Environment

In a significant move set to reshape the circular economy in the Middle East, Basatne, a global leader in sustainable trade solutions and reverse logistics, has acquired Cartlow, a UAE-based pioneer in re-commerce and sustainable device management. The acquisition is expected to accelerate the region’s transition toward a more technology-driven circular economy.

With the Middle East facing an escalating e-waste crisis—exceeding 3 million metric tons annually—this strategic integration positions Basatne and Cartlow at the forefront of sustainable commerce. The re-commerce industry in the region is projected to surpass $30 billion by 2028, and this acquisition strengthens Basatne’s market presence while leveraging Cartlow’s proprietary technology to enhance efficiency in circular trade.

Cartlow has already recirculated over 1 million electronic devices, preventing 100,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to removing over 21,000 cars from the roads for a year. Through its closed-loop circular ecosystem, the company has generated over AED 500 million in value, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable commerce.

With this acquisition, Cartlow’s cutting-edge solutions will now operate under the Basatne Group, furthering the adoption of circularity and developing a scalable, globally integrated ecosystem. The company aims to recirculate millions of devices across multiple channels, strengthening its position as a leader in circular commerce with aspirations to become a unicorn in the industry.

Industry Leaders Speak on the Acquisition

"This acquisition represents a pivotal step toward shaping our global circular ecosystem," said Ammar Aboulnasr, Founder and CEO of Basatne. "In 2023, we launched Ardroid, the UAE’s leading refurbishing facility with AI and robotics-driven solutions for data wiping and diagnostics. Now, with Cartlow’s integration, we are establishing a fully closed-loop ecosystem, enabling seamless transactions and accelerating the transition toward a structured and scalable circular economy."

Echoing the significance of this move, Mohammad Sleiman, Founder and CEO of Cartlow, stated, "Joining forces with Basatne allows us to expand our technological reach beyond the region and scale sustainable practices across global markets. This synergy will revolutionize device lifecycle management and reinforce the region’s role as a leader in circular innovation."

Alignment with Regional Sustainability Goals

The acquisition aligns with major sustainability initiatives such as the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, both of which emphasize environmental responsibility, digital transformation, and economic diversification. As the UAE emerges as a hub for green technology and sustainable commerce, Basatne and Cartlow’s combined expertise will empower businesses, retailers, and consumers to adopt more responsible trade and consumption practices, further accelerating the shift toward a circular economy.

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