Tomra T9

The Tomra T9 is the current flagship of the Tomra product line for mid-size to large food retail. The machine was introduced around 2020/2021 as the successor to the proven T7 and combines proven mechanics with a completely redesigned digital interface. The base unit measures approximately 740 × 700 mm (footprint) and ~1,975 mm height (without roof extension) and weighs around 350 kg in operation (with full container). The housing of reinforced plastic and steel is designed for continuous 24/7 operation, typical for a deposit return machine positioned at a supermarket entrance.

The most striking innovation compared to its predecessor is the large 15-inch color touchscreen that guides customers through the return process, displays product animations and – depending on configuration – shows retailer messages or promotions. The display frame is ergonomically angled and well-aligned to average human height. The return slot accepts all three container types of the German deposit system: cans (up to 1 litre), PET bottles (up to 3 litres) and glass bottles (up to 1 litre). Insertion of a non-deposit item is detected by the optical scanner and rejected with a clear error signal.

The optional compactor module sits atop the base unit (total height then ~2,400 mm) and compresses cans and PET bottles to under 20 % of their original volume. This extends emptying intervals by a factor of 3–5 and is nearly mandatory for high-volume deposit sites (> 500 units/day).

The Tomra T9 combines three recognition systems working together for reliable container identification: First, a linear barcode scanner for EAN/UPC codes (standard case, recognises ~99 % of all deposit-eligible containers in Germany immediately). Second, optical shape detection (2D vision camera) that bridges unreadable or deformed barcodes through geometric matching. Third, optional weight verification that distinguishes empty from full containers. The Tomra barcode database (TOMRA ACT) with over 500,000 container entries for the European market is the most comprehensive of its kind – a direct competitive advantage over smaller vendors.

The digital heart of the T9 is the Tomra Insight Platform: a cloud-based IoT solution delivering real-time data on fill level, temperature (relevant for compressor in compactor), error history and revenue. Retailers can view machine status via a web dashboard; Tomra service technicians are automatically alerted when critical thresholds are exceeded. This substantially reduces response time to faults and makes unplanned downtime less frequent.

On the payment side, the T9 is flexible: it normally issues a receipt with deposit value for processing at checkout. Optionally, direct app payment (Tomra App, NFC interface), NGO donation by button selection, or a digital voucher for the retailer can be integrated. An open API allows connection to common POS systems (REWE, Edeka, Kaufland, Aldi, Lidl) via standard protocols.

The Tomra T9 is sized for mid-size to large food retail. Theoretical maximum throughput is ~2,000 units per hour (cans) – in practice, with typical mix of cans and PET bottles and occasional mis-insertions, realistic operation is ~1,200–1,600 units/hour. This is sufficient for supermarkets up to ~800 m² retail floor space; for hypermarkets (> 2,500 m²) Tomra recommends two units in tandem.

Without the compactor module, the internal container holds approximately 600–800 litres (uncompressed) depending on container type, requiring about one to two daily empties for a supermarket with 500 deposit returns/day. With compactor, emptying frequency reduces to every 3–5 days – a significant operational advantage, as emptying binds personnel time and disposal logistics.

The mix of returned empties varies considerably by location and region: in urban areas PET bottles dominate; in regions with high beer can consumption, cans prevail. The T9 is technically designed for all combinations. A systemic issue in the German deposit market is seasonal peaks in summer (barbecues, open-air events) – Tomra recommends preemptively increasing emptying frequency during these weeks.

From the customer perspective, the Tomra T9 is simple to operate: insert container in the slot, wait for the confirmation signal (accepted or rejected), retrieve receipt or digital code at the end. The 15-inch touchscreen guides the process verbally (German, English, optionally further languages) and shows visually how to insert cans and bottles. Error rate on correctly inserted, deposit-eligible containers is under 1 % in normal operation.

From the operator perspective, the maintenance routine is straightforward: staff must regularly empty the container (frequency depending on volume 1×/day to 1×/week with compactor), monitor receipt paper supply (with traditional receipt printing), and check the machine for foreign objects or paper jams when error messages appear. The Tomra Insight Platform proactively informs about upcoming container emptying and service needs – with good IoT management, the machine rarely fails unexpectedly.

A service contract with Tomra or an authorised partner typically costs 40–80 euros/month and covers on-site visits, spare parts and remote diagnostics. Contractual response times for faults are typically 4–8 hours (weekdays) or by arrangement for 24/7 sites. With Tomra at ~80 % market share, the service network in Germany is nationwide – even in rural regions.

The Tomra T9 requires a standard connection 230 V ~, 50 Hz. Operating power consumption of the base unit is ~600–900 watts, reducing to ~100–200 watts in standby. Since the unit has no cooling system (room temperature operation), energy consumption is substantially lower than refrigerated units. In average annual operation at a supermarket site, a T9 base unit consumes approximately 1,500–2,500 kWh – comparable to a mid-size household refrigerator. The compactor module adds ~200–400 W during compression operation.

From an ecological perspective, the Tomra T9 is one of the highest impact sustainability devices in the AutomatenTests test portfolio: it is literally the physical infrastructure of Germany's single-use deposit system, which since its launch in 2003 has raised the PET bottle return rate to over 97 % (2023). Every returned unit replaces a potentially littered single-use package and reduces demand for recycled raw materials. The ecoGrade rating A is therefore less a technical measure than systemic recognition: Tomra T9 is essential for a functioning circular economy ecosystem in food retail.

The Tomra T9 is typically not sold outright in Germany, but rather offered as part of a service package (lease or rent-to-own). The base unit (without compactor) carries a value of approximately €8,500–15,000 net; with compactor module approximately €15,000–25,000. Monthly lease rates start at roughly €200–350 (base) and €350–600 (with compactor) for 60-month terms.

On the revenue side, Germany's deposit system includes a handling fee: retailers receive from the filler (bottler) a handling payment depending on contract terms of 1–4 cents per correctly returned and registered container. For a typical supermarket with 1,000 returned units daily (= ~365,000/year) this yields €3,650–14,600 annual revenue from handling fees – a material offset to operating costs.

Monthly operating costs include: electricity (~€15–25/month), service contract (~€40–80/month), receipt roll supplies (~€5–10/month), and labour for container emptying (depending on frequency 0.5–2 hours/day). Overall, the Tomra T9 is economical for supermarkets with > 200 deposit returns/day; below this threshold, smaller operators often find the lower-cost Tomra R1 variant more suitable.