Returpack
How a new digital payment solution was developed
The client
Returpack
Returpack is the company behind Sweden’s deposit return system, which has handled 88% of the country’s bottle and can recycling since the 1980s through a vast network of return stations.
Each year, over 2 billion containers are recycled through Returpack.
Challenge
The recycling industry, like many others, faces challenges in digitalizing its processes. For Returpack, the focus was on creating an efficient and modern solution for payments and payouts at scale.
The challenge was to introduce a simple digital payment solution with as little friction as possible for the users.
Solution
The digital solution combines Returpack’s internal software and software from partners with a cloud-based back-end system, iOS/Android apps, and Payer’s platform.
Results
During the initial rollout at 57 sites, the user conversion rate exceeded 25%, despite no widespread communication about the solution.
“Payer has been very receptive to our needs and we have felt secure that they would deliver a stable and secure solution for our digital breakthrough service.”
Henric Oscarsson
Development Lead at Returpack
The challenge
Digitising a 37 year old user behaviour
Sweden’s deposit return system, managed by Returpack, is a well-known and integral part of the country’s recycling efforts. Returpack, owned by Sveriges Bryggerier (50%), Svensk Dagligvaruhandel (25%), and Livsmedelshandlarna (25%), sought to explore how digitalization could simplify and enhance the efficiency of payment and payout processes. Previous attempts to digitalize the system had not achieved satisfactory conversion or adoption rates.
The goal was to complement or eventually replace manual processes with a digital solution that prioritized simplicity, user-friendliness, and efficiency.
Payer’s challenge was to design the architecture, user interactions, and develop a frictionless digital payment solution to ensure high conversion rates.
“This is an important piece in order to develop the future deposit return scheme in Sweden. With the help of Payer we got the opportunity to test a new digital solution at scale and we can now offer a safe and simple payment handling”
Carita Classon
Product manager, Returpack
The solution
A digital payment solution from machine to human
The solution integrates machine software, a cloud-based and scalable back-end system connecting recycling data and payment flows, iOS and Android apps, and Payer’s API payment platform, where Payer manages the core of the digital payment experience.
- Users download the app (iOS and Android).
- Payment sessions are initiated by scanning QR codes, with payments transferred quickly and securely.
- The solution is designed to handle millions of sessions annually.
The results
A future-proof payout solution for Sweden
The digital solution proved succesful instantly:
Conversion rate: Over 25% during the initial rollout.
Recurring usage: Stable and consistent.
App downloads: Nearly 20,000 within a few months.
Client:
Returpack is responsible for the Swedish deposit systems for metal cans and recyclable PET bottles for ready to drink beverages.
Sweden
Platform products:
Strong authentication, user verification, account and payment method linking, payment solution.
Our role:
Full cycle from requirements specification and architecture to deployment, 2nd line support & maintenance
Payer Labs:
Pre-study phase: Problem analysis, project plan, concept design, solution architect, external project management
Pre-production phase: External project management, custom development, system integrations.
Production phase: Continuous improvement and development, maintenance and support.
Payer API Platform:
Handles the payment experience.
Team:
Returpack, RVM supplier and Payer
Industries:
Recycling
Services:
Software Product Development, Support & Maintenance, Software Testing, UI/UX Design
Technologies:
Backend: Kotlin, Cloud-based
Native Apps: Android (Kotlin), iOS (Swift)
Results of the project
20.000
App downloads
25%
Conversion rate
Highlights
Robust cloud-based back-end and embedded apps capable of handling millions of sessions.
Secure and easy user authentication, verification, and payment.
Strong performance in conversion rates, adoption and recurring usage.
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