How do I join the Sandtonban Return Voyage Plan? What can I exchange the returned cans for, and where do I recycle them?
You can join the Sandtonban Return Voyage Plan via the WeChat Mini Program "Traveler's World." Users bring their empty cans to offline Return Voyage points nationwide (mostly specialty coffee shops) to earn points, which can be redeemed for new coffee products, limited-edition merchandise, or Return Voyage upcycled goods. The recycling frequency has shifted from two seasons a year to one session per month; over five years, nearly 40 million small cans have been collected across 100+ cities and hundreds of Return Voyage terminals.
#How to Participate
- Entry Point: Open WeChat, search for the Mini Program "Traveler's World," or scan the QR code on Sandtonban packaging or official posters.
- View Current Session: The Mini Program homepage shows the current month's Return Voyage plan dates (usually the 1st–7th of each month), the points redemption list, and a map of Return Voyage points in your city.
- Prepare Cans: Collect your finished Sandtonban small cans (rinse clean, dry, keep lids on). There is no limit on quantity, but there is a cap on points per redemption session (e.g., the 2023 rule capped at 100 cans/1,000 points per month).
- Offline Check-in: Go to your chosen Return Voyage point, show your "Return Voyage Code" in the Mini Program. Volunteers verify the cans are intact, scan the code, and points are credited instantly.
- Redeem Benefits: Points can be used in the Mini Program's "Return Voyage Mall" to redeem the current session's new coffee experience packs, co-branded merchandise (e.g., canvas bags, mugs), RPP upcycled products (notebooks, coasters, planters), or lottery entries.
#What Can You Exchange Returned Cans For
| Redemption Category | Typical Examples | Reference Points Required (varies by session) |
|---|---|---|
| New Coffee Experience Packs | Digital Series No. 1–6 Mixed Pack, Annual Limited No. 0, Letter Series Tasting Packs | 200–500 pts |
| Limited Co-branded Merchandise | KEEP/GRAMICCI Co-branded Canvas Bag, RAC Co-branded Cup Sleeve, Ideal State Co-branded Notebook | 800–1,500 pts |
| RPP Upcycled Products | Notebooks, coasters, planters, keychains made from recycled cans | 300–1,000 pts |
| Lottery/Privileges | Return Voyage Limited Gift Box Lottery Entry, New Product Priority Purchase Rights | 100–200 pts/entry |
Points Rule: 1 intact small can = 10 points; lids do not count separately; damaged cans or non-Sandtonban cans are not accepted.
#Where to Recycle
- Return Voyage Point Types: Primarily partner specialty coffee shops (e.g., Seesaw in Shanghai, Metal Hands in Beijing, Tag Coffee in Chengdu), with some cities hosting Sandtonban self-operated spaces (e.g., "Sandtonban Space" on Yuyuan Road, Shanghai; Shenzhen MixC World Pop-up Store).
- How to Find Them: The Mini Program's "Return Voyage Map" supports location/city filtering, showing addresses, business hours, and whether the point is participating in the current session.
- Coverage: As of official 2023 data, there are 300+ Return Voyage terminals in 100+ cities, with 10,000+ volunteers. For remote areas without points, the brand occasionally opens a "Mail-back Mode" (user pays postage; free shipping over a certain quantity), subject to Mini Program announcements.
#Key Reminders
- Time Window: Each session is open for only ~7 days per month; miss it and you wait until next month. Enable Mini Program service notifications.
- Can Requirements: Must be official Sandtonban small cans (Digital Series, Letter Series, Limited Editions all accepted). Other brands' cans or carton packaging are not accepted.
- Points Validity: Usually reset at the end of the calendar year (e.g., 2023 points expired Jan 31, 2024). Redemption must be completed within the validity period.
- Cross-city Participation: You can check in at local Return Voyage points while traveling; points accumulate in the same account, ideal for users collecting cans across cities.