A new type of automatic cash machine has appeared in Hungary

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 22. 11:28

In April, at two locations, the 40th anniversary Telekom Vivicitta and the CONSTRUMA 2025 exhibition held at Hungexpo, users in Hungary were able to encounter a new, mobile return vending machine, which will enable the return of metal cans, PET bottles and glass bottles at festivals and mass events in the future. The innovative Hungarian-developed vending machines, owned by MOHU and operated by Returmatic Solutions Zrt., can be installed almost anywhere at a given event, and their capacity ranges between 2,000 and 4,500 bottles, depending on the size and weight of the returned cans, glasses and bottles.

The mandatory return system for beverage packaging was introduced in Hungary on January 1, 2024, and takes place in the REpont system operated by MOHU. Manufacturers were given a grace period until June 30 last year, from which date they can no longer place products with non-returnable beverage packaging on the market.

Since July, 1.5 billion bottles, jars and cans have been returned in our country thanks to REpont. The festival vending machine is a domestic development that supports the environmental efforts of events and contributes to increasing recycling. Consumers could encounter the vending machine at two locations in April, at Telekom Vivicitta and at the CONSTRUMA 2025 exhibition held at Hungexpo.

Gábor Ganczer, CEO of Hungexpo, said that they are confident that visitors will positively receive this new convenience service, as they can return empty bottles directly at the event location, simply and quickly. Their first experiences already show that the public is open and active in this regard. He added that this vending solution not only contributes to environmental protection, but also helps to develop conscious consumer behavior.

The new vending machines were developed and manufactured by Returmatic Solutions Zrt. has so far produced three of the new machines, which were specifically developed at the request of MOHU to allow participants to easily return empty bottles at festivals, mass events and sporting events. Two of the three machine groups handle metal cans and PET bottles, while the third also handles glasses. In addition to an area of appropriate size and quality, all that is required for their installation is a power supply. Thanks to this and the high degree of mobility due to their design, they are perfectly suited to providing participants with the possibility of returning bottles in a festival environment.

The machines can be transported to the festival area on a trailer, also made in Hungary, and can then be put into operation after being secured and supplied with power.