Latest news with #Sparklo
Gulf Today
01-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
EAD collects 2,000 tonnes of recyclable bottles
The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recovered over 2,000 tonnes of recyclable plastic bottles since launching its Bottle Recovery System in 2023. In collaboration with 'Sparklo,' a clean technology company, EAD collected more than 23 million recyclable bottles in 2024. As part of its partnership with retail sectors, waste collection entities, and clean technology providers, EAD worked with Sparklo to deploy over 100 Sparklomat bottle recovery machines across the emirate. These machines were installed at retail outlets of ADNOC, Lulu, and Carrefour, resulting in the collection of approximately 23 million recyclable items in 2024, including 544,000 kilogrammes of plastic and 8,000 kilogrammes of aluminum. This initiative contributed to reducing over 3.5 million kilogrammes of CO₂ emissions in 2024, supporting Abu Dhabi's goal of cutting carbon emissions by 22% by 2027. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, stated: 'We aim to integrate sustainability practices into daily life in the emirate. The Bottle Recovery System, in collaboration with private sector entities like Sparklo, highlights the importance of partnerships, technology, and community engagement in achieving a sustainable environmental impact. This initiative represents a strategic investment that reinforces environmental responsibility. By supporting circular economy principles, we aim to strengthen Abu Dhabi's leadership in the global shift toward a sustainable future.' Maxim Kaplevich, Founder and CEO of Sparklo, added: 'Our partnership with EAD demonstrates the value of public-private collaboration in achieving strategic goals at the community and national levels. With EAD's support, we expanded the network of bottle recovery machines, significantly advancing Abu Dhabi's sustainability agenda.'
Filipino Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Over 23 million recyclables collected in 2024 through Abu Dhabi's ‘bottle return scheme'
Abu Dhabi's efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability are paying off. Through its Bottle Return Scheme, the city collected more than 23 million recyclable items in 2024, including over 544,000 kilograms of plastic and 18,000 kilograms of aluminum, helping to reduce the environmental impact of waste. Since its launch in 2023, the program has recorded over 2,000 tonnes of plastic bottles returned. Thanks to this effort, the emirate has prevented over 3.5 million kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, supporting Abu Dhabi's goal of cutting carbon emissions by 22% by 2027. This program encourages residents to return used plastic bottles and aluminium cans by dropping it on 'Sparklomats,' also known as Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in collaboration with cleantech company Sparklo, more than 100 RVMs have been installed across the city's popular retail outlets, making recycling more accessible and engaging for the public. One machine even set a record by processing over 8,500 items in a single day, showing how convenient recycling can boost participation. Officials say the success of the program proves how easy access and strong partnerships between government and private companies can drive real change. 'We seek to integrate sustainability practices into daily life in the emirate,' Sheikha Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Planning and Policy Sector at EAD, said. 'This initiative, with its objectives represents a strategic investment that consolidates the concept of environmental responsibility. By supporting the principles of the circular economy, we seek to strengthen Abu Dhabi's leading position in the global transformation towards building a sustainable future,' she added.
