Tabreed, the UAE-based district cooling company, has partnered with cleantech firm Sparklo to expand the country’s recycling infrastructure through the deployment of reverse vending machines (RVMs). The initiative includes the installation of 16 Tabreed-branded “Sparklomat” units in high-traffic locations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
One Sparklomat has already been placed at Tabreed’s headquarters, while the remaining machines are scheduled for installation at destinations such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and selected malls. These RVMs allow users to deposit plastic bottles and aluminium cans in exchange for digital points, which can be redeemed for various discounts through the Sparklo app.
According to the partners, the network is expected to collect over four million containers annually—an average of 11,600 per day. This volume of recycling could help prevent approximately 637,400 kilograms of CO₂ emissions each year. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 and Circular Economy Policy frameworks by encouraging community participation in sustainable practices.
Khalid Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of Tabreed, stated: “At Tabreed, we believe that innovation and collaboration are essential to achieving the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision… By introducing smart recycling solutions in communities across Abu Dhabi, we are extending our sustainability efforts beyond our operations.”
Sparklo’s founder, Maxim Kaplevich, added: “Sustainability works best when it’s built into people’s daily lives… This partnership shows how shared infrastructure and positive incentives can turn sustainability into everyday action.”
The collaboration also supports Tabreed’s broader environmental goals, which include energy-efficiency upgrades and supply chain decarbonisation. By integrating smart recycling into its operations, the company aims to contribute to measurable reductions in environmental impact.