Latest news with #ReverseVendingMachine
Mid East Info
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Al-Futtaim and Masdar Youth 4 Sustainability Partnership Empowers Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders in the UAE
Al-Futtaim and Masdar jointly provided real-world insights into sustainability practices being undertaken across sectors including retail, mobility and real estate Dubai, United Arab Emirates;August 2025: Al-Futtaim, a diversified and progressive privately held regional business headquartered in Dubai, and Masdar's Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) initiative today announced the successful completion of their six-month collaborative programme. Under the initiative, Al-Futtaim co-hosted three impactful events to provide around 100 Y4S young cohorts with unique insights into real-world sustainability practices to solve challenges across retail, mobility and real estate sectors. The partnership aimed to advance educational opportunities and practical experiences for young people, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability goals and ambitions across various sectors. The programme kicked off with an immersive session hosted by IKEA at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where participants gained firsthand knowledge of IKEA's sustainability strategy, including a comprehensive store tour highlighting green initiatives, waste management, and EV charging infrastructure. The second event, held at the Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Training Centre in Dubai, focused on the future of sustainable transportation. Hosted by Al-Futtaim Automotive, the session provided an in-depth look at the e-mobility expertise within Al-Futtaim, an introduction to the EV Training Centre and IMI Level Safety Awareness training. The closing session, held at Dubai Festival City Mall, focused on the integration of sustainability in the real estate sector and explored forward-thinking strategies for energy efficiency, waste management, as well as the role of smart technologies in shaping future cities. Commenting on the collaboration, Ellora-Julie Parekh, Chief Sustainability Officer at Al-Futtaim, said: 'Our partnership with Masdar's Y4S programme has been an incredibly rewarding journey, reinforcing Al-Futtaim's commitment to nurturing future leaders and raising awareness around sustainable practices. Witnessing the enthusiasm and innovative thinking of these young individuals has been truly inspiring. This collaboration underscores our belief in the power of education and practical exposure to build a more sustainable future for the UAE and beyond.' Participants also enjoyed a site walk in the Dubai festival City Mall, where they experienced the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in action—an ongoing initiative that aligns with Al-Futtaim's sustainability strategic priority on creating a circular economy through our supply chain. This hands-on experience demonstrated how RVMs are supporting recycling efforts, contributing to waste reduction and advancing sustainability goals within the real estate sector. Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar said: 'The Y4S programme continues to provide participants with meaningful, real-world exposure to sustainability practices across a range of industries. These sessions have deepened their understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions, while equipping them with the practical skills needed for future careers. We're pleased to work with partners like Al-Futtaim, whose involvement supports our shared goal of empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders.' Throughout the session, attendees participated in interactive challenges including an Eco-Team Challenge and a Sustainability Quiz, encouraging them to think critically about sustainability while promoting teamwork and innovative thinking. A participant shared their positive experience: 'I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable opportunity provided by both Al-Futtaim and Masdar through this programme. It has been truly inspiring to see sustainability in action across diverse industries, from waste management at IKEA to groundbreaking EV technology and sustainability in real estate. This experience has significantly deepened my understanding and fuelled my passion for contributing to a sustainable future.' This collaboration is part of Al-Futtaim's broader commitment to sustainability, encompassing initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, improving operational efficiencies, and creating a more sustainable future. It also underscores both Al-Futtaim's and Masdar's shared dedication to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion sustainability and contribute to a greener, more resilient future. Y4S provides training and mentorship programmes, enabling students and young professionals to gain the necessary skills to become future sustainability leaders, while also providing the opportunity to participate across a variety of global engagements and forums. By providing essential training, knowledge and platforms, Y4S supports participants to take their sustainability development forward and shape their careers. About Al-Futtaim: Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Operating across 18 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim's work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions. Employing a workforce of nearly 33,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world's most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more. With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim's approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders—supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow. Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet.
