Recyclium offer a groundbreaking solution to the pressing global issue of single-use waste
Please introduce yourself and your startup Recyclium to our readers!
I am Pascal Siegrist, I am a Swiss serial entrepreneur with years of experience in finance, real estate, investment, insurance and strategic advisory in M&A. My latest venture is Recyclium where I am a founder and CEO. Our mission with Recyclium is to offer a groundbreaking solution to the pressing global issue of single-use waste. We’ve developed a system that tracks products and recyclables, ensuring they are returned to their respective producers. What’s unique about our approach is that we assign value to waste and reward those who collect and return these items, fostering a sense of responsibility among the corporations and we build a community of conscious waste collectors.
How did you get the idea of Recyclium?
My deep connection with the oceans, stemming from my passion as a diver, played a great role in the inception of idea behind Recyclium. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to explore various oceans and have been both mesmerized by their beauty and disheartened by the evident pollution. My personal endeavors, such as cleaning up beaches, combined with my little daughter’s proactive approach to waste collection, further fueled my motivation. My investment experiences, especially in a biotech company with a sustainable diagnostics patent, and my exploration of blockchain technology, collectively shaped the idea behind Recyclium.
Why did you decide to start with Recyclium?
Germany introduced me to their efficient bounty system, where citizens actively collect and return single-use plastic bottles in exchange for a small incentive. Witnessing a staggering 97% return rate made me ponder its potential in other nations, especially those grappling with severe pollution issues. I firmly believed that if we could tailor such a system to different countries’ unique needs, we could make a significant impact on global pollution.
What is the vision behind Recyclium?
At the heart of Recyclium is a vision to seamlessly integrate blockchain technology with a cost efficient global incentive system working similarly to deposit solutions available in Europe. We aim to motivate people from all corners of the world to actively participate in waste collection and return recyclables. By harnessing the power of blockchain, we can offer corporations clean, transparent, and immutable data, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Our ultimate goal is to create a closed-loop system, ensuring that every product finds its way back to its producer or a dedicated recycling facility.
How difficult was the start and which challenges you had to overcome?
Embarking on this journey isn’t without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles is navigating the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape and addressing the skepticism that often surrounds it. It’s crucial to understand that while we leverage blockchain technology for its security and transparency, we operate distinctly from the volatile crypto market.
Who is your target audience?
Our vision encompasses a global audience. While we aim to engage consumers from every part of the world, especially those in pollution-challenged regions, we also seek collaborations with major corporations. These corporations, producing great amounts of products and waste, are in search of tangible, undeniable data to validate and showcase their sustainability initiatives. We believe Recyclium can bridge this gap.
What is the USP of your startup?
Recyclium stands out due to its unique blend of blockchain technology and a globally adaptive incentive system. We’re not just offering a platform and an app for waste collectors, we’re providing a solution that ensures data security, transparency, and undeniable proof of sustainability efforts and that can be used for ESG reporting and will help companies reach their sustainability goals. By incentivizing consumers to return waste and offering corporations a transparent record of their sustainability journey, we believe we’re paving the way for a more responsible and sustainable future.
Can you describe your typical workday ?
My typical workday revolves around the mission of Recyclium. I often start my day by reviewing the latest developments in our technology, achievements of corporations working towards more sustainability, ensuring that our platform is on track to achieve the goal of being the perfect partner for every producer that struggles with these issues. Throughout the day, I engage in discussions about sustainability, the challenges of single-use waste, and the potential of our platform to address these issues. I also spend a significant amount of time interacting with our team, investors, and corporate partners, strategising and ensuring that our vision for Recyclium is being realised.
Where do you see yourself and your startup Recyclium in five years?
Five years from now, I envision myself leading Recyclium as a pioneering force in the sustainability sector. I hope to see our platform adopted globally, with people from all corners of the world actively participating in waste collection and return, driven by our incentive system. I aim for Recyclium to have established partnerships with major corporations, providing them with data that showcases their commitment to circular economy. Ultimately, I aspire for Recyclium to be synonymous with responsible waste management and a cleaner planet.
What 3 tips would you give to founders?
- Stay Adaptable: The world is constantly changing, with unforeseen challenges like the COVID pandemic. Being adaptable and ready to pivot or adjust your strategy is crucial.
- Trust to your Vision and focus with all the power you have on them. Leverage Potential of Amazing Technologies such as Blockchain to innovate and offer solutions that might not have been possible a few years ago.
- Never give up, knock on every door somewhen the right one will open and never stop to believe in yourself and your idea. keep collaborating, pushing and networking: Engage with potential stakeholders, investors, possible corporate partners, in your industry and beyond. Listen to your partners’ insights and spend time on refining your product.
Thank you Pascal Siegrist for the Interview
Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.
