As the concept of the circular economy gains prominence in the Middle East, government policies and private sector investments have fuelled the expansion of plastic recycling in the region over the years.
A circular economy promotes the reuse and regeneration of materials or products, especially as a means of continuing production in a sustainable or environmentally friendly way.
To tech entrepreneur Maxim Kaplevich, this trend towards reducing plastic use is an opportunity to address the global challenge of waste collection and bring in AI solutions for sustainability, albeit in a novel way.
In 2022, he brought his vision to life by founding his company, Sparklo in the UAE. The idea had been brewing in his mind for the past five years, and now it was finally a reality.
“I first came up with the idea for Sparklo about five years ago, inspired by the need to improve existing recycling systems and focus on positive user motivation. Climate change and plastic pollution are pressing global issues, and current methods of addressing them are insufficient and urgently need attention,” Mr Kaplevich, who is also the company's chief executive, tells The National in an interview.
He says Sparklo’s approach is unique in that it centres on motivating people through rewards, rather than relying on measures such as levying deposit charges, seen in countries such as Germany and the Scandinavian nations.
“While these countries implement deposit systems to encourage bottle returns, our strategy focuses on positive reinforcement, rewarding users with incentives they can use for future purchases.”
This approach has proven effective so far, he adds.
“Since launching in the UAE in late 2022, we have installed over 200 Sparklomats, collecting over 31 million bottles and cans and saving more than 3000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.”
Sparklomats are reverse vending machines, which are conveniently placed all around the city, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as in Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia in the Mena region.
These machines allow users to simply drop in empty plastic bottles, or aluminium cans, earning reward points for every item through Sparklo’s mobile app.
After the plastic bottles and aluminium cans enter a Sparklomat, they are transported and sold to recycling centres, where they are sorted, cleaned, and transformed into raw materials for use in packaging, consumer goods, clothing, and many other items.
Sparklo has its own warehouse in Ras Al Khaimah, where all the Sparklomats are manufactured.
Mr Kaplevich is confident that he is building a robust business to ensure its competitive advantage endures.
“Sparklo adopts a unique approach by focusing on positive motivation. People are more likely to recycle when they receive something in return. Our users earn rewards for recycling, which can be redeemed for future purchases,” he explains.
“This strategy not only encourages bottle returns but also makes recycling an enjoyable and accessible part of a sustainable lifestyle. It’s this approach that sets us apart from other players and attracts those looking for innovative recycling solutions.”
For instance, he says, the company has recently partnered with Yango, which allows users to earn discounts on taxi rides by depositing bottles.
The company has also partnered with Dubai Municipality, where recycled plastic is used to produce uniforms for sanitation workers.
Additionally, Sparklo is also collaborating with Adnoc Distribution, Rebound, Dulsco, Imdaad, and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, as part of the EAD’s Mission to Zero campaign.
Single-use plastics are widely prevalent in our daily lives.
Compounded by its widespread use, the non-biodegradable nature of plastic has led to a significant environmental crisis. Millions of tonnes of plastic waste are accumulating in cities, landfills, and oceans, posing a serious threat to the environment. Estimates suggest about 13 million tonnes of plastic enter the world’s oceans each year.
In response to this pressing issue, plastic recycling has emerged as a crucial green initiative in the Middle East, as well as globally, to reduce the environmental impact of waste.
The UAE is making significant strides in reducing single-use plastics. The government issued a nationwide ban on single-use plastics earlier this year. Single-use plastic bags are now banned across all emirates, while it will be prohibited to import plastic cutlery, drinks cups, styrofoam and boxes from January 1, 2026.
The market size of recycled plastic in the Middle East and Africa is forecast to hit $5.1 billion by 2028 from $3.05 billion in 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6 per cent between 2021 and 2028, according to a report by Data Bridge Market Research.
Increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of plastic disposal and government regulations regarding plastic waste disposal are key factors that will drive the sector’s growth.
Additionally, increasing demand for recycled plastic within the electrical and electronics industry, as well as the growth and expansion of various end-user verticals, are also driving the growth, it adds.
According to Mr Kaplevich, his company is tackling the core issue in recycling: the lack of proper infrastructure.
“By providing easy-to-use facilities in convenient locations where people live, shop, and travel, we are effectively collecting bottles and addressing global plastic pollution at its source.”
Many environmental initiatives around the world address the consequences of an underdeveloped collection and recycling system, rather than tackling the root cause, he adds.
“Projects that focus on cleaning oceans, rivers, or beaches are certainly commendable, but they don’t address the ongoing issue of pollution at its source. Pollution originates with human consumption, and that’s why Sparklo is focused on addressing this by creating convenient, easy-to-use collection facilities where people live, shop, and travel.”
The company’s goal is to collect plastic bottles and recyclables in the Mena region and beyond, thereby helping to tackle global plastic pollution.
“Sparklo's mission is to make recycling as easy and enjoyable as grabbing a cup of coffee, seamlessly integrating it into everyday life while addressing the root causes of environmental issues.”
Sparklo currently operates over 300 reverse vending machines across the Mena region, including 200 in the UAE, collecting recyclables that are then processed through its regional partners.
The company says its software and hardware solutions use artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise recycling processes.
“Most reverse vending machines worldwide use bar codes to determine whether the user gets a refund. What truly differentiates Sparklo’s system is our AI-based recognition technology, which allows Sparklomats to accept all types of bottles, regardless of whether they have labels or bar codes,” Mr Kaplevich explains.
