TOMRA partners with Shift4 to provide digital ‘Tap-on-Card’ money-back capabilities for a new innovative reuse system for take away packaging

Shift4, a global leader in integrated payments and commerce technology, announced its partnership with Tomra, a world leader in waste collection and sorting. The partnership introduces a fully digital payment process for Tomra's solutions for reusable take away packaging, which enables consumers to exchange reusable materials for a monetary reward, with Shift4 acting as the acquirer and point-of-sale (POS) gateway provider.

Tomra's system facilitates the transition from single use to reusable packaging by providing an infrastructure that enables a deposit system for reusable takeaway packaging. To launch this, Tomra has signed a collaboration agreement with Aarhus Municipality for a three-year trial, initially focusing on take away cups, and with the intention of expanding the system to cover all takeaway packaging, ensuring a holistic, convenient, and sustainable system. As such, the strategic alliance between Tomra and Shift4 will transform the way consumers engage with reusable materials by providing a convenient, efficient and rewarding way to return reusable packaging and have their money refunded. 

“Our collaboration with Tomra Reuse highlights the power of innovation to drive sustainability and promote the circular economy,” Ruben Frimand Nielsen, vice president of sales and business development for the Nordics at Shift4, said in the announcement. “Consumers today expect flexible and convenient payment solutions, and this expectation doesn’t end with reuse collection points. By facilitating a seamless, secure, digital return payment experience, we are able to support Tomra in its mission to increase circularity and promote responsible reuse.”

Leveraging Shift4’s cutting-edge 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 Reuse collection points, they will be able to simply tap their credit or debit card and automatically receive the money directly into their bank account. By introducing seamless digital payments into the reuse return system, Tomra and Shift4 are making reuse convenient, efficient, and rewarding, with the aim of encouraging more consumers to return their reusable packaging.

“At Tomra, we are passionate about enabling the circular economy and transforming how the world uses and reuses its resources to eliminate waste,” Geir Saether, senior vice president, circular economy and head of Tomra Reuse, said in the announcement. “We are proud to align with Shift4 to integrate its fully digital payment solution into our Reuse Collection Points. By combining Tomra's 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.”