Working in a circular economy to solve the marine waste problem.
Over 80% of marine plastics originate from land. Rivers are a major pathway transporting waste from both inland and coastal areas into the seas. While this is a global problem, the communities where waste-collection systems are inefficient or nonexistent are the most likely to contribute to plastic pollution. Asia, with its fast-growing population is home to 15 of the 20 most contaminated rivers in the world, while 86% of river-borne plastic waste flows into the oceans from this continent.
We are currently active in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines and Vietnam. In the next five years, targeting the most polluting rivers, we aim to install 500 RiverRecycle’s cleaning and recycling points. By implementing our solution, working in a circular economy, the quantity of plastic entering the ocean from rivers will be reduced by more than half with relief and social improvement for hosting communities.
How RiverRecycle creates value from waste recycling?
Our technology concentrates floating waste, from rivers, enabling its easy removal. The collected waste is sorted into material types and is sold for mechanical recycling where possible, while the organic waste is composted. The remaining low-value plastic waste that usually would be disposed of in landfills with the risk of spilling in the environment, is employed in pyrolysis. The oils resulting from the pyrolysis, are sold and part of the profits are re-introduced in the hosting community to sustain the system.
In this circular economy business model, all the waste assumes a value, contributing to the financial sustainability of the project. As a result, developing communities are enabled to improve their environment and local economies.
The advantages of our solution:
Effective
It stops 40-60% of river-borne floating plastic and debris from reaching the sea.
Low cost
Compared to the initial investment it offers a high turnover.
Viable
By creating a waste management system, our solution introduces “Zero waste to landfill” principles. This helps to reduce overflowing landfills and creates safer working environments for waste recovery agents, all in a sustainable circular economy.
Scalable
Other actors in the waste industry can use the recycling facilities established through our projects. This offers an economic incentive to the local municipalities.
Easy to finance
The current economic and legislative situation and the profitability of our finance business model are a compelling incentive for investors.
The benefits of RiverRecycle operating model for cleaning rivers from plastic waste
Private benefits
We promote collaboration, connecting different entities with complementary interests.
Community benefits
We improve the livability of cities, creating jobs and increasing prosperity.
Environmental benefits
We change the perception of waste, presenting it as a resource. We encourage to collect it before it is spilt into the ocean and help to reintroduce plastic into the circular economy.
Plastic pollution is a shared responsibility causing the death of over 100 million aquatic animals every year. If you wish to know more about the magnitude of the problem and how it affects our lives, visit our pages dedicated to create awareness of the issue.
Plastic pollution is a shared responsibility causing the death of over 100 million aquatic animals every year. If you wish to know more about the magnitude of the problem and how it affects our lives, visit our pages dedicated to create awareness of the issue.