Sustainable September - ReVend's Innovative Reverse Vending Machines

As part of our Sustainable September campaign, we are excited to feature ReVend, a Cleantech finalist from the Isle of Man Innovation Challenge 2024. ReVend is transforming the way we think about recycling with its innovative Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), helping to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability on the Island. Its cutting-edge technology not only incentivises recycling but also supports local businesses through its dynamic advertising capabilities. In this Q&A, Zak Johnson, Founder of ReVend, shares his vision for a greener future, ReVend’s journey through the Innovation Challenge, and how Business Isle of Man has supported the business’ mission to make the Isle of Man a more sustainable place.

Brief overview of ReVend

ReVend Group is all about making recycling easy and rewarding. We’ve created smart Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) that turn your used plastic bottles and containers into rewards. It’s a win-win: you get something back, and the planet benefits from less waste. We're passionate about creating a world where waste isn’t just thrown away but transformed into something valuable, all while making the process simple and engaging for everyone. The large 50-inch touch screen on the front of our RVMs can display advertising for local or national brands and can support the local economy by promoting hyper local brands too. 

How are ReVend’s innovations contributing to sustainability?

At ReVend, we’re tackling plastic waste head-on with our innovative RVMs. These machines make it easy for people to recycle and see the immediate benefits of doing so. By encouraging more people to recycle, we’re helping to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and our oceans. Plus, we’re big on transparency—our blockchain tech ensures that every bottle is tracked from the moment it’s deposited to when it’s turned into something new. It’s all about making a real, positive impact on the environment, one bottle at a time.

What are your goals and vision for the future?

Looking ahead, we’re excited about expanding our network of RVMs over the Island. We want to see our machines in as many places as possible, making recycling convenient for everyone. We’re also working on adding new features to our machines so they can handle even more types of recyclable materials. Our big dream is a world where recycling is second nature to everyone, helping to create a cleaner, more sustainable planet for the next generation. If you are a brand that wants to promote sustainability and support this initiative, or you are a location that would like an RVM, please reach out to us. 

How has Business Isle of Man helped you?

Working with Business Isle of Man has been a fantastic experience for us. They’ve been incredibly supportive, helping us navigate the local landscape and connect with the right people. Their guidance and resources have really helped us accelerate our plans and bring our vision to life on the Island. It's not just about the business side of things—they’ve also helped us integrate into the community, which is so important for us as we expand. We have been discussing a relocation plan for ReVend too. Their support has been invaluable in getting our RVMs up and running in key locations around the Isle of Man. Over the next few months we will be working closely to align with the Island's values and work with local businesses alongside Business Isle of Man.

What are your key milestones or updates since the Innovation Challenge?

We’ve hit some exciting milestones since the Innovation Challenge! One of the big ones is that we’ve started deploying our RVMs on the Island, with the Sea Terminal being the first location to begin recycling plastic with our machines. It’s great to see things coming to life!

We’re also gearing up for a special event where we’ll be showcasing our RVMs right here on the Isle of Man. We’ll be hosting companies and location partners, giving them a chance to see firsthand how our RVMs can not only promote sustainability but also serve as a platform for their brands and businesses. Whether it’s through the full wraps or the digital advertising screens, there are so many ways to get involved and make a positive impact. We’re really excited to see how these collaborations will shape the future of recycling on the Island! Further details on the event will be coming soon.

How has participation in the Innovation Challenge impacted ReVend?

Taking part in the Innovation Challenge has been a game-changer for us at ReVend. One of the biggest benefits has been connecting with some incredible people in Government and local authorities—contacts that would have been tough to reach on our own. These relationships are absolutely invaluable to our growth.

The support we’ve received has been phenomenal, especially from key departments like Business IOM, Finance IOM, Digital IOM, and Locate IOM. They’ve really backed us, and it’s made a huge difference in how we’re moving forward.

We’ve also had the chance to meet with some big-name companies, like Zurich, who’ve given us great insights as a mentor that are helping us fine-tune what we’re bringing to the Island. And on top of all that, we’ve gained access to prime locations for our RVMs—high footfall spots that are perfect for getting people involved in recycling. Overall, the Innovation Challenge has really accelerated our progress and opened doors we couldn’t have imagined.

Watch ReVend's pitch at the Isle of Man Innovation Challenge.

What advice would you give to other businesses looking to innovate in the sustainability space?

If you’re thinking about jumping into the sustainability space, my best advice is to stay focused on your purpose. Figure out what environmental issues matter most to you and think outside the box about how you can make a difference. Don’t be afraid to team up with others—partnerships can really help you scale your impact. Also, embrace technology to make your operations as efficient and transparent as possible. And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable innovation takes time, but the positive impact you can make is absolutely worth it.