TOMRA Unveils New Reuse Solutions at Reuse Economy Expo in Paris

At this year’s Reuse Economy Expo Fair in Paris (May 26–27), TOMRA is unveiling two innovative solutions that reinforce its commitment to advancing reuse and circularity in packaging systems. As a global leader in reverse vending technology, TOMRA Collection is introducing a new reverse vending machine (RVM) specifically tailored to support France’s growing Réemploi (Reuse) initiative for glass containers.

The newly launched TOMRA T70 Dual BottleGlide is built on the trusted T70 Dual RVM platform, enhanced with a specially designed “zigzag” glass return system. This system gently slows and aligns reusable glass containers, significantly reducing the risk of breakage. The machine also includes a Euro-pallet bin for easy removal and replacement, freeing up staff time for other tasks. A built-in credit card reader enables fast, digital payouts to consumers, enhancing the user experience. With its smart, user-friendly design, the T70 Dual BottleGlide ensures glass containers are returned in good condition, ready to be sanitized and reused by producers.

Paul Fabiano, General Manager of TOMRA Collection France, emphasized the importance of this development: “France is undergoing a major shift toward sustainable packaging, and TOMRA Collection France is proud to play a key role in enabling this transition. The T70 Dual BottleGlide is our answer to a market-specific need, and a testament to TOMRA’s flexibility and deep commitment to reuse.” Initial installations of the new system are already underway, helping build the infrastructure needed to support nationwide glass container reuse — an essential step in keeping materials in circulation rather than sending them to waste or downcycling.

Alongside the T70, TOMRA is also debuting its Reuse Collection Point (RCP), part of the TOMRA Rotake system. This innovation goes beyond beverage containers to include reusable food service packaging such as boxes, bowls, and cups. With this expansion, consumers can now return a broader range of reusable packaging items and receive instant deposit refunds to their mobile wallets or credit cards. The RCP represents a major leap in convenience and accessibility, simplifying participation in circular solutions for everyday packaging.

By designing intelligent systems for resource recovery and reuse, TOMRA continues to lead the transition to circular systems that support environmental sustainability. “As more European countries explore reuse as part of their circular economy strategies, TOMRA is uniquely positioned to support this shift with our proven track record in material recovery and system design,” said Fabiano. “We look forward to meeting stakeholders at the Reuse Expo Fair to exchange ideas and showcase what’s already possible today.”

TOMRA’s solutions align with evolving EU legislation, including the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and national targets focused on reducing single-use packaging. “Reuse is no longer a niche discussion, it’s a policy priority,” noted Stéphan Arino, Vice President of Public Affairs Western Europe at TOMRA. “We need infrastructure that enables reuse to be convenient, efficient, and scalable. This is exactly what TOMRA is designed to deliver.Expo attendees can visit TOMRA at Booth D1 for live demonstrations, expert insights, and hands-on experiences showcasing how reuse solutions can be effectively implemented in retail and return environments.

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Understanding PET and rPET Plastic

To understand rPET plastic, it’s essential to first look at PET, or polyethylene terephthalate—the original material from which rPET is made. PET is one of the most commonly used plastics, especially in beverage containers, thanks to its strength, durability, and versatility. Alongside HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PET is a staple material in the packaging industry. However, it’s produced using petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel, and manufacturing a single one-liter bottle from virgin PET requires about a quarter of a liter of oil. Given that over a million plastic bottles are sold every minute worldwide, the environmental impact of producing virgin PET is significant.

rPET, or recycled PET, is a more sustainable alternative. It is made by taking used PET plastic, processing it through recycling, and then reusing it to create new products—most commonly beverage containers. Compared to virgin PET, rPET production generates 79% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and has a significantly smaller carbon footprint. A single PET bottle can be recycled at least seven times, and with effective decontamination processes, this number could reach ten, twenty, or even more recycling cycles.

In recent years, the demand for rPET has been steadily increasing. In 2020, the total net demand for PET in the European Union (EU27) and the UK was about 5.1 million tons. Of this, 3 million tons came from virgin PET, 0.8 million tons were imports, and 1.3 million tons were derived from recycled PET. These figures suggest a slight trend away from virgin and imported PET towards rPET, with a 3.8% rise in rPET production and a 2.7% drop in virgin PET output. Notably, around 54% of all PET is used for beverage bottles, with an estimated 3.6 million tons of PET bottles placed on the EU27+UK market in 2020—marking nearly a 6% increase from 2018.

