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The global waste crisis is escalating. Seven billion tonnes of plastic waste are generated globally every day, but less than 10% of plastic is recycled.

On top of this, many consumer brands struggle with low-price shelf competition and a lack of digitalization.

Enter Bower: aiming to help brands increase their sorting and recycling rates while simultaneously building a loyal fan base and accessing real-time market and consumer insights.

We sat down with co-founder Berfin Mert to find out more about their mission and their live fundraising campaign.

1. We know that global waste is an escalating crisis. But what inspired you to take the leap and begin a business aiming to improve recycling rates?

The waste crisis is something that affects all of us, and it’s getting worse. Seeing how much potential recycling has in reducing waste, yet realizing how little is actually recycled, was a real eye-opener for us. We knew there had to be a better way to make it easier, more accessible, and even rewarding for people. The idea that we could leverage technology to not only make recycling more convenient but also engage communities and create positive behavioral change—that’s what really motivated us. We believe people want to do the right thing; they just need the right tools and incentives.

2. We are so excited to be supporting your fundraising campaign. What made you choose equity crowdfunding at this time to raise investment for your business?

Crowdfunding felt like the perfect fit for us because we’re a community-driven business. Our mission is all about creating a collective effort toward a more sustainable future, so we wanted our community to be part of that journey as investors. Equity crowdfunding allows us to give our supporters—who already believe in what we’re doing—a chance to own a piece of Bower and share in our success. Plus, it’s a bold, democratic way to fund a company that is built on the power of people coming together for a cause.

3. To date, you’ve raised €5M+ and been awarded €1.75M in grant funding from Google.org. How have you used that funding?

That funding has been a game-changer. We’ve used it to fuel our growth in several key areas: building our platform, expanding into new markets, and strengthening our tech infrastructure. A portion of the funding has also gone into partnerships with brands to integrate Bower into their sustainability strategies, which helps increase sorting and recycling rates. Additionally, the support from Google.org has allowed us to keep innovating, especially in how we leverage AI to make recycling information accessible worldwide. It’s helped us scale up while staying true to our mission.

4. How would you define the market opportunity for Bower, and in your opinion how do you stand out from competitors?

The market for sustainability solutions, especially in recycling, is massive. Consumers are demanding more from brands—they want to support companies that take responsibility for their environmental impact. At Bower, we stand out because we’re not just focusing on compliance or ticking a box. We’re building an ecosystem that brings together consumers, brands, and local recycling infrastructures in a way that benefits everyone. Our app makes recycling not only easier but rewarding. Plus, we provide brands with real-time data on consumer behavior and recycling patterns. That kind of insight is invaluable in today’s competitive landscape.

5. You must be thrilled at the traction you’ve seen so far. What’s been your proudest achievement?

I’d say our proudest achievement is the sheer number of people who’ve joined us on this journey. We’ve created a community of recyclers who are genuinely excited about making a difference. Seeing people embrace Bower and actively participate in recycling—knowing that every action is having a positive impact on the environment—has been incredibly rewarding. Another milestone I’m proud of is our partnership with major brands who now see Bower as a key part of their sustainability strategy. It proves that we’re creating real, lasting change.

6. What are you most excited about for Bower’s next six months?

There’s so much to be excited about! We’re looking at expanding our presence in new markets, onboarding even more brands, and introducing some exciting new features to the app that will make recycling even more accessible and engaging for users. But what really excites me is the potential to make a tangible difference on a global scale. Every new user, every new recycling bin added to our platform, takes us one step closer to solving a critical environmental issue. We’re just getting started.


Thank you so much Berfin, we’re so excited to be supporting Bower’s mission!

Bower is inviting everyone to support a solution to a critical environmental problem.

Find out more about their fundraising campaign and get involved by visiting their pitch.