Evaluating Plastichero’s Potential for Mitigating Plastic Pollution Using Blockchain

INTRODUCTION

The environmental and economic cost of plastic pollution is a growing concern, posing a significant threat not only to our planet’s ecosystems but also to the very resources that fuel the digital age.  

Every year, an estimated 381 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally, with a staggering 11 million tons leaking into our oceans. This plastic pollution harms marine life, disrupts delicate ecosystems, and carries a hefty price tag.  

A 2020 McKinsey report estimates the annual economic cost of plastic pollution to be between $3.3 trillion and $4.9 trillion by 2040.  The energy consumption for plastic production is another cause for alarm.  A 2019 study by Science Advances revealed that plastic production and incineration alone contribute to roughly 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure projected to rise to 5.6% by 2050 if current trends continue.  These statistics paint a sobering picture, highlighting the urgent need for solutions that address plastic pollution while fostering a more sustainable future. 

OVERVIEW 

Addressing this challenge, Plastichero provides a forward-thinking solution. By leveraging blockchain technology, AI-powered robotics, and machine learning, Plastichero is pioneering efforts toward a sustainable future and making significant strides in combating plastic pollution. This comprehensive approach disrupts traditional recycling methods by utilizing its ISO-certified shredding technology on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. 

REGULATIONS

In March 2022, the UN Environmental Assembly in Nairobi tackled the global plastic crisis, with 175 nations voting to adopt a global plastic pollution treaty set for implementation by 2025. This treaty aims to establish a common standard for plastic consumption worldwide, akin to the successful Montreal Protocol. It presents a critical opportunity to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution, with ocean plastic expected to increase by 15% during the negotiation period. This treaty provides a once-in-a-generation chance to end plastic pollution.

Moreover, The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) 2023 report, “Turning Off the Tap: How the World Can End Plastic Pollution and Create a Circular Economy,” outlines a strategy to achieve an 80% reduction in global plastic waste by 2044. Meeting UNEP’s ambitious goal is feasible through three achievable market shifts that are necessary and affordable for consumers. This includes eliminating unnecessary plastics like excessive packaging and promoting refillable bottles. Enhancing recycling infrastructure is also considered an essential step by the UNEP. 

Adhering to that, Plastichero offers an opportunity for businesses across nations to abide by the UNEP strategy, and align with the regulatory compliances of reducing carbon footprint to achieve a sustainable future.  

PROCESS

Recycling becomes effortless as users can deposit used PET bottles into Plastichero’s AI-powered Robots. The built-in intelligence sorts the bottles by color and transparency for efficient recycling, eliminating manual sorting delays. 

With shredding capabilities, each Robot can shred six PET bottles at once and store over 2,600 shredded bottles internally, making it the most efficient reverse vending machine available. 

Furthermore, the Plastichero ecosystem leverages its native token, the PTH coin, to incentivize eco-conscious actions. Users are rewarded with one PTH coin for each deposited PET bottle.  These coins can be converted into loyalty points, redeemable for various products and services in partnered stores, or exchanged for cash (USDT) through cryptocurrency exchanges. 

Additionally, each of these Robots is capable of mining PTH nodes, making it investment-friendly. 

PLASTIC LIFECYCLE 

Once a user deposits a PET bottle in the Plastichero AI Robot, users initiate a comprehensive recycling process. The Robot shreds the bottle into minute plastic flakes. These flakes are then collected and transported to the recycling facility.

Here, the flakes undergo a transformation process. A portion is converted into pyrolysis oil, a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel alternative. The remaining material undergoes further processing to create plastic pellets. These pellets are then reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle, where they are transformed into a wide range of products. Examples include furniture components, food containers and cutlery, school and office supplies, automobile and communication device parts, fashion accessories, and even home décor items.

This approach exemplifies a true circular economy. Through this, Plastichero reduces reliance on virgin plastic materials and promotes sustainability.

GOALS

Looking towards the future, Plastichero has outlined goals for 2028, showcasing its vision for significant growth and global impact. A $10 billion company valuation target reflects their confidence in the widespread adoption of their AI Robots and the potential for recurring revenue streams through the Plastichero mobile app. A  projected per-share price of $1000 indicates their belief in the long-term value proposition for investors.

