Portfolio Company Spotlight
A feature on a Closed Loop Partners investment
Incentivizing Reuse Systems
Algramo builds smart dispensing systems that incentivize the reuse of packaging.
Algramo offers a complete refill and reuse system, solving economic and environmental issues through its vending machines that dispense staple products, such as household cleaners, “by the gram.”
Their smart reusable packaging minimizes the amount of waste left behind from single-use plastic packaging in landfills and oceans. At the same time, Algramo’s refill system addresses the poverty tax by allowing families to buy the exact quantity of products they need at bulk prices. Algramo not only makes the sustainable option the most affordable alternative, but also the more equitable and convenient option. In 2020, Algramo expanded its footprint into North America––proving the viability of the solution across geographic contexts.
Impact and Accolades
1.7 million liters sold in 2020
2,500 stores served in Chile, potentially reaching 400,000 end customers
Algramo’s reusable packaging lowers the cost of life’s essentials by 30% comparing to business as usual
Won MIT Solve and National Geographic Sky Ocean Ventures Circular Economy Challenges
Algramo’s Circular Business Model
- Changing behavior: 86% return rate of packaging in Algramo 1.0 model, while still providing an economic incentive for customers
- Re-imagining packaging: Creating a system where packaging can retain value, and actually increase in value the more it is reused
- Elevating customer experience: Delivering products to customer’s doors with electric vehicles
- Stakeholder engagement: Aligning the incentives of brands, retailers and consumers to enable the circular economy