What is MIWA?
MIWA, standing for Minimum Waste, is a groundbreaking business ecosystem designed to tackle the massive problem of single-use packaging. It’s not just packaging—it’s a smart reusable system that combines hardware and software, embedded with IoT technology, all connected to a vast digital environment powered by advanced data analytics. Imagine electronic dispensers in retail stores linked to a cloud-based MIWA information system, enabling near-real-time data flow. Each MIWA package and dispensing shelf comes equipped with RFID chips and readers, creating a seamless, traceable, and efficient experience for everyone involved—from manufacturers to consumers. This isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about rethinking the entire packaging lifecycle with innovation at its core.
Main Benefits of MIWA
MIWA’s impact is impressive, and the numbers tell the story better than words alone:
- Reduces packaging material usage by 90% compared to single-use packaging.
- Decreases carbon footprint by 62%, making a significant dent in CO2 emissions.
- Achieves up to 71% reduction in overall environmental footprint, including factors like eco-toxicity, fossil fuel consumption, climate change impact, and water use.
- Ensures full traceability and control over product quality, hygiene, safety, and impact data.
- Maintains the highest hygiene and safety standards—no direct product handling in stores, no cross-contamination risks, and no shortened expiration dates.
- Offers an attractive and motivating shopping experience with instant rewards and brand loyalty programs.
- Provides reliable service support, guiding partners step-by-step to ensure smooth operations.
How MIWA Revolutionizes Packaging
MIWA isn’t just another reusable packaging solution—it’s a game changer. By integrating smart technology with circular economy principles, MIWA traces, monitors, and controls packaging materials throughout their lifecycle. This system drastically cuts down on waste and material use, proving that reuse can be more effective than recycling alone. The technology upgrade in 2023 expanded MIWA’s product portfolio and enhanced its capabilities, making it even more versatile across various daily-use products like food, pet food, and personal care items. The possibilities? Endless. MIWA unlocks new business potential by making reuse attractive, efficient, and scalable.
Recognition and Achievements
MIWA’s innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Since its inception in 2017, it has earned numerous accolades and partnerships:
- Winner of The New Plastics Economy Innovation Prize (2017) and active member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
- Selected by the Solar Impulse Foundation in 2020 as one of 1000+ profitable environmental solutions.
- Recipient of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator grant and investment funding in 2021.
- Finalist in the Social Innovation Tournament (2018) and member of the SIT Alumni.
- Listed in the 50 to Watch programme (2021), chosen from over 800 companies worldwide.
- Awarded by the Association of Social Responsibility in the Czech Republic (2018).
- Recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2022, joining ranks with Google, Spotify, and Airbnb.
MIWA’s Story and Mission
Since 2017, MIWA has been on a mission to stop waste before it even happens. Founder Petr Báča envisioned a world where packaging waste is minimized by removing barriers to reuse at scale. Instead of relying on recycling—which only effectively processes 2% of plastic waste—MIWA focuses on preventing waste through smart, reusable packaging. This approach aligns perfectly with circular economy principles, emphasizing reuse over disposal. The company’s dedication is clear: turning reuse into the new normal, making it easy for customers, retailers, and manufacturers to buy, distribute, and sell goods responsibly.
MIWA’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water (reducing plastic pollution)
- SDG 15: Life on Land (minimizing waste impact)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (advancing sustainable technologies)
Looking Ahead: The Future of Packaging
MIWA’s journey is just beginning. With its technology now launched in major retailers like REWE in Germany and Albert Heijn in the Netherlands, and partnerships expanding, the potential for global impact is huge. The system’s convenience, hygiene, and scalability make it stand out from immature solutions on the market. As consumer demand for sustainable packaging grows, MIWA is perfectly positioned to lead the charge. It’s not just about reducing waste—it’s about creating a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for packaging worldwide. And honestly, if change can happen on this scale, who knows how far it can go?