Plastichero plans to engage 100 million daily active users on its mobile app and recycle 100 billion PET bottles annually, significantly impacting plastic waste management. The company also targets selling 275,000 PTH AI Robots globally and establishing a presence in 195 countries, highlighting its vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable plastic recycling.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, Plastichero’s journey began in 2021 with an extensive research and development team working to identify the market scopes in 2022 alongside a team of techies working round the clock to develop a user-friendly mobile application. 2023 saw their global headquarters established in Dubai and initial deployments of their AI Robots. By 2024, they had expanded into multiple Asian countries with over 54 Robots deployed in South Korea alone. 

The company received recognition from the South Korean Ministry of Environment soon after it launched and went on to receive the KC certification for its “PlasticHero Kiosk” shredding and recovery machines, which acknowledged Plastichero’s adherence to Korean safety and quality standards. Plastichero has further solidified its dedication to sustainability by achieving ISO 9001 (Quality Management), 14001 (Environmental Management), and 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) certifications. These achievements demonstrate Plastichero’s focus on responsible operations and adherence to international standards.

ECOSYSTEM

The Plastichero AI Robot is at the heart of the operation. This AI-powered Robot handles PET collection with remarkable efficiency. Its eight-unit structure and advanced technology increase collection capacity while reducing costs. On-site AI sorts plastic types, maximizing the recycling value of recovered materials. Machine learning continuously improves this process, ensuring optimal performance.

The Plastichero Mobile App is a user-friendly tool (available for iOS and Android) that empowers users to participate in the recycling revolution. Users can earn reward points in the form of PTH coins for every bottle deposited. Additional points can be earned through referrals or by shopping at partnered stores using the app. Beyond rewards, the app offers a wealth of environment-related content and recycling tips.

The PTH Coin is the lifeblood of the Plastichero ecosystem, incentivizing participation and offering real value. Users earn coins by depositing PET bottles, contributing to a cleaner planet. PTH coins extend their functionality beyond the Plastichero platform through a bridged version—the PTH (ERC-20) token (1:1 ratio). PTH is listed on prominent exchanges, MEXC and Probit Global, paired with the USDT stablecoin, enhancing its accessibility and liquidity.

The PTH Points offer immediate value within the Plastichero ecosystem. Earned by exchanging PTH coins (acquired via depositing PET bottles), PTH Points function as an in-app currency for purchasing various products. Partnered brands offer gift certificates and merchandise within the Plastichero Shop (available in the Plastichero mobile app), providing users with tangible rewards for their eco-friendly actions.

FEATURES

Plastichero offers its users a noteworthy array of features, both the end users and the Plastichero AI Robot owners. To understand this, let’s break down the role of each of these players in the Plastichero ecosystem. 

The Plastichero AI Robot owners: These are businesses that have invested in Plastichero’s AI-powered robots and deployed them in their locations.

The features for the buyers include:

• Customizable loyalty program to increase customer engagement: Plastichero offers a customizable loyalty program, allowing businesses to design unique reward structures that incentivize repeat visits in their stores and strengthen customer loyalty.
• Collaborative marketing to enhance brand image: Collaborating with Plastichero to customize the AI Robot according to a company’s brand image enhances a company’s eco-conscious brand image, visibility, and customer reach when placed in public locations.  
• Earn revenue through streamlined operations: The Plastichero team collects plastic waste from the Robot when it reaches 80% capacity and pays the Robot owners based on the weight of the plastic. This process allows businesses to generate additional revenue from their commitment to recycling.
• Expand passive income opportunities by minting PTH: Plastichero AI Robot mints 540 PTH coins daily through its eight in-built nodes. The majority of these PTH coins go to the Robot owners, offering them a significant passive income opportunity.

The end users:  These are the individuals who utilize Plastichero’s AI-powered Robots to recycle their used PET bottles. 

The features for the end users are: 

• Effortless recycling: The user experience is designed for simplicity. Users simply deposit their used PET bottles into the Robots, promoting effortless participation in the recycling process.
• Earn rewards for their eco-consciousness: Plastichero rewards users with PTH coins for every recycled bottle. These coins can be converted to cash (USDT) or traded on the crypto market and redeemed for products and services from partnered brands via the Plastichero app.
• Create an environmental impact:  By participating in Plastichero’s program, users help reduce plastic waste and promote a cleaner planet. This supports the development of a carbon-neutral society driven by a circular economy.
• Earn referral rewards through the mobile app: Plastichero empowers its users by providing referral rewards when they bring more users to the platform. This gamified approach further incentivizes responsible plastic disposal and fosters a culture of sustainability within the user base.