Our Story – Eco – Cycle Group

Our Story

Eco-Cycle Environmental Group (EEG) was founded in 2010 by Michael Calamas and Garth Oertel, two lifelong friends with a vision to transform the environmental sector in South Africa.

After identifying gaps in the recycling industry, they started small with limited resources and developed innovative solutions to streamline recycling processes for supermarkets. Their breakthrough came when they introduced vertical baling machines, creating a new revenue stream for retailers and establishing EEG as a key player in the industry. Their success attracted an equity partnership with Corruseal Group, further enhancing their ability to provide sustainable packaging solutions.

In 2015, the duo formalized their ambitions by creating the Eco-Cycle Environmental Group and expanded into renewable energy through their division Eco-Cycle Innovate. With South Africa experiencing energy challenges, EEG capitalized on the demand for solar and hybrid solutions, securing large solar projects and installing over 20 megawatts of power in just a few years. Their achievements drew the attention of TSG Group, a global technology giant, which acquired a stake in Eco-Cycle Innovate after rigorous assessments, placing EEG among an elite group of companies selected by TSG for investment.

EEG’s business model is anchored in the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ philosophy, balancing environmental, economic, and social impact. The group supports conservation efforts through partnerships with the WWF and contributes to community development with character-building programs in township schools. Looking ahead, EEG aims to build large-scale power plants, introduce electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and expand their environmental services across Africa. Their journey from humble beginnings to becoming global partners reflects the founders' commitment to ethical business practices, consistency, and sustainability, proving that profitability and purpose can go hand in hand.

MISSION

Through Innovation & Technology provide Environmental Solutions focused on the ‘Triple Bottom Line’

Producing Results that Remain Economically Attractive whilst Reducing the Environmental Impact of Business Driving Conservation & Supporting Sustainable Community Programs

Ultimately Making a Difference in South Africa

Innovation

Dedication

Hard Work

Passion

The group operates and is guided by it's

core values

The company has created a family culture of oneness, dedicated to uplifting and educating team members to become better people. Giving-back has from the start formed part of its overarching strategies.

Partnerships

TSG: FACTS & FIGURES

giving is a part of our story

EEG are proud to be a Green Network Partner of the WWF Annually, we financially support local environmental projects throughout South Africa which include but are not limited to, Water doesn’t come from a TAP, Plastic in Oceans, Rhino Pouching.

We believe in South Africa & aim to be part of the solution!
The South African youth unemployment rate is over 50%, this is a scary notion for the future of our country.
With the notion of understanding that the youth is our future, we’ve decided to take action by implementing an internationally accredited youth character building program called Men & Ladies of Honour (M&LOH) in previously disadvantaged high schools across South Africa.

Apart from funding the program, EEG actually deliver, manage & conduct the course at these schools.
The best performing students qualify for University or Technicon funding by EEG.

Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) is a leading food security, environmental sustainability, and greening partner to EEG. Together, we plant indigenous trees across South Africa uplifting areas and providing food security for people in need.

"I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”

Thomas Edison