Mid East Info
19-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majid Al Futtaim Collaborates with Coca-Cola Middle East and Sparklo Furthering its Commitment to Promoting Circular Communities
The partnership will see Coca-Cola Middle East sponsor a few Reverse Vending Machines RVMs in key Carrefour locations, serving as an extension to Carrefour's existing recycling efforts. The aim is to collect 1.8 million bottles a year, which can reduce CO ₂ emissions. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 2025 : Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in the UAE, announces its partnership with Coca-Cola Middle East and Sparklo, a UAE-based cleantech company, to boost Carrefour recycling efforts under the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) initiative. This collaboration, driven by a shared commitment to building a community of eco-conscious customers and a focus on innovation, will see Coca-Cola co-operate RVMs in key Carrefour locations across the UAE, building on the programme's proven success in promoting collection and recycling and contributing to the UAE's ambitious sustainability agenda. Carrefour's RVM initiative, powered by Sparklo's innovative technology, was launched in July 2023, and since then it has empowered customers to actively support circularity by incentivising recycling. Using the Sparklo app, users earn points for each item recycled and they can redeem the points for rewards from participating partners. Rewards include savings at Carrefour, discounted taxi rides, among others. Based on the 2024 Sparklomats RVMs results, the partnership is projected to collect over 1.8 million plastic bottles and aluminium cans annually, with an average of over 1,000 containers per day, helping to contribute to CO₂ emissions reduction. Commenting on the partnership, Jean-Luc Graziato, Chief Operating Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Retail , said: 'We are committed to playing an active role in advancing sustainability across the UAE, in support of the nation's vision for environmental leadership and its ambitious goals around waste reduction and responsible consumption. Our partnership with Coca-Cola and Sparklo is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive scalable impact. By leveraging advanced technologies, we are transforming our retail spaces to serve greater purpose; empowering customers to actively participate in building a circular economy.' 'At Coca-Cola, we aim to grow our business in ways that drive positive change and build a more sustainable future for our planet. Through our partnership with Majid Al Futtaim and Sparklo, we are making it easier for people in the UAE to recycle and contribute to circularity and sustainability. This initiative is part of our broader efforts to improve waste collection and strengthen local recycling infrastructure, helping to build a circular economy where packaging is collected, recycled, and reused,' said Andrew Buckingham, Vice President and General Manager at The Coca-Cola Company Middle East. 'We're glad to see our joint initiative with Majid Al Futtaim now supported by Coca-Cola. It shows a shared commitment to making it simple and engaging for people to recycle bottles and cans. Together, we're building the infrastructure to collect every bottle in the UAE and show what real progress on sustainability can look like,' added Maxim Kaplevich, Founder and CEO of Sparklo. The collaboration also supports the ambitions of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, which aims to divert 75% of waste from landfills by 2030 by promoting recycling, reusing material, and reducing reliance on raw resources. Through the initiative, Carrefour, Coca-Cola, and Sparklo are accelerating the UAE's transition towards a waste-free, circular economy. The co-operated machines are located across Carrefour stores at Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Mirdiff, City Centre Deira, and Burjuman Mall in Dubai, and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi. About Majid Al Futtaim Retail: Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati-owned, diversified lifestyle conglomerate operating shopping malls, communities, retail and leisure outlets, across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Group employs 43,000 people, with owned assets valued at US$19 billion, and has the highest credit rating ( BBB) among privately held corporates in the region. Majid Al Futtaim Retail holds the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour across 12 markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a network of over 390 stores. It is also the owner and operator of HyperMax, a new grocery retail brand with 44 locations in Jordan and Oman. Additionally, the Group operates Supeco, its latest grocery retail concept—a low-cost hybrid model that combines a traditional supermarket with a wholesale warehouse—across 15 locations in Egypt, and Myli, the Group's health and beauty brand, operating in 12 stores across Asia and North Africa. To meet the growing needs of its diverse customer base and communities, Majid Al Futtaim Retail offers omnichannel customer experiences tailored to the needs of the modern consumer. Through its innovative physical and digital customer services, Majid Al Futtaim Retail provides access to an unrivalled choice of quality products, at unbeatable value for over 700,000 customers it serves daily. Aligning with the Group's commitment to support local economies, local producers and suppliers, Majid Al Futtaim Retail resources over 80 percent of its products from the region. About Coca-Cola Middle East: The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company, with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. The Coca-Cola Company Middle East operation spans across 12 markets including GCC countries, Iraq, Yemen and the Levant. With 23 bottling plants across the region, our portfolio includes nearly 20 sparkling soft drink brands including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Thums Up, QJ, Canada Dry and Schweppes; our hydration and juice brands include Arwa, Crystal, Al Waha, Dasani minera, Safia, Minute Maid, Cappy, Fuze Tea and glaceau smartwater. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference and we're constantly transforming our portfolio to bring innovative new products with something for everyone. We also seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through our sustainability initiatives – from water replenishment to waste management, recycling to women empowerment initiatives while we continue to create a rewarding ecosystem for our employees, partners, consumers and customers. About Sparklo: Sparklo is a global UAE-based cleantech company that revolutionises the recycling industry and encourages sustainable practices worldwide. Through its innovative reverse vending machines (RVMs) known as Sparklomats, the company motivates users to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans by offering engaging rewards. Sparklo's cutting-edge software and hardware solutions utilise AI and machine learning to optimise recycling processes, making it fun and easy for individuals to contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. With a growing network of more than 250,000 users in the UAE alone, Sparklo collects over 200,000 bottles and cans daily. The company operates in over ten countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.
