Sparklo, a pioneering clean-tech company headquartered in Dubai, is making waves globally by transforming the recycling of plastic bottles and aluminum cans into an engaging and rewarding activity. The company recently achieved a significant milestone by recycling 33 million bottles and cans across the MENA region within just 18 months.
The company’s innovative reverse vending machines, called Sparklomats, accept various plastic bottles and aluminum cans, including those used for beverages, cosmetics, and household chemicals. Users can deposit these items and earn rewards such as discounts on groceries, utility payments, and car charging.
Sparklo’s CEO, Max Kaplevich, has played a key role in turning recycling into a widespread movement in the UAE. The company has partnered with major corporations like LuLu Hypermarket, Carrefour, ADNOC Distribution, Accor, Averda, and BEEAH Group, and is now planning to install 5,000 vending machines across the UAE to collect plastic bottles and aluminum cans from every region.
Additionally, Sparklo is preparing to embark on a global mission to create an infrastructure that eliminates plastic and aluminum pollution by recycling these materials before they become waste.
This initiative aims to position the company as a global leader in the cleantech industry.
“Global changes happen when everyone takes small steps,” said Kaplevich. “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.”
Over 300,000 users have joined Sparklo’s initiative, using the rewards they earn to pay for groceries, utility bills, and car charging. Kaplevich, recognized as a ‘Global Shaper’ by the World Economic Forum, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging modern technology to engage users and contribute to the UAE’s circular economy.
By integrating AI and machine learning technologies, Sparklo has streamlined the recycling process, making it easier and more enjoyable for individuals to participate in sustainable practices. “With Sparklomats installed, people can become more conscious of their own opportunities to contribute,” Kaplevich added.
The success of Sparklo in making recycling an attractive and exciting activity is largely attributed to its focus on providing a seamless user experience.
The Sparklo app, which is free and available on both iOS and Android platforms, helps users locate the nearest Sparklomat and redeem their recycling points for various rewards.
Kaplevich highlighted the importance of expanding Sparklo’s partnership program for the company’s growth. Unlike traditional deposit systems in countries like Germany or Scandinavia, Sparklo’s approach centers on positive motivation, ensuring that users receive immediate rewards while contributing to a greener future.
Sparklo’s latest partnership with Yango, launched this summer, aims to boost waste collection by offering daily bonuses, such as discounts on taxi rides for depositing bottles. This approach taps into the psychology of immediate rewards, encouraging more people to recycle rather than discard waste.
The company also collaborates with government authorities, including Dubai Municipality and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), to support its collection efforts and align with the cities’ sustainability goals. Sparklo currently operates in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, India, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.
About Author
