Innovation

Ecocentric is a social enterprise based in Dubai, UAE, that is revolutionizing the food delivery industry with an innovative, zero-waste approach. Founded in 2021, Ecocentric uses reusable containers made from rice husk, a byproduct of rice production, which can be reused up to 500 times and are compostable at the end of their lifecycle. The company also employs electric motorbikes for delivery, ensuring that its operations are entirely plastic-free and emission-free. By partnering with local restaurants and introducing a consumer loyalty program tied to carbon savings, Ecocentric encourages sustainable consumption habits while offering a convenient, eco-conscious alternative to traditional food delivery services.

This innovative solution directly addresses several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). By tackling the problem of single-use packaging waste, Ecocentric not only reduces the environmental impact of food delivery but also contributes to public health by avoiding microplastics in its containers. The company emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when the founder recognized the excessive waste generated by food deliveries. After two years of research and development, Ecocentric successfully integrated sustainability into the UAE’s cultural and logistical landscape, providing a scalable and replicable model for eco-friendly food delivery. Through its pioneering approach, Ecocentric exemplifies how businesses can align profit with purpose, driving positive environmental and societal impact while promoting the circular economy.

Inspiration

The inception of Ecocentric was deeply rooted in Sara, the founders', firsthand experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CEO recounted, "During the pandemic, we ordered a lot of food online, and one delivery company even asked for feedback. When we pointed out the excessive packaging waste, their response was that they couldn’t do anything about it as they were 'just a platform.' That’s when we realized the gravity of the problem and decided to act."

The founders’ research revealed the broader issue of single-use plastics across industries, not just in food delivery but also in e-commerce. They were inspired by similar reusable packaging systems in the West and began exploring ways to improve upon these solutions for the UAE. The CEO reflected, "It took us over two years to research and develop a system that could tackle this issue while aligning with the UAE’s culture and lifestyle.

The founders were driven by both environmental and health concerns. Their primary motivation was to reduce the environmental harm caused by single-use plastics while addressing the health risks they posed. The CEO emphasized, “We all know that plastics, even the PBA-free ones, leach microplastics when heated. These microplastics end up in our food and bodies, and the effects can be devastating—there’s even research showing plastics in unborn babies’ placentas.”

In addition to these concerns, the UAE’s legislative steps toward sustainability provided further encouragement. “The federal decree on eliminating single-use plastics showed us that businesses and consumers alike were ready for change. We wanted to create a practical solution to help people and restaurants adapt,” the CEO explained.

Overall impact

Ecocentric has carved out a unique space in the UAE’s food delivery industry by combining sustainability with convenience. The use of reusable, rice husk-based containers and electric motorbike deliveries differentiates Ecocentric from traditional platforms. Restaurants benefit significantly, as the model eliminates the cost of single-use packaging. Ecocentric provides containers free of charge in exchange for a commission, creating a win-win partnership. This approach has fostered relationships with 30 restaurants, with plans for rapid expansion. The founder, Sara, noted: “If we remove the reusable containers and electric delivery mode, we would be just like any other delivery platform. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.”

Ecocentric’s participation in incubator programs, such as the Authority of Social Contributions in Abu Dhabi, has not only secured grants but also provided exposure through various events. Sara shared: “The UAE has been amazing in giving us platforms to pitch and gain visibility, which has helped us grow faster.”

In the short term, Ecocentric has successfully integrated its model into the operations of partnered restaurants with minimal disruption, fostering immediate reductions in waste and emissions. Customers have embraced the reusable container system, incentivized by loyalty programs that showcase their carbon savings. This has cultivated a culture of environmental consciousness while maintaining convenience.

Long-term, Ecocentric envisions scaling its operations across other Emirates and partnering with larger food delivery platforms to standardize reusable systems in the industry. Evidence of its success includes measurable carbon savings, the reusability of containers up to 500 times, and environmental benefits like water and energy conservation. By offering a scalable, eco-conscious alternative, Ecocentric is not only transforming food delivery in the UAE but also setting a benchmark for sustainable practices globally.

Business benefit

 Ecocentric has carved out a unique space in the UAE’s food delivery industry by combining sustainability with convenience. The use of reusable, rice husk-based containers and electric motorbike deliveries differentiates Ecocentric from traditional platforms. Restaurants benefit significantly, as the model eliminates the cost of single-use packaging. Ecocentric provides containers free of charge in exchange for a commission, creating a win-win partnership. This approach has fostered relationships with 30 restaurants, with plans for rapid expansion. The founder,Sara, noted: “If we remove the reusable containers and electric delivery mode, we would be just like any other delivery platform. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.”

Ecocentric’s participation in incubator programs, such as the Authority of Social Contributions in Abu Dhabi, has not only secured grants but also provided exposure through various events. Sara shared: “The UAE has been amazing in giving us platforms to pitch and gain visibility, which has helped us grow faster.”

Social and environmental benefit

Ecocentric’s innovation is fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness among its users. The circular model encourages customers to return containers and participate in loyalty programs tied to carbon savings. Sara explained: “Customers see how much carbon dioxide they’ve saved and earn green leaves to redeem on our platform. It’s about creating sustainable habits while offering convenience.”

Moreover, Ecocentric tackles health concerns by offering microplastic-free containers. This has resonated with health-conscious consumers, as Sara highlighted: “Plastics, even the PBA-free ones, leach microplastics into food. Our containers address this health issue while reducing waste.” 

The environmental impact is profound. A single meal can generate up to 1.5 grams of plastic waste,which adds up to massive volumes daily. Sara emphasized: “If Ecocentric can handle 100,000 orders per day, imagine the amount of plastic we can save—each container can be reused 500 times or more.” The containers, made from rice husk, decompose within 90 days in a commercial composter or two years in natural soil, compared to the thousands of years it takes for plastic.

Additionally, the use of electric motorbikes eliminates emissions associated with delivery, while reducing the production and transportation of single-use plastics saves water and energy. Sara noted: “It’s not just about waste reduction—think of the energy and water saved from not producing single-use materials repeatedly.

Interview

Sara Llalla, CEO