Shift4, a global leader in integrated payments and commerce technology, today 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 takeaway 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.

With around 55 billion takeaway packages used annually in Europe, and disposable cups being used for an average of 15 minutes before ending up as waste, there is a pressing need to accelerate global reuse efforts and reduce waste through the circular economy. TOMRA’s system addresses this, facilitating 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 takeaway cups, and 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,” said Ruben Frimand Nielsen, Vice President of Sales & Business Development for the Nordics at Shift4. “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 can 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, to encourage 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,” said Geir Saether, Senior Vice President, Circular Economy and Head of TOMRA Reuse. “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.”

TOMRA and Shift4’s partnership represents a significant milestone in the evolution of reuse practices. With a focus on digital transformation, environmental responsibility, and customer-centricity, this collaboration showcases the potential of technology to bring about positive change through innovation.