A relatively little-known clean-tech company in UAE is hitting headlines globally for its innovations to turn plastic bottles and aluminium can recycling into a fun and instant rewarding activity, helping users to pay for their shopping in supermarkets or daily taxi rides.
Sparklo, the company founded by Dubai-based Max Kaplevich, made a record of sorts this week by recycling 33 million bottles and cans in MENA in a short span of 18 months.
Its reverse vending machines – Sparklomats – accept a variety of plastic bottles and aluminium cans, including bottles up to 2 litres for beverages, cosmetic products and household chemicals.
The company, which is fast turning recycling into a mass movement in the UAE by launching an app and roping in several corporate biggies such as LuLu Hypermarket, Carrefour, ADNOC Distribution, Accor, Averda, and BEEAH Group, is set to embark on an ambitious expansion to install 5,000 vending machines in the UAE – the estimated number which is required to collect all plastic bottles and aluminium cans from every region of the country.
Besides, Sparklo is also gearing up to launch its next mission: to create a global infrastructure to eliminate plastic and aluminium pollution by recycling before they become waste – an initiative which could drive the company towards becoming a global leader in the cleantech industry.
“Global changes happen when everyone takes small steps,” Kaplevich told Arabian Business.
“While constructing recycling factories is a significant effort, it’s equally crucial for the general public to be aware of these initiatives and the broader waste management situation,” he said.
Kaplevich, who was acknowledged as a ‘Global Shaper’ by the World Economic Forum, said the company embraces modern technology to engage users and contribute to the country’s circular economy.
Integrating AI and machine learning (ML) technologies, Sparklo has optimised the recycling process, making it easier and more enjoyable for individuals to contribute to a sustainable future, he said.
“With Sparklomats installed, people can become more conscious of their own opportunities to contribute.”
Sparklo app already has 300,000 users and counting
The company’s top executive said over 300,000 users have already joined the Sparklo initiative, earning rewards to pay for groceries, utility payments, and car charging, among other things.
Sparklo has installed the recycling vending machines in partnerships with its corporate allies such as LuLu Hypermarket, Carrefour and ADNOC Distribution.
Management experts attribute the reason for Sparklo’s huge success in turning a staid activity like recycling into an appealing and exciting one to its approach of providing a seamless user experience as the core idea.
The company is making recycling easy and accessible for everyone, they said.
Sparklo said its app is free and available on both iOS and Android platforms. Besides, the locations of all Sparklomats are listed on the map so that users can locate the nearest one.
The process involves users depositing their plastic bottles and aluminium cans into the Sparklomat and earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards.
Points can be redeemed for groceries, utility payments, car charging, and more, thanks to Sparklo’s partnerships with over 200 organisations.
Partnership expansion crucial for boosting recycling
Kaplevich said expanding the partnership programme is crucial for Sparklo’s development.
“Unlike traditional deposit systems in countries like Germany or Scandinavia that rely on deposit fees, our approach centres on positive motivation,” he said.
This also ensures that users contribute to a greener future and receive immediate rewards, fostering a habit of recycling through tangible benefits.
Sparklo’s latest partnership initiative with Yango, launched this summer, aims to boost waste collection and reinforce sustainable habits by offering small, yet useful daily bonuses.
For instance, users can earn discounts on taxi rides for depositing bottles, providing instant gratification that encourages continued participation.
“This method taps into the psychology of immediate rewards, making individuals more likely to recycle rather than discard waste.
The company also collaborates with government authorities such as Dubai Municipality and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) for boosting its bottle and can collection efforts, while aligning also with the cities’ sustainability goals, including efforts to recycle 3 million plastic packaging items.
“Every day, Sparklo collects more than 180,000 bottles and cans, equivalent to 2.5 items per second and nearly two percent of the UAE’s total consumption,” the company said, adding that it solidifies its position as a leading force in environmental stewardship in the UAE.
Besides the UAE, Sparklo currently operates in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, India, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.
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