The Sparklomat is an innovative AI-powered reverse vending machine and rewards system developed by Sparklo to tackle the challenge of recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans effectively. The machine is strategically placed in public and semi-public spaces like supermarkets, malls, workplaces, and events to encourage users to return their empty containers for recycling.

When users insert their used bottles and cans into the Sparklomat, the machine's AI technology automatically identifies and counts each item. It then compacts the materials to reduce volume and stores them for later transfer to recycling partners. Simultaneously, each transaction is linked to the Sparklo mobile app, where users earn points for every accepted container. These points can be redeemed for various rewards such as retail discounts, vouchers, or partner offers, making recycling a convenient and rewarding experience for users.

Moreover, the Sparklomat's software records every item collected, providing valuable data to recycling partners on the volumes collected and the associated environmental benefits. This data helps in monitoring and optimizing the recycling process, ensuring that the collected materials are properly recycled and do not end up as waste.

Produced in the UAE and deployed in multiple countries, Sparklomats support local circular-economy goals while showcasing UAE-developed technology on a global scale. By combining collection infrastructure, real-time data tracking, and incentives for behavior change, the Sparklomat effectively addresses the key challenge in recycling by encouraging users to return clean, sorted materials for recycling before they become waste.

Key Characteristics

• AI-powered reverse vending machine (“Sparklomat”) for bottles and cans

• Accepts, identifies, counts, and compacts plastic bottles and aluminium cans

• Integrated rewards ecosystem via the Sparklo mobile app

• Users earn points redeemable for discounts, vouchers, and partner rewards

• Manufactured in the UAE with deployments across 10+ countries

• Real-time data dashboard for hosts (retailers, municipalities, developers)

• Designed for high-traffic public and semi-public locations

• Supports behavioural-change campaigns and ESG reporting

• Hardware-as-a-service model with ongoing machine monitoring and servicing

• Compact footprint suitable for malls, supermarkets, residential communities, airports, and offices

Environmental Benefits

• Diverts plastic bottles and aluminium cans from landfill and open environments

• Enables separate-at-source collection, improving recycling quality

• Reduces contamination of recyclables, increasing the likelihood of true recycling

• Compaction reduces transport emissions and logistics frequency

• Encourages consistent recycling behaviour through reward incentives

• Provides verified data on collected materials for ESG and sustainability reporting

• Supports circular-economy targets by supplying clean feedstock to recyclers

• Reduces littering and improves local environmental cleanliness

• Helps municipalities and businesses increase recycling rates without major infrastructure upgrades