Three new APIs integrate drink container recycling data into stores’ digital ecosystems

Global reverse vending leader TOMRA has launched three new APIs that enable retailers to integrate data from shoppers’ drink container recycling into stores’ existing digital ecosystems and software. Part of the TOMRA Collection Developer Portal, the new APIs aim to make retail operations more efficient and maximize stores' return on investment into recycling infrastructure. In many regions, stores host drink container return points as part of “deposit return systems” to encourage the return of drink containers for recycling.

The first API, TOMRA Status, enables retailers to receive real-time status notifications when the reverse vending system requires attention. The notifications can be displayed on store phones and tablet devices, for example about storage cabinets approaching full, printer paper needing changing, or machine stops. Actions can be planned accordingly, to ensure maximum availability for recyclers. The tool also shows guidance for resolving reverse vending issues, so that staff can quickly return to other store activities. TOMRA Status thereby seeks to maximize reverse vending uptime and streamline store operations.

TOMRA Consumer Sessions provides stores with quick and easy access to data about each consumer recycling transaction (meaning the return of empty drink containers for recycling and the payout of deposit refunds to the user). Each consumer session is tracked with a unique ID, for greater transparency, fraud mitigation and easy reconciliation. All data from the transaction is stored in the cloud and accessible almost instantly for real-time reporting.

The third new digital tool, the TOMRA Volume by Supergroup API, provides retailers with visibility into the volume of drink containers and the container type returned through the reverse vending machine. This is particularly handy in regions with variable deposit amounts, and enables retailers to verify refund payouts with the deposit return system central system administrator.

“TOMRA continues its hard work to provide innovative digital tools to boost retailers’ reverse vending offerings and ensure their store is always ready to recycle,” explained Aleksander Mortensen, Head of Commercial at TOMRA Collection. “We are excited to expand on our developer portal and APIs so that retailers can truly bring data and insights from their reverse vending solutions into their own ecosystems, to streamline data for greater efficiency and transparency. We are increasing our focus on APIs and more APIs will become available moving forward."

Developer portal expands for stores

The TOMRA Collection Developer Portal launched last year. The portal offers development of digital solutions by integrating TOMRA's reverse vending machines with customers' own IT platforms, for efficient and seamless integration in an increasingly digital world. The reverse machines’ Internet of Things (IoT) platform transfers large amounts of transaction data each day. With the addition of APIs, the data capabilities of reverse vending machines are extended further.

The first API to launch with the developer portal was Digital Payout API, which enables integration of electronic payout of deposit refunds with stores’ loyalty programs or apps, instead of paying out as a paper voucher. It therefore offers a more convenient and environmentally-friendly recycling experience.
 
TOMRA's new APIs will be on show at EuroShop, the world’s largest retailer trade fair, in Dusseldorf 26 February to 2 March. TOMRA’s EuroShop booth is located in Hall 7A, at booth B07. Visit our EuroShop site at euroshop.tomra.com. To arrange a commercial or media meeting, contact [email protected].

 

About TOMRA Collection:

TOMRA Collection provides reverse vending machines for Clean Loop Recycling, to transform society’s habits and keep valuable resources in a continuous loop of use and reuse. The company’s solutions collect aluminum, plastic and glass beverage containers to be continually reused and recycled back into new bottles and cans. With over 80,000 installations across more than 60 markets, TOMRA reverse vending machines capture over 45 billion used bottles and cans each year. This reduces reliance on raw materials, and ensures fewer containers end up in our streets, oceans and landfills. TOMRA’s reverse vending machines, digital solutions and service make recycling easy for the industry, system owners, retailers and consumers to contribute to a more sustainable planet. Visit our Reverse Vending pages on tomra.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

TOMRA Collection is a division of TOMRA Group. Today, TOMRA is leading the resource revolution to transform how the planet’s resources are obtained, used and reused to enable a world without waste. The company’s other business divisions comprise TOMRA Food and TOMRA Recycling. The Group employs approximately 4,600 globally and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.