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iceep: Connecting Brands and Shoppers Through Circularity

iceep is dedicated to fostering a circular economy by connecting brands and shoppers through innovative takeback solutions. Their mission is to treat used products as valuable resources, reducing waste and enhancing customer loyalty. With a focus on technology, iceep aims to transform the way we think about product life cycles, making sustainability accessible and engaging…

iceep takeback solutions

What is iceep all about?

At iceep, circularity isn’t just a buzzword tied to sustainability. It’s about building and maintaining loyal relationships. The company champions the circular economy—a system that sees used products and materials as valuable resources instead of waste. For iceep, takeback is the gateway to this circular economy. It’s the simplest step a brand can take to kickstart its shift toward a circular business model. Their mission? To make this transition smooth, exciting, and meaningful for their customers.

The main benefit: connecting brands and shoppers through technology

What really sets iceep apart is how it leverages technology and digitalization in the takeback process. This isn’t just about recycling; it’s about creating fresh, dynamic ways for brands to connect with shoppers. These digital touchpoints put product exchanges at the end of life right at the heart of loyal, value-driven relationships. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight iceep’s journey:

  • 11 May 2020: Built the first digital takeback solution with a mobile app MVP during the Swiss Circular Economy Incubator Program.
  • 15 January 2021: Ranked in the TOP 5 Zero Waste Solutions globally by StartUs Insights, out of 329 startups.
  • 20 September 2021: European brands began adopting iceep as their takeback platform of choice.
  • 25 March 2022: Voted Switzerland’s most popular Get In the Ring impact startup and invited to ImpactFest, Europe’s leading impact event.
  • 19 September 2022: Closed a successful pre-seed funding round with smart investors backing their vision.
  • 5 June 2023: Transformed the product from a third-party app to an e-commerce plug-in, integrating takeback directly into customers’ digital experiences.
  • 23 August 2023: Invited to join the Swiss government-funded Mono.Loop.Poly project as takeback experts, piloting a closed-loop system for synthetic textiles.

Why takeback matters so much

Takeback isn’t just a process; it’s the heartbeat of the circular economy. Iceep sees it as the simplest, most powerful action brands can take to start their circular journey. By treating used products as resources, brands can close the loop on materials, reduce waste, and build stronger bonds with their customers. It’s a gamechanger—turning end-of-life products into new beginnings.

Who’s behind iceep?

Simply put: the takeback geeks. These are the folks passionate about making circularity possible. They’re driven by hope and the opportunity to change how products and materials flow through the economy. Their expertise lies in blending technology with sustainability to create seamless, engaging takeback experiences that brands and shoppers love.

The urgency of textile waste

Every time you read a sentence like this, another truckload of textile waste is dumped in a landfill somewhere in the world. It’s a staggering reality that underscores why iceep’s mission is so critical. By enabling circular systems and takeback solutions, iceep helps tackle this massive environmental challenge head-on.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – promoting circular business models and reducing waste.
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – leveraging technology to innovate takeback processes.
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – reducing landfill waste and encouraging sustainable resource use.
  • SDG 13: Climate Action – cutting down emissions by closing material loops.
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with governments, research groups, and brands to scale impact.

Looking ahead: the future of circularity with iceep

Iceep’s journey is far from over. With its roots firmly planted in innovation and community, the company continues to push boundaries. From pioneering digital takeback solutions to joining government-backed projects like Mono.Loop.Poly, iceep is shaping the future of circularity. It’s about more than just technology—it’s about inspiring a movement where brands and shoppers come together to redefine how products live beyond their first use. The circular economy isn’t just a dream; it’s happening, one takeback at a time.

Arnaud Michel, founder of Keys for Tomorrow
About the curator

Arnaud Michel is the founder and curator of Keys for Tomorrow. In 2014, his master’s thesis on community currencies and sustainable development won the Prix Recherche at Belgium’s Prix de l’Économie Sociale; the research was later published as Ecological Economics (Elsevier, 2015). He curates this directory to the same standard, cross-checking every project against established certification bodies and directories — including B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and Solar Impulse Foundation — alongside direct research into each project’s own record. Connect on LinkedIn.

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Positive impact projects aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals