b:bot builds public-facing robots that accept plastic bottles, shred them on site and make 100% of the bottles offered recyclable. Its robotics and AI reportedly reduce plastic volume by 90%, triple material value, eliminate eight recycling steps and cut the process carbon footprint. Robots are sited on roadsides, in shopping centres and restaurant areas; users can receive a cash reward or donate while watching their bottle turned to glitter. Founded in France in 2021, b:bot now operates more than 500 robots and has collected 130 million bottles, with collections rising by about 500,000 bottles daily. The company is focused on R&D and aims to scale collection capacity in the growing rPET market. Plans include doubling the robot workforce by the end of the year, accelerating international roll-out and expanding into cans recycling next, with recent rollouts in Portugal and planned entries into Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.

Total raised

$22M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jul 2023