Done eating? Recycle your food packages in Grab's new AI-powered reverse vending machines

share on

twitter /
facebook /
linkedin /
- email
- telegram
- whatsapp
- wechat
- pinterest
- line
- snapchat
- reddit

Grab Malaysia has launched 18 artificial intelligence (AI) driven Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) across the Klang Valley, in a bid to promote plastic recycling.

Done in partnership with KLEAN, Fraser & Neave Holdings (F&N), and the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), the RVMs are part of Grab’s pilot project to achieve zero packaging waste in nature by 2040.

Don’t miss: Grab PH to reportedly expand into fintech market

KLEAN is a technology platform that builds vending machines to promote recycling. Through this partnership, the RVMs aim to make it easier for consumers to recycle their washed food packaging. Each fully operational RVM accepts plastic food containers, on top of aluminum cans and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

The collected containers will then be processed by plastic resin manufacturer, Asasrama, to be recycled into raw materials such as new PP and PET pallets. These efforts seek to give the resources a second life by turning them into new products such as apparel, furniture fillings, and plastic furniture and boxes.

“We recognise that food packaging waste is an inherent by-product of our food delivery platform. Change has to happen throughout the value chain, and we are committed to proactively seeking and developing sustainable, inclusive answers," said Adelene Foo, managing director, Grab Malaysia.

She added that the pilot project underscores Grab's commitment to protect the environment one proactive step at a time. The RVMs help to "close the loop on single-use plastics by using technology as a force for good".

"From a consumer standpoint, contributing is simple: deposit rinsed plastic food containers, scan the RVMs' QR code, and redeem vouchers using collected KLEAN points,” Foo said.

"In line with the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030, we’re committed to promoting alternatives and sustainable substances in plastic production," said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

“Our Ministry is working on many fronts to phase out single-use non-biodegradable plastics. The RVMs introduced through this collaborative effort not only aligns with our roadmap’s goal but also provides an avenue for both businesses and consumers to realise the desired change,” he added.

This pilot builds on Grab's previous efforts to reduce single-use plastics in 2019, where it offered consumers the option to exclude single-use cutlery from their food delivery orders. This initiative enabled it to save more than 23,800 tonnes of waste in the form of 898 million sets of cutlery in 2022.

Join #PRAsia on 2 November in Singapore and 8 November in Malaysia, connecting 100+ PR and communication leaders worldwide to share ideas, forge partnerships, and unlock endless possibilities.

share on