Abu Dhabi-based district cooling company Tabreed, has partnered with Sparklo, a UAE-based cleantech company building smart recycling infrastructure, to install 16 reverse vending machines (RVMs) across the UAE
The RVMs, known as Sparklomats, will enable residents to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans in exchange for digital rewards in the Sparklo app, redeemable for discounts at places such as grocery stores and taxi rides. One Sparklomat has been installed at Tabreed’s headquarters, while 15 others will be placed in high-traffic locations including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Water World and malls in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
It is estimated that the partnership will collect more than four million bottles and cans annually, averaging 11,600 containers per day across the network. This is expected to prevent approximately 637,400 kilograms of CO₂ emissions each year, directly contributing to the UAE Net Zero 2050 and Circular Economy Policy goals, while encouraging sustainable behaviour through positive motivation. The initiative reinforces Tabreed’s 2024 sustainability commitments, including its Net Zero 2050 target, energy-efficiency retrofits, and supply chain decarbonisation principles.
Khalid Al Marzooqi, chief executive offficer of Tabreed, said, “At Tabreed, we believe that innovation and collaboration are essential to achieving the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision. This project with Sparklo reflects our commitment to decarbonisation through innovation and strategic partnerships, allowing us to make the places we cool more sustainable overall. By introducing smart recycling solutions in communities across Abu Dhabi, we are extending our sustainability efforts beyond our operations – creating real opportunities for residents and visitors to take part in climate action.”
Maxim Kaplevich, founder of Sparklo, added, “Sustainability works best when it’s built into people’s daily lives. Together, we’re addressing two sides of the same challenge: making the places where people live, shop, and spend time both more energy-efficient and more circular. This partnership shows how shared infrastructure and positive incentives can turn sustainability into everyday action, achieving real progress.”
