The improvement of waste management systems across the world is vital to reduce environmental degradation, but only 9% of the world’s plastic waste was recycled by 2015 ^[1]. But digital solutions can support changes in consumer behaviour and increase the education of residents on proper waste sorting techniques and the availability of door-to-door collection. 

“Thanks to technology we are able to solve social and environmental issues by making information, resources and services available for anyone who has access to the internet.” - Daniel Rodriguez, Founder & CEO of Amazóniko

Amazóniko uses innovative technology and a gamified framework to educate and ease the recycling process in Bogotá, Colombia. Daniel Rodriguez, Founder & CEO of Amazóniko, shares his thoughts on the use of digital solutions for eco-inclusive enterprises:

“Nowadays it’s hard to think of any type of enterprise that is not using digital transformation as a tool for every aspect in their daily operations, not only for reaching new customers but also for improving processes. When talking about eco-inclusive enterprises, digital solutions are enhancers and multipliers of positive impacts.”

Daniel shares how digital solutions have helped Amazóniko scale up their impact: 

“Digital solutions allow us to track household waste until its transformation process, calculate the carbon footprint of our users and help the recycling chain become more efficient. Connecting our users with waste pickers allows us to create day-to-day efficient routes for waste pickers to collect high-quality recyclable material and teach users the best waste classification tips. Digital solutions have also helped us gain more active users through referral campaigns.”

Through Amazóniko’s digital platform, users have access to a comprehensive recycling toolkit and can organise easy waste collection. With each collection, users are helping to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the environment, and they are rewarded with points which give them access to discounts they can use to buy environmentally friendly products from brands associated with Amazóniko. The platform links waste workers with associations so that the waste collectors can obtain formal employment opportunities. 

Learn more about digital innovations by our enterprises in other sectors here.

[1] Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science advances, 3(7), e1700782.