However, the supply of food-grade rPET—plastic safe for direct contact with food and drinks—is currently not keeping pace with demand. This is due to limited recycling capacity and an insufficient supply of high-quality collected PET bottles suitable for recycling. Addressing this gap will require both increased collection of recyclable PET and the expansion of advanced mechanical recycling capabilities.

Producing food-grade rPET requires strict adherence to safety and quality standards. The entire process—from the handling of used PET bottles to the operation and hygiene of the machinery used to shred and process the plastic—must meet rigorous regulations to ensure the final product is safe for reuse in food and beverage packaging. As the shift toward circular materials continues, enhancing the supply and quality of food-grade rPET will be key to reducing reliance on virgin plastic.

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Key figures within the EU Plastic Recycling Industry and others have joined forces to raise alarm over the European Commission’s draft Clean Industrial State Aid Framework, citing a critical lack of support for circularity measures

TOMRA-Led Coalition Urges EU to Include Circularity in Industrial Funding Framework

A broad coalition of circular economy stakeholders, spearheaded by TOMRA—a global leader in waste-sorting technology—is calling on the European Commission to ensure that circularity is fully supported under the proposed Clean Industrial State Aid Framework (CISAF). Despite being one of the four pillars of the Clean Industrial Deal, circularity is noticeably missing from the CISAF’s core provisions.

Bilyana Ignatova, Vice President of EU Public Affairs at TOMRA, stressed:
“The ambition of the Clean Industrial Deal can only be realised if all its pillars, including circularity, receive equal policy attention and financial backing.”

The Clean Industrial Deal acknowledges that:
“Circularity will be a priority. It is the key to maximising the EU’s limited resources, reducing dependencies, and enhancing resilience. It reduces waste, lowers production costs and CO₂ emissions, and fosters a more sustainable industrial model—boosting both environmental and economic competitiveness.”
Its stated goal is to position the EU as a global leader in circular economy by 2030.

However, the coalition of resource management leaders warns that this ambition is unattainable without appropriate financial mechanisms to scale up circular infrastructure. They express serious concern over the absence of explicit support for circularity projects in the draft CISAF.

By embedding circularity into its decarbonisation strategy, the EU can make essential materials more affordable and accessible, reduce reliance on cross-border trade, and keep resources in use longer through reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.

Supporting material circularity through state aid will drive more sustainable industrial production, enhance resource security, and accelerate the EU’s decarbonisation goals. Clear policy provisions for circularity are essential to meet the EU’s target of increasing material circularity by 24% by 2030 and ensuring resources remain in circulation for as long as possible.

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Norway’s New National Plastic Sorting Facility, Områ, Begins Commissioning Phase

After two years of development, Norway’s new national plastic sorting facility — Områ — is reaching a major milestone. Located in Holtskogen and jointly owned by TOMRA Feedstock and Plastretur, the facility will begin its warm commissioning process on April 28, with the first bale of plastic waste set to enter the system.

Områ is a uniquely Norwegian name, both in sound and meaning. Pronounced “ohm-rauw,” it reflects the facility’s mission to rethink how plastic is handled. The name combines “om” (meaning “about” or “around”) and “rå” (“raw”), symbolizing a renewed approach to resource management. It also directly translates to “rethink” or “reconsider” — fitting for a facility dedicated to transforming waste into new raw materials.Områ evokes powerful associations aligned with our vision,” said Joachim N. Amland, Senior Vice President and Head of TOMRA Feedstock. “It’s the perfect name for Norway’s first national facility dedicated to capturing all types of plastic waste and turning it into valuable feedstock for new products.

The facility is equipped with TOMRA’s most advanced sensor technology and machine learning systems, allowing it to sort plastic waste into high-purity monofractions suitable for recycling. This advanced sorting capability is critical to increasing plastic recycling rates and enabling closed-loop systems.TOMRA Feedstock is excited to optimize the facility’s performance over the summer as we ramp up operations,” Amland added. “We strongly encourage municipalities across Norway to direct as much plastic waste as possible to Områ.

