The City of Aarhus is host to the world's first city-wide implementation of an open managed system for reusable takeaway packaging. Launched in January 2024, the system demonstrates high return rates.
- circular economy | environmental impact | innovation
- Wednesday 11 June 2025, 10:00 - 13:00 (CEST)
- Aarhus, Denmark
Practical information
- When
- Wednesday 11 June 2025, 10:00 - 13:00 (CEST)
- Where
- Aarhus City Hall: Rådhuspladsen 2,8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Languages
- English
- Part of
- Website
- Event website
Description
The system now being trialed in Aarhus enables a shift from single-use takeaway packaging to reusable takeaway packaging by offering an infrastructure that entire cities can use. The REUSEABLE platform in Aarhus is powered by Rotake, a system designed by TOMRA, offering a responsible and convenient way to enjoy your favourite takeaway drinks!
The TOMRA system provides a unique convenience for businesses that offer takeaway food and drinks (such as cafés and quick-serve restaurants), as well as for consumers. The system is designed as an open system, meaning packaging from different providers can be returned 24/7 to a shared infrastructure of automated collection points within the city.
High packaging return rates are ensured by offering monetary return incentives. In the Aarhus pilot, this takes the form of a deposit paid when purchasing takeaway food or drink, which is then reimbursed in full to the consumer when the packaging is returned to a collection point.
In the first stage, the new system focuses on hot and cold drink containers, such as takeaway coffee cups. When returning the reusable cups to one of the automated TOMRA collection points specifically used for takeaway packaging, customers receive the deposit reimbursement directly to their card or account. This is made possible by tapping a contactless payment credential (card, phone, smartwatch, etc.) to activate the dedicated TOMRA collection point.
The payment system is enabled through a collaboration with Visa, MasterCard, and Shift4, a leading provider of integrated payment and technology solutions.