Web Release
01-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
EAD's Bottle Return Scheme Drives Record Recycling Success with Sparklo
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, has made remarkable strides in its commitment to sustainability through the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy. As part of this initiative, the EAD-led Bottle Return Scheme, launched in 2023, has seen unprecedented success in recovering more than 2,000 tonnes of bottles. The scheme has significantly advanced recycling efforts across the Emirate, empowering residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits. The Agency has collaborated with several partners from the retail industry, waste operators and cleantech providers and, with EAD's strategic oversight, Sparklo, a cleantech leader, has deployed more than 100 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), known as Sparklomats, across Abu Dhabi offering convenient return access points for plastic bottles and aluminium cans. As a direct result of this initiative, an impressive 23 million recyclables were collected in 2024 alone, including over 544,000 kilograms of plastic and 18,000 kilograms of aluminium. The cumulative impact of this initiative has prevented over 3.5 million kilograms of CO ? emissions, aligning with Abu Dhabi's ambitious goal of a 22 per cent carbon emissions reduction by 2027. In a single-day milestone, one Sparklomat processed more than 8,500 items, setting a record for individual unit performance. Commenting on these results, Sheikha Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Planning and Policy Sector at EAD, said: 'We seek to integrate sustainability practices into daily life in the Emirate. The EAD-led Bottle Return Scheme, held in collaboration with private sector organisations, including Sparklo, embodies the importance of partnerships, technology, and community engagement in creating a sustainable environmental impact. This initiative, with its objectives, represents a strategic investment that consolidates the concept of environmental responsibility. By supporting the principles of the circular economy, we seek to strengthen Abu Dhabi's leading position in the global transformation towards building a sustainable future.' Maxim Kaplevich, Founder and CEO of Sparklo , commented: 'The partnership with EAD exemplifies the success of government-private sector collaboration. With EAD's unwavering support, we have expanded the RVM network, contributing directly to Abu Dhabi's sustainability agenda. The results speak for themselves – when recycling is made simple and engaging, communities embrace the change, reinforcing the role of practical solutions in environmental progress.' As EAD and Sparklo continue to scale the initiative, efforts will focus on expanding the RVM network and deepening community engagement, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainable innovation.
Mid East Info
30-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EAD's Bottle Return Scheme Drives Record Recycling Success with Sparklo - Middle East Business News and Information
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, has made remarkable strides in its commitment to sustainability through the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy. As part of this initiative, the EAD-led Bottle Return Scheme, launched in 2023, has seen unprecedented success in recovering more than 2,000 tonnes of bottles. The scheme has significantly advanced recycling efforts across the Emirate, empowering residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits. The Agency has collaborated with several partners from the retail industry, waste operators and cleantech providers and, with EAD's strategic oversight, Sparklo, a cleantech leader, has deployed more than 100 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), known as Sparklomats, across Abu Dhabi offering convenient return access points for plastic bottles and aluminium cans. As a direct result of this initiative, an impressive 23 million recyclables were collected in 2024 alone, including over 544,000 kilograms of plastic and 18,000 kilograms of aluminium. The cumulative impact of this initiative has prevented over 3.5 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions, aligning with Abu Dhabi's ambitious goal of a 22 per cent carbon emissions reduction by 2027. In a single-day milestone, one Sparklomat processed more than 8,500 items, setting a record for individual unit performance. Commenting on these results, Sheikha Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Planning and Policy Sector at EAD, said: 'We seek to integrate sustainability practices into daily life in the Emirate. The EAD-led Bottle Return Scheme, held in collaboration with private sector organisations, including Sparklo, embodies the importance of partnerships, technology, and community engagement in creating a sustainable environmental impact. This initiative, with its objectives, represents a strategic investment that consolidates the concept of environmental responsibility. By supporting the principles of the circular economy, we seek to strengthen Abu Dhabi's leading position in the global transformation towards building a sustainable future.' Maxim Kaplevich, Founder and CEO of Sparklo, commented: 'The partnership with EAD exemplifies the success of government-private sector collaboration. With EAD's unwavering support, we have expanded the RVM network, contributing directly to Abu Dhabi's sustainability agenda. The results speak for themselves – when recycling is made simple and engaging, communities embrace the change, reinforcing the role of practical solutions in environmental progress.' As EAD and Sparklo continue to scale the initiative, efforts will focus on expanding the RVM network and deepening community engagement, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainable innovation. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda. 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.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is leading the charge with its plastic free initiative (all thanks to you)
