technology, Tomra Reuse's collection points will be equipped with a fully integrated "tap-on-card" payment solution to optimize the reuse process for consumers. Once a consumer has returned their empty qualified reusable takeaway packaging to one of Tomra's Reuse collection points, they will be able to tap their credit or debit card and automatically receive the money directly into their bank account.

“At Tomra, we are passionate about enabling the circular economy and transforming how the world uses and reuses its resources to eliminate waste,” says Geir Saether, senior vice president, Circular Economy of Tomra. “We are proud to align with Shift4 to integrate its fully paperless payment solution into our reverse vending machines. By combining Tomra’s recycling technology with Shift4’s expertise in payment processing, we are setting a new standard for convenience, efficiency and sustainability, reinforcing our commitment to drive innovation in a circular economy.”