The Growing Need for Effective Plastic Bottle Recycling in Europe

Europe generates millions of tons of plastic waste every year, and plastic bottles are one of the most common types of plastic waste found in landfills, oceans, and natural habitats. According to the European Commission, plastic bottles account for around 15% of all plastic waste in the EU, and less than half of these bottles are recycled. This not only contributes to environmental degradation but also wastes valuable resources, as plastic can be recycled multiple times to create new products.
To address this issue, the EU has set ambitious targets for plastic bottle recycling. The Circular Economy Package, adopted by the EU in 2018, requires that 77% of plastic bottles be recycled by 2030. To achieve this target, EU member states are implementing a range of measures, including deposit return schemes (DRS), public awareness campaigns, and the deployment of reverse vending machines.
Reverse vending machines are particularly effective because they make recycling convenient for consumers. Instead of having to transport plastic bottles to a recycling center, consumers can simply return their bottles to an RVM located in a convenient location, such as a grocery store or a public square. In return, they receive a small reward, which incentivizes them to recycle more. However, not all reverse vending machines are created equal. To be effective in the European market, RVMs must meet strict standards for accuracy, safety, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. This is where Tomrobots’ CE - certified reverse vending machines come in.
The Rigorous Process of Obtaining Austrian CE Certification for Reverse Vending Machines
Obtaining the Austrian CE certification for our  for plastic bottle was a rigorous and comprehensive process that involved months of testing and evaluation. The certification process is designed to ensure that products meet the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental protection, and it covers all aspects of the machine’s design, production, and performance.
The first step in the certification process was to conduct a thorough analysis of the EU directives and standards that apply to reverse vending machines. These include the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), which sets safety requirements for machinery, the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), which covers electrical safety, and the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), which regulates electromagnetic compatibility.
Based on this analysis, our team of engineers designed the reverse vending machine to meet all of these requirements. We then conducted a series of tests to verify the machine’s performance. These tests included mechanical safety tests to ensure that the machine’s moving parts are protected and that there is no risk of injury to users. We also conducted electrical safety tests to check that the machine’s electrical components are insulated properly and that there is no risk of electric shock.
In addition to safety tests, we also conducted tests to evaluate the machine’s accuracy in identifying and sorting plastic bottles. We tested the machine with a wide range of plastic bottles, including different sizes, shapes, and materials, to ensure that it can accurately detect and sort each bottle. The machine’s AI - powered optical sensors performed exceptionally well, achieving an accuracy rate of over 99%, which is well above the EU’s minimum requirement of 95%.
We also tested the machine’s energy efficiency. The EU has strict energy efficiency standards for electrical equipment, and our reverse vending machine was designed to meet these standards. The tests showed that the machine consumes less than 50 kWh of electricity per month, which is significantly lower than the average energy consumption of other reverse vending machines on the market. This not only reduces the machine’s environmental impact but also lowers operating costs for our customers.
Finally, we submitted all of the test results and technical documentation to an accredited certification body in Austria. The certification body reviewed the documentation and conducted an on - site inspection of our production facility to ensure that our manufacturing processes meet the required standards. After a thorough review, the certification body issued the Austrian CE certificate, confirming that our reverse vending machine fully complies with EU regulations.
The Unique Features of Tomrobots’ CE - Certified Reverse Vending Machine for Plastic Bottle
Tomrobots’ reverse vending machine for plastic bottle is not just a certified product; it is a cutting - edge solution that incorporates a range of unique features to make recycling more efficient, convenient, and rewarding.
One of the standout features of our RVM is its advanced AI technology. The machine’s AI system is constantly learning and improving, allowing it to adapt to new types of plastic bottles and improve its accuracy over time. This means that as new plastic bottle designs are introduced to the market, our machine will still be able to accurately detect and sort them, ensuring that it remains effective for years to come.
Another unique feature is the machine’s modular design. The RVM is made up of a series of modular components that can be easily replaced or upgraded. This makes it easy to repair the machine if a component breaks down, and it also allows us to add new features to the machine as technology advances. For example, we can easily add a cashless payment system or a wireless connectivity module to the machine without having to replace the entire unit.
The machine also features a user - friendly interface that is designed to make recycling as easy as possible. The large touchscreen display provides clear instructions in multiple European languages, and the machine’s LED lighting makes it easy to see where to place the bottle. The machine also has a large capacity, allowing it to hold up to 500 plastic bottles at a time, reducing the frequency of emptying and maintenance.
In addition to these features, our reverse vending machine also offers a range of reward options for users. Users can choose to receive a cash refund, a discount coupon for a local store, or a donation to a charity of their choice. This flexibility in rewards ensures that the machine appeals to a wide range of users, from budget - conscious consumers to those who want to support a good cause.