b:bot offers a high‑density reverse‑vending machine that shreds PET bottles on‑site into compact granules, cutting collection volume by up to tenfold and reducing storage and transport costs. The system includes real‑time digital monitoring, traceability, and a small monetary reward for users, helping retailers and DRS operators streamline logistics while ensuring 100 % recycling compliance.
Funding
$21.9M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Collecting PET bottles, cans and glass is logistically costly because the containers are bulky and low‑density, requiring frequent pickups, large storage space, and many truck trips that often transport mostly air.
Solution
b:bot provides a high‑density reverse‑vending machine (RVM) that shreds plastic bottles on‑site into compact granules, reducing the volume of collected material by up to tenfold. The compacted material can be transported in fewer, fuller loads, lowering storage requirements and transportation costs. The system integrates digital traceability and real‑time monitoring, enabling retailers and DRS operators to manage collection points efficiently and ensure 100 % recycling compliance. Users receive a small monetary reward per bottle, encouraging participation while the shredded PET is sent to French recyclers for bottle‑to‑bottle or textile‑fiber production.
Target Audience
Primary customers are retailers, DRS operators, and waste‑management partners seeking to lower collection costs and improve recycling rates, as well as end‑consumers who use the machines to recycle bottles and earn rewards.
Features
- On‑site shredding of PET bottles into small granules, achieving up to 10× volume reduction
- Automated sorting and processing with minimal operator intervention
- Real‑time digital dashboard for collection monitoring, traceability, and compliance reporting
- Integrated reward system (0.01–0.02 € per bottle) to incentivize consumer participation
- Scalable indoor and outdoor configurations, with over 1,200 units deployed across France
- Compatibility with existing DRS logistics networks and recycling partners