Central Retail Vietnam and Sparklo sign a recycling deal in HCM City on June 3 that seeks to encourage customers to aspire for a green and zero-waste lifestyle and contribute to the advancement of a circular economy. — Photo courtesy of Central Retail
Central Retail Vietnam and Sparklo, a global cleantech company specialising in recycling and promoting sustainable practices, signed an agreement for recycling on June 3 in HCM City.
It involves installing modern reverse vending machines (RVM) – sparklomats – across Central Retail's GO! Mall network nationwide.
The goal is to inspire and encourage visitors and customers to move towards a green and zero-waste lifestyle and help advance a circular economy.
The two sides began discussing their collaboration in mid-2023.
The first sparklomats were installed in December the same year and quickly received positive feedback from customers.
They serve as collection points for empty bottles and cans, which then undergo sorting, cleaning and crushing to be transformed into new products.
This year, by the end of April, nearly 65,000 bottles and 14,000 aluminum cans have been collected.
The number in the most recent month increased by 50 per cent from the preceding one.
Impressed by these growth indicators, positive feedback and widespread consumer interest, they expanded the project nationwide.
Under the agreement, from May 2024 onwards, they will expand the project nationwide, installing 86 RVM Sparklo machines at all GO! Mall shopping centres by the end of the year.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Olivier Langlet, CEO of Central Retail Vietnam, said: "As one of the leading companies in sustainable development initiatives in the retail sector, Central Retail believes that the collaboration with Sparklo marks a significant step forward in our group's sustainability strategy in Việt Nam.
“It demonstrates our strong commitment to working hand in hand with our partners to minimise environmental hazards. We hope that this programme will have a ripple effect, inspiring consumers to adopt proper recycling practices and contributing to raising community awareness of environmental protection, paving the way for a greener future for Việt Nam.
“The company is committed to implementing effective and sustainable environmental protection measures."
Maxim Kaplevich, Sparklo's CEO, said: "We believe that the project not only carries the mission of environmental protection but also serves as a means to promote a modern lifestyle and enhance civic awareness. The development of this meaningful project promises to bring long-term benefits to people across Việt Nam, thereby reinforcing the commitment from both partners and the nation towards sustainable development.
“With the slogan 'Collect all plastic bottles and aluminum cans worldwide,' we hope the sparklomats, beyond being installed at shopping malls, will be expanded to numerous public spaces in Việt Nam, contributing to making recycling more convenient for a broad range of individuals and promoting the application of recycling practices in daily life." — VNS