Page 154 - Sparklo PR Report - April 2025

EAD recovers over 2,000 tonnes of bottles since launch of Bottle Return Scheme
The agency has collaborated with several partners from the retail industry, waste

operators and cleantech providers, and with Sparklo, deployed more than 100

Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), known as Sparklomats, across Abu Dhabi, with

retail outlets of ADNOC, Lulu and Carrefour, offering convenient return access

points for plastic bottles and aluminium cans.

The 23 million recyclables collected in 2024 alone, included more than 544,000kg

of plastic and 18,000kg of aluminium. The cumulative impact of this initiative has

prevented more than 3.5 million kg 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.

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, said: "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

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