Since its launch, Sparklo has experienced remarkable growth, with over 185,000 users joining the Sparklo app in the UAE alone.
Climate change and plastic pollution are pressing global issues, and current methods of addressing them are insufficient and urgently need attention
Maxim Kaplevich,
founder and chief executive, Sparklo
“Our results in the UAE demonstrate that this strategy works. Currently, we collect almost 200,000 bottles and cans daily.”
“In less than two years since 2022, we have expanded our user base from zero to over 230,000 across the Mena region. This rapid growth is a testament to the strength of our mission and the trust our users place in our innovative approach to recycling.”
The company is privately funded, primarily through personal investments from the founder, along with contributions from Mena-oriented private investors who are supporting the global expansion of its UAE-based technology.
While the company didn’t disclose specific funding numbers, it says it has adequate funding to install 10,000 Sparklomats.
Going forward, Sparklo aims to install over 100,000 Sparklomats globally and collect five billion bottles by 2030.
Currently, Sparklo operates in more than 10 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Brazil, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.
“Although our primary focus is the MENA region, we are also poised to explore new markets in Latin America and Asia,” Mr Kaplevich concludes.
It currently employs over 200 people and plans to expand its team further in the future.
Q&A with Maxim Kaplevich, Sparklo founder and chief executive:
What already successful start-up do you wish you had started?
Lately, I’ve been really into Whoop and ended up getting their wristband. It provides amazing insights into why we feel the way we do, our mood, and how we should take care of ourselves. It’s such a fantastic project that delivers a wealth of data about our health and how different situations and lifestyles impact us. The team behind it is doing an incredible job, and I often find myself wishing I had started it myself.
What new skills have you learnt from launching your venture?
One skill every start-up founder picks up is stress management, since you'll face a lot of setbacks before hitting your goals. But right now, the skill I value most is effectively sharing information and ideas across the team. This can make a huge difference in how your team performs and the results you get. I’ve learnt that clear and focused communication is key. I was once told that if a glass is half full and half empty, the empty half represents the ideas people come up with on their own, which can lead them in many different directions. So, making sure that information is shared clearly and purposefully is crucial.
If you could start all over again what would you do differently?
I’d place a bigger emphasis on people because they’re the most valuable asset in any company. Looking back, I see that we underestimated the importance of face-to-face interactions. We started off with a lot of online and remote work, but now I understand the significant boost that in-person meetings and office time can provide for sharing experiences and strategising.
What is your next big dream to make happen?
Right now, my personal goals align closely with those of the company. At Sparklo, our big dream is to collect all the bottles in the world. The next major milestone for us is to gather every bottle in a single country. I’d be incredibly proud of our team if we can achieve that.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Sparklo
Started: 2022
Founder: Maxim Kaplevich
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: CleanTech
Current number of staff: 200 employees
Investment stage: Privately funded investors, founder funding
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Kibsons%20Cares
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERecycling%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3EAny%20time%20you%20receive%20a%20Kibsons%20order%2C%20you%20can%20return%20your%20cardboard%20box%20to%20the%20drivers.%20They%E2%80%99ll%20be%20happy%20to%20take%20it%20off%20your%20hands%20and%20ensure%20it%20gets%20reused%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EKind%20to%20health%20and%20planet%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESolar%20%E2%80%93%2025-50%25%20of%20electricity%20saved%3Cbr%3EWater%20%E2%80%93%2075%25%20of%20water%20reused%3Cbr%3EBiofuel%20%E2%80%93%20Kibsons%20fleet%20to%20get%2020%25%20more%20mileage%20per%20litre%20with%20biofuel%20additives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESustainable%20grocery%20shopping%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENo%20antibiotics%3Cbr%3ENo%20added%20hormones%3Cbr%3ENo%20GMO%3Cbr%3ENo%20preservatives%3Cbr%3EMSG%20free%3Cbr%3E100%25%20natural%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULT
Valencia 3
Kevin Gameiro 21', 51'
Ferran Torres 67'
Atlanta 4
Josip Llicic 3' (P), 43' (P), 71', 82'
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
QUALIFYING RESULTS
1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.
Eliminated after second session
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.
Eliminated after first session
15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.
Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
More coverage from the Future Forum
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
Engine: 4 liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous electric motors placed at each wheel
Battery: Rimac 120kWh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry
Power: 1877bhp
Torque: 2300Nm
Price: Dh7,500,00
On sale: Now
Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica
Best Agent: Jorge Mendes
Best Club : Liverpool
Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP
Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart
Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)
Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)
Best Women's Player: Lucy Bronze
Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi
Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)
Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
UAE players with central contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
The details
Colette
Director: Wash Westmoreland
Starring: Keira Knightley, Dominic West
Our take: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
Scores in brief:
Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
Globalization and its Discontents Revisited
Joseph E. Stiglitz
W. W. Norton & Company
Winners
Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski
Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea
Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona
Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)
Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)
Best National Team of the Year: Italy
Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello
Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)
Player Career Award: Ronaldinho
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EDate%20started%3A%20January%202022%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Omar%20Abu%20Innab%2C%20Silvia%20Eldawi%2C%20Walid%20Shihabi%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20PropTech%20%2F%20investment%3Cbr%3EEmployees%3A%2040%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Seed%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Multiple%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
Isle of Dogs
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Liev Schreiber, Ed Norton, Greta Gerwig, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson
Three stars
