Petter Planke, co-inventor of the world's first fully automated bottle return machine and founder of Tomra, has passed away at the age of 89.
Petter Planke, known as 'the father of the bottle return machine,' passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy in sustainable recycling practices. He, along with his brother Tore, invented the first fully automated bottle return machine in 1972, which revolutionized the way bottles and packaging are recycled. Their innovation laid the foundation for Tomra, a company dedicated to sustainability in packaging recycling.
Alongside the technological achievement, Planke emphasized the importance of sustainability well before it became a widespread concern. He understood the necessity of changing attitudes towards waste and advocated for rational and economic recycling solutions. His words highlight the foresight that the founders had about the importance of making recycling accessible and practical for consumers and businesses alike.
In recognition of his contributions to Norwegian industry, Planke was appointed as a Knight of the First Class of the Order of St. Olav in 2015. His passing is not just a loss for his family but also for the broader sustainability movement and the industry he helped create, as his work continues to influence modern recycling initiatives and environmental consciousness.
