The fight against global waste

Sykell: a system of reusable containers for everyone 

In Germany, restaurants and cafés are now obliged to offer takeaway food in reusable packaging as of 2023. The aim is to encourage customers to utilise less single-use plastic packaging. Sykell is looking to establish a circular system for reusable containers similar to the one for deposit bottles. For a flat-rate monthly fee, the company provides catering businesses with reusable containers for drinks and food. Customers can return the reusable tableware to the restaurant or hand it in at the empties machines.  

Merijaan: a surfboard made of plastic waste 

The small company Merijaan not only produces surfboards from recycled plastic itself, it also organises workshops in schools and companies where rulers, key rings and other items are made from plastic waste. At the same time, participants are educated on how to avoid plastic waste. In a pilot project, Merijaan has also established a recycling system for plastic bottles in Sri Lanka based on the German model. The company buys plastic waste from the population, melts it down and uses it to make kitesurfing equipment.

everwave: protecting the seas with AI 

There are 150 million tonnes of plastic waste floating in our oceans. This is what the EU estimates. Every year, around 11 million tonnes are added. everwave is working to collect plastic waste in rivers. A platform developed by everwave calms the currents in the water so that plastics can reach the surface and be skimmed off. Collection boats then bring the rubbish ashore. The boats also collect important data – such as what waste is floating in the water and what quantities are involved. This data helps local authorities and environmental protection organisations to initiate waste prevention projects. 

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