Designed to play a central role in Norway’s circular economy, the facility represents a significant step toward national self-sufficiency in managing plastic waste. It will serve as a cornerstone in the country’s recycling infrastructure, while also inspiring further investment in the recycling sector.

The visual identity and name of Områ were developed in collaboration with Cretalux, an Oslo-based design agency. Line Støtvig, General Manager of Cretalux, explained: “Our goal was to find a distinctive Norwegian name that captured the essence of the facility’s mission — to see plastic waste as a resource. The meaning of Områ — to think anew — reflects that perfectly. Including the Norwegian letter ‘å’ was also a subtle nod to circularity and local identity.”

As Norway prepares to officially launch Områ, the facility stands as a bold example of how innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and cross-sector collaboration can help build a more sustainable future.

About TOMRA Feedstock

TOMRA Feedstock is part of TOMRA Horizon, the venture arm set up by TOMRA Group to explore new adjacent business opportunities and alternative business models leveraging the TOMRA Group’s technology and decades of know-how. The focus of TOMRA Feedstock is to provide a new approach toward closing the circularity gap for plastics by recovering mixed plastics being lost today to incineration or landfill. By sourcing and sorting plastic material from the residual waste stream, TOMRA Feedstock provides a complementary service for recyclers, providing plastic feedstock of pure monofractions that can be further processed and sold to plastic packaging producers.

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Casella to Ring Nasdaq Opening Bell in Celebration of 50th Anniversary

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (“Casella”) (Nasdaq: CWST), a regional leader in solid waste, recycling, and resource management services, will ring the Opening Bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to commemorate its 50th anniversary.Casella Chairman and CEO John W. Casella, President Ned Coletta, and Founder and Vice Chairman Doug Casella will lead the ceremony, joined by the company’s leadership team and board of directors.

It’s an honor to be invited to ring the Opening Bell at Nasdaq in recognition of our 50th Anniversary,” said John W. Casella. “Since our IPO in 1997, Nasdaq has been an outstanding partner on our journey of growth and innovation.Founded in 1975 as a one-truck operation, Casella has evolved into a comprehensive provider of solid waste, recycling, organics, and resource management services. Today, it serves over one million customers across ten eastern states and delivers professional resource management solutions to more than 10,000 locations in over 40 states nationwide.

Casella’s dedication to sustainability began early in its history, establishing Vermont’s first recycling facility in 1977. As a founding member of the EPA’s Climate Leaders program and recipient of the EPA Climate Leadership Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management, the company has earned national recognition for its environmental leadership. According to its latest Sustainability Report, Casella’s services offset an estimated 5.6 tons of greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere in the economy for every ton the company emits through its own operations.

Sustainable materials management has been the foundation of our business since day one,” added Casella. “Our continued progress toward a circular economy is made possible by the tireless efforts of more than 5,000 dedicated employees. Celebrating them on Global Garbageman Day and during Waste and Recycling Workers’ Week highlights the essential role they play in building a cleaner, more sustainable world.”

The Nasdaq bell-ringing event will take place on Global Garbageman Day, a day set aside to recognize the vital work of waste and recycling professionals. The occasion also marks the beginning of National Waste and Recycling Workers’ Week, a week-long celebration honoring the individuals who help protect public health and the environment every day through their commitment to waste management and recycling.

ABOUT CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, provides resource management expertise and services to residential, commercial, municipal, institutional and industrial customers, primarily in the areas of solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services in the eastern United States. For further information, investors may visit the Company’s website at www.casella.com.

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Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CWST), a leading regional provider of solid waste, recycling, and resource management services, recently celebrated the grand reopening of its upgraded materials recovery facility (MRF) in Willimantic, Connecticut. The event, held on Monday, May 19, welcomed nearly 100 guests and marked the completion of a significant renovation aimed at enhancing recycling efficiency and supporting Casella’s mission to advance circularity and sustainability for its customers and communities.The ceremony featured remarks from Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo, Casella executives, and representatives from Machinex, the company behind the advanced MRF technology. A highlight of the event was the presentation of a donation check to the University of Connecticut’s Office of Sustainability. The funds will be used to support a graduate fellowship for a zero-waste coordinator, reinforcing Casella’s commitment to education and sustainability.

