Bottleneck is part of a partner collective that is committed to the sustainable use of resources and zero waste. Together, we organize workshops, cleanups and many other events. We show you first-hand how the circular economy works in real life – and that sustainability can be really fun. Discover our events and activities on our interactive map now.
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01 - Together against the waste of resources
We dream of a world in which packaging is recycled as added value or a deposit – and in which used glass does not disappear into the trash, but is recognized as a valuable resource and reused creatively. Whether as a practical everyday helper or, better still, as an initiator for environmental education and participation that sticks in the long term and makes a difference – we give used glass a second life.
Together with our partners and initiatives, we ensure that mountains of waste shrink. We raise awareness and empower people for an inclusive, conscious and resource-conserving lifestyle and economy and play an active role in shaping this.
Our specially developed glass bottle separator makes it possible: separating bottles – fast, clean and mobile. This results in completely new products that are not only sustainable, but also really stylish.
And because we believe that great ideas only become truly great together, we have a whole network of partners behind us who are just as passionate and creative as we are. Together, we impart knowledge about recycling, waste prevention and the environment, get stuck in and take zero waste to the next level.
02 - Our work on site
What we want to achieve
Upcycling makes resources visible. The new glass products are reused by the participants – for a conscious, creative and sustainable lifestyle. We explain how to separate used glass correctly and how to find container locations
Experience upcycling live! Private and public organizations can use our expertise and technology to actively promote environmental awareness – with visible results. Citizens bring collected used glass bottles to us or our partners and take home upcycled products made from them, such as drinking glasses, containers or lights. Leftover glass is professionally separated on site.
With our interactive stand, DIY workshops and show boards, we demonstrate how bottles can be creatively cut open in just one minute.
03 - Our team
Behind Bottleneck are Cornelia Höhne and Sarah Gohm. It all started with a simple problem, a bottleneck: too many bottles and no opportunity to dispose of them. This challenge gave rise to the motivation to create something new from every bottle – and to do it in a way that is fun, easy to implement and repeatable.
And that's us
04 - Our project partners
Senatsverwaltung für Mobilität, Verkehr, Klimaschutz und Umwelt
Netzwerkstelle für Umweltbildung Berlin
05 - Your career at Bottleneck
Making a big difference on a small scale
Do you want to reduce mountains of waste and get people excited about zero waste? Would you like to make products from used glass together with us or independently and sell or distribute them yourself or with us?
Then join the Bottleneck team or write to us! Here, everything revolves around creative solutions for used glass and the like – always with the aim of initiating real change.
Unfortunately, we currently have no vacancies. However, you are welcome to send us an unsolicited application.
Bottleneck is an environmental initiative that aims to integrate zero waste and upcycling in the long term together with our partners. If you would like to support us, have an idea for a project or would like to complete your internship with us, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Use our ReUp setups to make sustainable products from used glass – for your own sale or to refinance your project. You can work flexibly, lead your own workshops or make creative upcycling products. Interested? Get in touch with us!
06 - Become a partner or join in
07 - Anything else?
No matter what - whether it's about financing, funding, setup or workshop documents: We'll be happy to help you! If you still have any questions, just write to us!
Setting up and dismantling our upcycling setups is uncomplicated and time-saving. Thanks to our modular systems, which are delivered either on a cargo bike or in a practical case, transportation is easy. All you need on site is enough space to set it up. With the enclosed assembly instructions, assembly is quick and requires no prior technical knowledge.
Yes, absolutely! Our upcycling workshops and DIY setups are safe and certified. The bottle separators used comply with the applicable safety standards and are CE-marked. This means we can guarantee safe and harmless use - even for educational projects and events.
Yes, there are various funding opportunities depending on the type of project and accessibility. We will be happy to advise you individually on suitable funding programs, especially when it comes to educational projects, sustainability initiatives or community campaigns. Just get in touch with us and we'll find the right solution together!
Yes, absolutely! Our upcycling workshops and DIY setups are safe and certified. The bottle separators used comply with the applicable safety standards and are CE-marked. This means we can guarantee safe and harmless use - even for educational projects and events.
Yes, that is possible! Our DIY workshops and ReUp boxes are designed so that you can use them independently. The comprehensive operating instructions and clearly structured materials make it easy to set them up yourself. This allows you to carry out the upcycling activity flexibly and independently.
Our upcycling workshops are worthwhile even for small groups, depending on the format and type of workshop. Whether for team events, school projects or joint activities - the flexible design makes it possible to work creatively with both a few and many participants.
