Every year, huge amounts of material are thrown away that could have been used again. In Sweden, 96% of the material used comes from new, non-recycled sources(Circularity Gap Report Sweden, 2022). In a world where resource scarcity and climate challenges are high on the agenda, the start-up Collecct wants to change the way we look at waste. Through their digital platform, they not only collect data - but also make it easier to extend the life of materials and create new business.
- We see that the search for data is often the first step. But the real value comes when you can connect waste with new business opportunities," says Daniel Pluntky, CEO and co-founder of Collecct.
From data collection to circular ecosystems
Collecct's platform has quickly gained a foothold with real estate companies that want to get a grip on their waste flows and comply with new legal requirements such as CSRD. The platform automatically collects waste data from different suppliers and structures it - ready for reporting and analysis.
During the fall and winter, Collecct has participated in the Forest Business Accelerator. The program, run by BizMaker, SCA, IBM and RISE, has given Collecct the opportunity to immerse itself in the needs of the forest industry and explore new collaborations through industrial symbiosis - something that Västernorrland offers great opportunities in.
- We have had many fruitful dialogues on challenges linked to residual material management and how to create more circular flows. One clear need that has been highlighted is to make the circular options that already exist available, so that it is easier for industry to procure or call them off. At the same time, we see great value in standardizing how different types of residual materials are declared. There are good opportunities here to gather the industry around a joint project and identify suitable calls that can drive development forward," says Daniel Pluntky.
Municipalities - a key piece of the circular transition puzzle
Collecct also sees great potential in the role of municipalities as catalysts for circular business models. By gathering different residual flows in a common platform, Collecct wants to create new opportunities for collaboration across organizational boundaries.
- Municipalities often have large volumes of residual materials from different activities - but lack tools to make them visible and coordinate them. "With our platform, you could, for example, gather information on everything from work clothes that can be repaired to materials that can be reused between different municipal companies," says Martin Tengsved, co-founder.
Looking ahead
The goal is clear: Collecct wants to continue to develop digital solutions that help both companies and municipalities move from linear to circular flows - in Sweden and in the long run also in Europe.
- The need to keep track of your residual flows is everywhere. But it requires smart digital tools that make it easy to take the next step. That's where we want to make a difference," says Daniel Pluntky.
