1972 CE
First reverse vending machine prototype
The first prototype of a reverse vending machine is developed, capable of scanning and processing empty beverage containers. #innovation #recycling
Chronological Storyline (43 Milestones)
1972 CE
Founding of Tomra Systems
Brothers Tore and Petter Planke establish Tomra Systems in Asker, Norway, focusing on automated recycling technologies. #corporatehistory #recycling
1974 CE
First commercial installation
Tomra installs its first commercial reverse vending machine at a grocery store in Norway. #milestone #recycling
1975 CE
Expansion into Sweden
Tomra enters the Swedish market, its first international expansion. #expansion #recycling
1976 CE
First patent for reverse vending technology
Tomra files its first patent for reverse vending machine technology, protecting its innovations. #intellectualproperty #recycling
1978 CE
Launch of the T-2000 model
Tomra introduces the T-2000 reverse vending machine, featuring improved scanning and processing capabilities. #technology #recycling
1980 CE
Expansion into Germany
Tomra enters the German market, one of the largest recycling markets in Europe. #expansion #recycling
1983 CE
Expansion into the United Kingdom
Tomra establishes operations in the United Kingdom, expanding its European presence. #expansion #recycling
1985 CE
Entry into the United States market
Tomra establishes operations in the United States, its first major market outside Europe. #global #recycling
1989 CE
Entry into the Australian market
Tomra enters Australia, tapping into the growing container deposit scheme market. #expansion #recycling
1991 CE
Tore Planke steps down as CEO
Co-founder Tore Planke leaves the CEO role; brother Petter Planke assumes leadership of the company. #leadership #corporate
1993 CE
Acquisition of Recykla AB
Tomra acquires Swedish recycling company Recykla AB, strengthening its position in Scandinavia. #acquisition #recycling
1994 CE
Introduction of T-1000 model
Tomra launches the T-1000, a compact reverse vending machine for small retail locations. #technology #recycling
1996 CE
IPO on Oslo Stock Exchange
Tomra Systems lists on the Oslo Bors through an initial public offering, raising capital for growth. #ipo #finance
1999 CE
Acquisition of EnviPco
Tomra acquires Environmental Products Corporation (EnviPco) in the US, expanding its market share in North America. #acquisition #recycling
2000 CE
Revenue exceeds NOK 1 billion
Tomra reports annual revenue surpassing NOK 1 billion for the first time, driven by global demand. #financial #growth
2001 CE
Acquisition of German competitor
Tomra acquires a key competitor in Germany, consolidating its market leadership in Europe. #acquisition #recycling
2002 CE
Joint venture with RVM Systems in Canada
Tomra forms a joint venture with RVM Systems to expand into the Canadian market. #partnership #recycling
2004 CE
Formation of Tomra Sorting Solutions
Tomra acquires Titech and other sorting technology companies to create Tomra Sorting Solutions, a new division for optical sorting. #acquisition #sorting
2005 CE
Launch of T-4000 with RFID technology
Tomra introduces the T-4000, the first reverse vending machine to incorporate RFID tag reading for deposit systems. #innovation #recycling
2006 CE
Launch of in-house deposit system in Norway
Tomra partners with Norwegian authorities to deploy its own container deposit return system across the country. #partnership #recycling
2007 CE
Acquisition of MSS (Magnetic Separation Systems)
Tomra acquires MSS, a provider of optical sorting equipment for the recycling industry. #acquisition #recycling
2008 CE
Introduction of Reverse Vending 2.0
Tomra launches new software and connectivity features for remote monitoring and data analytics of machines. #technology #recycling
2009 CE
Global partnership with The Coca-Cola Company
Tomra enters a strategic partnership with Coca-Cola to deploy reverse vending machines for deposit systems worldwide. #partnership #recycling
2010 CE
Acquisition of Titech AS
Tomra acquires Titech, a Norwegian company specializing in optical sorting technology for the recycling industry. #acquisition #sorting
2011 CE
Petter Planke retires; Sten Olof Simonsson becomes CEO
Co-founder Petter Planke steps down as CEO, succeeded by Sten Olof Simonsson. #leadership #corporate
2012 CE
40th anniversary celebration
Tomra marks 40 years of operation with over 60,000 machines installed in more than 40 countries. #anniversary #recycling
2012 CE
Introduction of cloud-based monitoring platform
Tomra launches a cloud-based platform for real-time monitoring and management of reverse vending machines. #technology #recycling
2013 CE
Acquisition of Binder+Co
Tomra acquires Austrian sorting technology company Binder+Co, expanding its portfolio in mineral and metal recycling. #acquisition #recycling
2014 CE
Launch of T-5000 series
Tomra introduces the T-5000, capable of identifying multiple material types using hyperspectral imaging technology. #innovation #recycling
2015 CE
Acquisition of Olyns Inc.
Tomra acquires Olyns, a US-based smart recycling technology company with cloud-based reverse vending solutions. #acquisition #technology
2016 CE
Revenue exceeds NOK 5 billion
Tomra reports annual revenue surpassing NOK 5 billion, driven by strong growth in sorting solutions. #financial #growth
2016 CE
Stefan Ranstrand appointed CEO
Sten Olof Simonsson steps down; Stefan Ranstrand takes over as CEO of Tomra Systems. #leadership #corporate
2017 CE
Acquisition of Polimak Equipamentos
Tomra acquires Brazilian recycling equipment maker Polimak to expand into Latin America. #acquisition #recycling
2018 CE
Deposit Return System launch in Australia
Tomra partners with the New South Wales government to implement a container deposit scheme. #expansion #recycling
2019 CE
Partnership with PepsiCo for deposit systems
Tomra partners with PepsiCo to deploy reverse vending machines in multiple markets. #partnership #recycling
2019 CE
Acquisition of Comply Ltd.
Tomra acquires Comply, a UK-based provider of recycling compliance software. #acquisition #software
2020 CE
Strong growth during COVID-19 pandemic
Tomra reports increased revenue as recycling rates rise during the pandemic, with focus on sustainability. #financial #recycling
2021 CE
Acquisition of Digital Payment Group (DPG)
Tomra acquires DPG to integrate digital payment solutions into its reverse vending machines. #acquisition #technology
2022 CE
50th anniversary celebration
Tomra marks 50 years of innovation, aiming to install 100,000 machines globally by 2025. #anniversary #recycling
2022 CE
Launch of T-6000 series
Tomra introduces the T-6000, featuring AI-based material recognition and faster processing. #innovation #recycling
2023 CE
New near-infrared (NIR) sorting technology for plastics
Tomra launches advanced NIR sorting to improve plastic recycling rates. #technology #recycling
2024 CE
Expansion into Asian markets
Tomra signs partnerships in Japan and South Korea for container deposit schemes. #expansion #global