Abu Dhabi is absolutely smashing it in the battle against plastic waste, and the numbers back it up. Since the launch of its game-changing single-use plastic policy in 2022, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has made major moves in slashing plastic consumption and boosting recycling efforts. The Bottle Return Scheme alone has recovered more than 2,000 tonnes (or 80 truckloads) of bottles since 2023, thanks to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). And that's just the beginning. That's over 130 million plastic bottles which have been collected through 150 reverse vending machines (RVMs), smart bins, and door-to-door collections. Reverse Vending Machines Teaming up with cleantech powerhouse Sparklo, the EAD collected a whopping 23 million recyclables in 2024. That includes over 544,000kg of plastic and 18,000kg of aluminium – all neatly sorted and saved from landfill doom. It's a major win for the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy, which has been encouraging residents to rethink their recycling habits and chuck their empties in the right places. If you've spotted a slick-looking machine at ADNOC, Lulu, or Carrefour stores, chances are you've come face-to-face with a Sparklomat. These clever collection points have made bottle and can returns a breeze, with one superstar machine even handling more than 8,500 items in a single day. All this effort has had a real impact. The scheme has helped prevent over 3.5 million kg of CO₂ emissions, keeping the capital on track to meet its bold 22 percent carbon emissions reduction goal by 2027. Next up: the ban on single-use plastic bags. The results? A jaw-dropping 364 million fewer plastic bags floating around – that's 2,400 tonnes of plastic or the carbon footprint of 130,000 gas-guzzling cars annually. Talk about a win for the planet. Consumers have *really* stepped up to the challenge, too. Shoppers are now using just 0.4 plastic bags per trip (that's a huge drop from the three bags they used to grab) go, team! And reusable bags? They've seen a 2,000 percent jump, with a whopping 26,075 bags sold in 2023 compared to just 603 the year before. As if that wasn't enough, on 1 June 2024, Abu Dhabi banned certain styrofoam products, and retailers are all in, with 97 percent compliance. This move is part of the city's grand plan ahead of the federal ban in 2026 on plastic and styrofoam products. A recent survey shows that 84 percent of residents know about the policy, and 82 percent say it's made their lives better by contributing to cleaner beaches and waterways. How do the reverse vending machines work? You'll first need to have the Tadweer Rewards app downloaded on your phone. Head to one of the 25 RVMs around Abu Dhabi and insert your used plastic bottle or aluminium can. AI cameras will scan the items and then a QR code will be shown on the screen. When you scan that code, the credit points will then be added to your app, which you can redeem on vouchers or discounts. How handy is that? Your points can be used when you purchase from partners, including: Amazon Lufthansa Gourmet Lab Max, Brands for Less Filli Emax Dreamworks Spa Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: 'When we launched the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy in 2020, which was followed by the ban on single-use plastic bags in 2022, we were the first in the region to do so, setting very ambitious targets to meet our commitments to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change. 'We knew that a consumer change in behaviour was the key to us being able to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics and nurture a culture of reuse and recycling. The Abu Dhabi community has proven to be more than collaborative and proactive, and as a result, we have recorded, during the past two years alone, a significant reduction of 364 million plastic bags. For context, this represents a 95 per cent reduction in the total number of plastic bags distributed at the emirate's cash counters. Prior to the policy's implementation, shoppers used three bags per shopping trip, but now only use 0.4 bags. This has also led to a 2,000 per cent increase in the number of reusable bags in just one year, increasing from 603 bags in 2022 to 26,075 bags in 2023 at one of the emirate's main outlets. We also recorded the recovery of 130 million plastic bottles, and an increase in the number of companies concerned with recycling plastics in the emirate. 'Despite the decrease in the number of companies manufacturing single-use plastic products in Abu Dhabi – from 110 in 2022 to 88 in 2023 – we witnessed the establishment of 57 new recycling companies working in the emirate's waste sector, which contributes to enhancing the quality of life and its sustainability, and enhances the circular economy system. 'We are delighted, as the residents of Abu Dhabi made an effort to embrace reusable bags and return their bottles to the Reverse Vending Machines for recycling, which has hugely contributed to our success. The results of a survey we conducted indicated that 84 per cent of the public are aware of the policy and its requirements, and 82 per cent said that the policy has a positive impact on quality of life, represented by clean beaches and waterways. 'We could not have achieved our ambitious goals without the cooperation of our strategic partners, including the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and retailers, who have worked closely with us to provide alternatives to single-use plastic products, in addition to helping us implement the ban on Styrofoam products. 'We are well on the way to having a positive impact on our environment as we reduce the amount of microplastic entering our precious ecosystems and harming our species.' You might also like…. The concert line-up for Abu Dhabi in 2025 is looking absolutely insane 2025 is going to POP OFF The best places to eat in Yas Island Going to Etihad Arena? 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