Before the upgrade, the Willimantic MRF processed about 60,000 tons of recyclables annually. With the new state-of-the-art sorting system and infrastructure improvements, the facility is now expected to double its processing capacity while improving efficiency and material quality. The $20 million investment included a new tipping floor, upgraded lighting, new pavement, a fire suppression system, and improved power infrastructure. Casella also collaborated with Eversource to reduce the facility’s energy usage and improve electrical efficiency.

John W. Casella, Chairman and CEO, emphasized the company’s continued investment in Connecticut, noting that the Willimantic MRF, the nearby mattress recycling facility, and local hauling operations are vital to Casella’s growth in the region. Since entering the Connecticut market just five years ago, Casella has committed over $50 million to its Resource Solutions operations across the eastern U.S.Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility, Tilak Subrahmanian, praised the collaboration, highlighting how aligning operational and sustainability goals through energy efficiency can create lasting value for both businesses and communities.

Originally converted to a single-stream MRF in 2008, the Willimantic facility’s latest upgrades represent a significant leap forward in recycling technology. As Casella continues to invest in innovative solutions, it reaffirms its dedication to reducing waste and advancing the circular economy by diverting more materials from landfills and giving them renewed purpose.Headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, Casella Waste Systems serves a broad range of customers—including residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial clients. May 19, 2025

RUTLAND, Vt., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (“Casella”) (Nasdaq: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling, and resource management services company, opened the doors of its newly renovated Willimantic, Connecticut materials recovery facility (“MRF”) with nearly 100 guests in attendance on Monday, May 19. The facility upgrade is complete with state-of-the-art equipment and the goal to drive more efficient recycling, helping Casella’s customers and communities achieve more circularity and move closer to their sustainability goals.The event included remarks from Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo, as well as leaders from Casella and MRF technology provider, Machinex. Remarks concluded with a check presentation to the UConn Office of Sustainability which will use the donated funds to support a graduate fellowship for a zero-waste coordinator at the University.

Prior to the upgrade, Casella’s Willimantic MRF processed approximately 60,000 tons of recyclables annually and expects now to be able to double that amount, while simultaneously improving efficiency and quality.As we continue to look at new ways to advance the amount of material we are able to process, we are thrilled to invest in this new technology in Connecticut,” said Casella Chairman and CEO, John W. Casella. “While we only began doing business in this state just five short years ago, this MRF, the adjacent mattress recycling facility, and our hauling operations in the market are key components to our continued success in serving our customers and communities.”

The upgrades included a new sorting system, power infrastructure, lighting, a replacement tipping floor, new pavement, and enhanced fire suppression system.In addition to the upgraded sorting technology deployed, Casella also partnered with Eversource to enhance the facility’s electrical efficiency and minimize its energy usage.

“We are proud to partner with forward-thinking companies like Casella in achieving their energy efficiency and sustainability goals,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. “Through our collaboration, we helped Casella improve its operations while reducing energy use and costs. This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when sustainability and operational goals align through energy efficiency solutions, creating lasting value for our customers and the communities we serve.”

The facility was previously converted to a single-stream MRF in 2008. The recent upgrades unveiled represent a nearly $20 million investment into the facility and follow more than $50 million in investments by Casella in its Resource Solutions operations over the past three years.

The ongoing advancements of the circular economy depend on all stakeholders to do their part to make recycling more accessible, more convenient, and more efficient,” Casella said. “With these upgrades we continue to do our part in moving more material out of the waste stream and putting it to a higher and better use.

ABOUT CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, provides resource management expertise and services to residential, commercial, municipal, institutional and industrial customers, primarily in the areas of solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services in the eastern United States. For further information, investors may visit the Company’s website at www.casella.com.

ABOUT MACHINEX

Internationally recognized for its innovative sorting solutions in the waste and recycling industry, Machinex is dedicated to creating solutions for a sustainable tomorrow. Proudly based in Plessisville for over 50 years, this 100% Québec-owned company engineers, manufactures, and installs its own recycling technologies using optics, robotics, mechanics, and artificial intelligence to create the most advanced sorting solutions on the market. Machinex has quickly established itself as a global authority in designing and manufacturing high-quality sorting systems. Over the years, Machinex experts have designed and installed hundreds of turnkey systems in partnership with major waste management companies in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. 

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