Revolutionising Recycling: Charopy’s Journey from Launch Pad to Global Impact
In the ever-growing sustainability landscape, Charopy stands out as a beacon of innovation.
Founded with a clear mission to enhance recycling outcomes in Australia, this forward-thinking company has leveraged the power of technology to tackle a pervasive environmental challenge.
"Charopy is a sustainability-focused company, looking at improving recycling outcomes in Australia"
“Charopy is a sustainability-focused company, looking at improving recycling outcomes in Australia,” explains Martin Collings, the visionary behind this innovative startup. Since its acceleration at Launch Pad, Charopy has grown substantially, making its products a common sighting in the shopping malls across the land down under.
At the heart of Charopy is its flagship product: an internet-connected smart bin designed to retrofit seamlessly into various out-of-home recycling setups. “A lot of the time, people don’t read the signage, and they end up putting the wrong thing in the bin which therefore leads the whole content to a landfill,” Martin added. This critical issue is precisely what Charopy addresses – by automating the decision-making process, the smart bin distinguishes recyclable from non-recyclable materials. For instance, it intuitively refuses a plastic wrapper while welcoming an aluminum can, effectively mitigating contamination and optimizing recycling efficiency.
Reflecting on the pivotal role of Launch Pad in their journey, Martin acknowledges, “Launch Pad was really useful for Charopy, particularly through the connections with Western Sydney University and the students here.” This collaboration provided access to invaluable expertise and resources, enabling Charopy to refine its prototypes and engage with top-tier engineering talent. “One of the students is still working with Charopy to this day,” Martin proudly mentions, underscoring the enduring impact of this partnership.
"Launch Pad was really useful for Charopy, particularly through the connections with Western Sydney University and the students here. One of the students is still working with Charopy to this day"
Since their involvement with Launch Pad, Charopy has expanded its team, diversified its product offerings, is embarking on an ambitious new ventures unrelated to traditional recycling bins. However, their unwavering commitment to enhancing sustainable outcomes remains central to them.
Martin’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “My advice to founders is that everything is harder than you think it will be, everything takes longer than you expect,” he candidly admits. Overcoming setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic and global semiconductor shortages tested Charopy’s resilience, but ultimately strengthened their resolve to innovate and improve.
"My advice to founders is that everything is harder than you think it will be, everything takes longer than you expect"
“With the support of Launch Pad and a reputable university like WSU, it’s really solidified the business and put us in a strong position,” Martin concludes. As Charopy continues to pave the way for smarter, more sustainable practices, Martin and his team are poised to make an even greater impact in the global fight for a cleaner, greener future.
If you’re inspired by Charopy’s journey and have a bold idea of your own, Launch Pad offers the resources, connections, and support to turn your vision into reality. Learn more about how Launch Pad can propel your startup forward at Launch Pad’s website.