Implementing a deposit return system in a facility visited daily by thousands of guests requires far more than a standard machine installation — especially when reverse vending machines must operate in an environment with extremely high humidity, intensive daily usage, and a space where both functionality and user convenience are essential.
Currently, two 4VS reverse vending machines — the RVM90 and RVM125 — operate at Suntago, the largest indoor water park in Europe. The machines were installed near checkout areas and food & beverage zones, where the highest volume of returned beverage containers naturally occurs.
Adapting the machines to the demanding conditions of the facility
The process of adapting the devices to the conditions inside the park required time and an individual approach.
4VS was the only manufacturer willing to undertake this type of implementation in such a demanding environment. The greatest challenge was the extremely high humidity, which required proper preparation of the machines for stable daily operation.
Each stage of the project included:
- needs analysis
- functional testing
- adjustment of the operational process
- optimization of machine performance in real operating conditions
As a result, the machines operate reliably even under very intensive usage and high humidity levels.
Proprietary 4VS technology — integration of reverse vending machines with Suntago wristbands
One of the most important elements of the entire implementation was the integration of 4VS reverse vending machines with the wristband system used at Suntago.
Thanks to a proprietary 4VS solution, the deposit value can be stored directly on the users’ wristbands, allowing guests to use the deposit return system conveniently without the need to keep printed refund receipts.
Guests can recover their deposit when leaving the facility or use the funds stored on the wristband while making purchases in food service areas and other service points within the park.
The solution was developed specifically for Suntago and tailored to the operational model of the facility and its guest service system.
Machines adapted to the Suntago environment
The RVM90 and RVM125 machines were wrapped according to a design prepared by Suntago. As a result, the devices naturally blend into the park environment and remain visually consistent with the facility’s branding.
The machines were installed near the cash desks, food court areas, and pool zones — locations where guests most frequently purchase beverages and return containers.
In large and modern facilities like Suntago, proper visual integration of the machines plays an important role not only in aesthetics but also in overall user comfort.
Hygiene and User Comfort
Due to the nature of the facility, maintaining proper hygiene conditions inside the machines was also a very important aspect.
The machines were equipped with an ozone generator, which helps maintain hygiene inside the device and reduces the formation of unpleasant odors outside the machine. This solution was implemented as an additional option specifically adapted for operation in the demanding environment of a water park.
The staff was properly trained in the use of the ozone generator and in the daily operation of the machines.
Hundreds of Containers Returned Every Day
Every day, the machines collect hundreds of containers, and the system was quickly accepted by park visitors, who learned how to use the devices without difficulty thanks to the simple and intuitive return process.
Ongoing support and machine monitoring
The implementation of a deposit return system does not end with the installation of the machines themselves. 4VS also provides service support and machine monitoring.
Suntago can rely on the support of 4VS specialists as well as remote monitoring of the machines operating throughout the facility.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the implementation at Suntago so demanding?
The greatest challenge was the extremely high humidity combined with intensive daily usage by thousands of guests.
How does deposit settlement work at Suntago?
The deposit value is stored on users’ wristbands, so guests do not need to keep printed return receipts.
Were the machines visually adapted to the facility?
Yes. The machines were wrapped according to a design prepared by Suntago, allowing them to blend naturally into the facility’s environment. 4VS offers this type of customization on request.
Why was an ozone generator used?
The ozone generator helps maintain hygiene inside the machines and reduces unpleasant odors, which is especially important in a high-humidity environment. The staff was properly trained in operating the ozone generator.
Implementations tailored to real operating conditions
The Suntago project demonstrates that effective deposit return system implementation requires an individual approach, proper technological preparation, and adapting the machines to real operating conditions.
4VS designs and implements solutions tailored to various types of locations — from retail stores and shopping malls to facilities with extremely high traffic and demanding environmental conditions.
4VS proprietary technology, custom solutions developed by the 4VS team, and the possibility of individual machine configuration allow the company to create systems fully adapted to real operational needs.
