Arbor School Pioneers Smart Recycling on Campus with Sparklo

Arbor School continues to lead the way in sustainable innovation, becoming the first school in the UAE to partner with cleantech pioneer Sparklo. Together, they are bringing the future of recycling into the classroom with the launch of a ‘Sparklomat’ – an AI-powered machine that rewards students for recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans.

This partnership transforms Arbor’s cafeteria into a living example of the circular economy, giving young people a way to build green habits while showcasing the UAE’s global leadership in sustainability.

The ‘Sparklomat’ is available outside the Farmhouse Cafe, making recycling a simple, engaging part of daily school life. Through the Sparklo app, students can earn digital rewards and track their environmental impact, transforming sustainability into a gamified and rewarding part of school life. The initiative reinforces Arbor’s mission to weave ecoliteracy into every aspect of learning.

To date, Sparklo has collected more than 130 million bottles and cans across the UAE, preventing in excess of 20,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. With over 260,000 active users and 370 collection points across the country, Sparklo now processes the equivalent of 3.5 bottles per second.

By joining this initiative, Arbor is empowering its students and families to contribute directly to the UAE’s long-term vision for a circular economy and a greener future.

Gemma Thornley, Principal at Arbor School, said: “This partnership with Sparklo gives our students a real, everyday way to live their values. Recycling has become more than a concept in the classroom – it’s a daily action that empowers young people to see themselves as changemakers. As the first school in the UAE to adopt this innovation, we are proud to lead by example and show how education can drive sustainability in action.”

Adi Afaneh, VP of Sales and Partnerships at Sparklo, added: “Schools play a vital role in shaping the mindset of future generations. Through our partnership with Arbor School, we’re empowering students to take real action toward protecting the environment and building a culture of sustainability. At Sparklo, we believe that meaningful change starts with awareness – and there’s no better place to begin than in our schools.”

This initiative is part of Arbor School’s commitment to sustainability in education, which brings together a bespoke British ecoliteracy curriculum, a green campus with biodomes and regenerative gardens, and hands-on community engagement.

To visit the school and find out more, book a tour here.