The returned bottles are subsequently collected by authorised scrap vendors under Tasmac for processing
CHENNAI: A pilot deposit-return system for glass liquor bottles at select Tasmac outlets in Chennai has recorded nearly 47,000 customer return transactions and disbursed more than Rs 25 lakh in instant digital refunds, indicating the potential of a QR-based system to improve the recovery of used packaging at high-volume retail outlets. Launched earlier this year at a Tasmac outlet in Egmore and subsequently expanded to two additional locations, recorded 46,992 customer return transactions as of August 24, according to the latest pilot data.
A total of 1,096 unique consumers participated in the programme while Rs.25.26 lakh was disbursed as instant digital refunds.
Under the system, consumers pay a deposit on QR-tagged glass bottles at the time of purchase. They can return the empty bottles at dedicated collection counters and receive the deposit back through an instant digital refund.
The returned bottles are subsequently collected by authorised scrap vendors under Tasmac for processing.
The initiative is being tested as a possible model for improving packaging recovery before any decision is taken on expanding the system across Tamil Nadu's wider retail network.
The latest figures show a sharp increase in participation since an earlier benchmark recorded on July 9. Murali Rathinam, a supplier at Albert Bar in Egmore, said the reverse vending machine had made the return process straightforward for customers.
“I saw the RVM at the Tasmac shop where customers brought used alcohol bottles to get their deposit back. The machine evaluates the bottle and accepts it, after which it goes directly to the collection bag. The customer gets their deposit back immediately after returning the bottle,” he said.
