TOMRA R1 from Tomra Systems ASA - high-speed reverse vending for busy supermarkets
22.06.2026 - 23:04:29 | ad-hoc-news.de
Reviewed: ad hoc news Bestseller & Flagship desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-22, 23:01. Details in the imprint.
Tomra R1 from Tomra Systems ASA sits in the corner of a Nordic supermarket, the hatch hissing softly as a shopper tips in a full bag of cans and bottles in one go. The hum of conveyors replaces the clatter of single-feed machines, and the sticky floor around it stays surprisingly clean.
Bag-drop instead of single feed
The Tomra R1 is a so-called multi-feed reverse vending machine that lets users pour up to around 100 empty drink containers into a large top-opening hatch in seconds.
Instead of feeding one container at a time, the system closes the lid and takes over, separating, counting and sorting in the background while the customer can already move on with their shopping.
What happens inside the R1
Behind the quiet whirring noise, rotating disks, belts and sensors grab each container, read the barcode or shape, and send it to the correct collection bin, with Tomra’s recognition technology tuned to national deposit schemes.
A large touch display guides users with clear icons, and the printed voucher drops with a dry click that frequent recyclers in countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland know very well.
Background on Tomra Systems ASA shares
The Tomra R1 is part of Tomra’s core collection & recycling portfolio, which remains a key reference point for investors following Tomra Systems ASA.
Why retailers install the system
For supermarkets, the promise of the R1 is faster throughput, cleaner recycling rooms and a quieter, more convenient customer experience, especially in peak hours on Saturdays.
Tomra highlights that the R1 can cut time spent at the machine by up to two thirds compared with conventional single-feed solutions, which directly influences how long deposit queues block store entrances.
Design choices from Asker
Design teams at Tomra’s headquarters in Asker, Norway, opted for a rounded front, a high-positioned opening and integrated lighting so the machine feels less like industrial equipment and more like part of the store interior.
CEO Tove Andersen repeatedly underlines in presentations that such customer-centric innovations help keep Tomra ahead in established deposit markets while preparing for new EU states rolling out deposit-return systems.
Where it fits in Tomra’s line-up
The R1 sits above classic front-load reverse vending machines such as the T9, which still rely on single-feed input but can be paired with backroom cabinets and compactors.
Tomra positions the R1 especially for high-volume locations such as hypermarkets, big-box retailers and recycling centers, where weekly container volumes justify the higher upfront investment.
Rollout and availability
The Tomra R1 first appeared in pilot installations around 2019 in the Nordic region and has since expanded to other established deposit markets, including parts of Central Europe and North America.
Retailers typically lease or purchase the system as part of larger service contracts that cover maintenance, remote monitoring and software updates for the recognition systems.
What the numbers look like
Tomra does not break out R1 unit sales separately, but the Collection segment, which includes reverse vending, generated billions of Norwegian kroner in annual revenue in recent years.
In its latest reports, the company points to continued growth in deposit markets and upcoming schemes in countries such as Scotland and several EU member states as a pipeline driver for formats like R1.
Impact on customers and staff
Store staff in early deployments report fewer sticky bags, less spilled liquid and a more predictable workflow, because the machine stores containers internally instead of overflowing visible bins outside the store entrance.
For frequent recyclers, the main difference is the feel of simply lifting the lid, hearing the soft suction of the system and walking away while the internal counters do their work.
Challenges and trade-offs
On the downside, the R1 takes more floor space than a basic single-feed unit, which can be an issue in cramped city supermarkets where every square meter counts.
Upfront investment costs are also higher, so some smaller retailers may still opt for classic machines until container volumes or customer expectations justify the step-up.
Stock context in Oslo
Tomra Systems ASA shares (ISIN NO0005668905) trade on the Oslo Stock Exchange in Norwegian kroner; recycling solutions such as the Tomra R1 remain a core narrative in the company’s investor communication.
Key facts on Tomra R1
- Product: Tomra R1
- Manufacturer: Tomra Systems ASA
- Category: Flagship/Bestseller reverse vending machine
- Launch: Around 2019, with Nordic pilot installations
- RRP / Price: Not publicly listed, typically offered within retailer contracts (NOK/EUR)
- Availability: High-volume supermarkets and recycling locations in selected deposit markets, primarily Europe and North America
- Target group: Retail chains and recycling operators with high container volumes
- Highlight / USP: Multi-feed bag-drop system for up to around 100 containers in one go, reducing queue times and improving cleanliness
This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.
