Innovate2PREVENT – Supporting innovative circular solutions

AYAT is a web-based marketplace powered by AI, designed to digitalize the collection, sourcing, and purchasing of e-waste across Africa. The platform connects e-waste generators, local recyclers, and off-takers, streamlining the entire lifecycle of e-waste and recyclable materials. By leveraging advanced technology, AYAT enhances the efficiency, transparency, and traceability of e-waste management.

qarkonomi.al is a circular economy platform in Albania which serves as a dynamic hub for companies, academic institutions, and communities to share resources, expertise, and best practices that advance circular economy principles. The Center for Competitive Skills (CCS) aims to use this platform to inform and support different initiatives and collaborate with government agencies and policymakers to improve the legal and institutional framework. CCS focusses on promoting circular businesses, particularly those led by women or based in rural areas.

Smartpack Exchange (Spex) is an online food order and delivery platform by DercolBags Packaging Limited Company. DercolBags is a sustainable packaging firm empowering women entrepreneurs to replace single-use plastic packages with eco-friendly alternatives for a cleaner environment. Through the Spex platform, reusable packages are distributed to participating restaurants and food vendors. Participating offices or users receive their food in Smartpacks.

Ebusaka is a digital waste management platform designed to revolutionize waste collection and recycling processes in urban areas like Lusaka. By integrating advanced digital solutions, Ebusaka streamlines waste collection, enhances transparency, and improves operational efficiency. The Ebusaka app provides real-time tracking and data analytics, offering valuable insights into waste generation patterns that optimize collection routes and resource allocation. Additionally, Ebusaka facilitates online payments and revenue management, ensuring financial transparency for service providers. The platform empowers residents to request services and provide feedback, promoting community engagement and accountability.

The GIVO Technology Platform (GTP) leverages cutting-edge IoT and blockchain technologies to provide real-time waste tracking and transparent data collection to ensure traceability from waste collection to processing, enhancing accountability and efficiency in waste management practices. The integration of advanced analytics and AI within the GTP allows for continuous monitoring and optimization of waste management processes, contributing to improved operational performance and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Joy’s solution to the plastic waste problem is the production of compostable straws and utensils made from natural grass that is native to the Mekong Delta region. These grass straws are not only safe, but also 100% organic, scalable, rapidly generated, and sustainable with minimal energy and resources utilized during production. The utensils are ideal for use in F&B, home, and kitchen settings. Furthermore, any remaining grass waste is converted into grass pellets.

Inter Ethiopia aims to launch a Circular Solar Kiosk in refugee camps. At the Kiosk, they will develop a modular refurbishment system for lithium-ion batteries sourced from used solar home systems. Through a standardized refurbishment process, the innovation aims to enhance the lifecycle of these batteries, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable. This kiosk will serve as a collection point for e-waste and as a training hub for refugees, ultimately helping to address the challenge of solar e-waste and creating jobs among the refugee communities in Ethiopia.

To address the plastic waste challenge, iRefill focuses on developing low-cost, Internet of Things-connected vending machines that dispense fast-moving consumer goods such as edible oils and personal and home care items, allowing customers to purchase products without generating packaging waste.

ECOTRACE reimages the future of retail by delivering refills of everyday consumer products without using plastic packaging. Through mobile and stationary refill stations, customers can refill everyday essentials such as soap, shampoo, detergent and cooking oil at a reduced cost. The refill system uses an Internet of Things-enabled machine that allows shopkeepers to accurately dispense a few shillings of powder or liquid detergent into reusable containers and sell it at 20% less, making it accessible to low-income earners while increasing sales and profit margins for shop owners and reducing single-use plastic.

With Binewaste Narisrec provides a digital platform combined with smart "Ecopoints" strategically placed throughout the country. This platform allows users to locate Ecopoints easily, schedule pickups for their e-waste, and even buy or sell refurbished electronics. Narisrec's approach does not only promote responsible e-waste disposal but also fosters a circular economy by giving new life to used electronics.

Lion Box is an affordable and portable solar energy storage system developed from refurbished e-waste which is recovered from households and small businesses. It provides electricity to underserved communities in rural and urban areas. This flagship initiative addresses e-waste challenges and energy poverty in Nigeria.

Salin Swap enables brands and refilling stores to offer reusable containers without the need of maintaining them. Thereby, this initiative offers businesses and consumers a waste-free alternative that is both affordable and accessible. Salin Swap aims to be the first end-to-end reuse-as-a-service model, integrating smart technology for efficient container tracking and management.

3R® is an end-to-end packaging reuse solution for urban local bodies and private businesses. Post-use packaging is recovered, reconditioned, and supplied for reuse to the companies in the paint and motor lubricant sector. 3R® works with companies in this sector to map product distribution and establish take-back mechanisms for used containers. These containers are thoroughly cleaned, and quality-tested using a patented process. Containers are provided with the unique digital ID that captures their lifecycle and then, containers are supplied to companies for reuse.

The Wastezon 2.0 app enables the tracking, tracing and acquiring of obsolete and second-hand electronic devices from public entities and high-income households. Using an in-house mineralogical laser scanner, Wastezon recovers and refurbishes these devices into low-cost, working, and quality-tested products (mostly smartphones and laptops) that they provide to low-income households that otherwise could not afford brand-new devices.

Project Vikalp aims to reduce single-use plastic pollution through an innovative "Borrow a Bag" program. In collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Vikalp has set up nearly 1000 stalls in markets and public spaces where consumers can borrow reusable cloth bags for a refundable deposit. Each bag, made from recycled and surplus fabric, carries a QR code linking users to a network of return points, ensuring convenience and widespread participation.