Deep Tech

Hong Kong Startup Bitmo Lab Rethinks the Design of Location Trackers

Bitmo Lab is testing an ultra-thin, bendable tracker built to fit inside items traditional trackers can’t

Updated

February 12, 2026 4:43 PM

Bitmo Lab's MeetSticker tracker. PHOTO: BITMO LAB

Location trackers have become everyday accessories for keys, bags and luggage. But as personal items grow slimmer and more design-focused — from minimalist wallets to passport sleeves and specialised gear — tracking them has become less straightforward. Most trackers are built as small, rigid discs that assume the presence of space, loops or compartments. That assumption has created a growing mismatch between modern product design and the technology meant to secure it.

Hong Kong–based startup Bitmo Lab is attempting to address that gap with a device called MeetSticker. Instead of the solid plastic casing typical of most trackers, MeetSticker is engineered to be flexible and ultra-thin, measuring just 0.8 millimetres thick. The bendable design allows it to sit within narrow compartments or along curved surfaces without altering the shape of the object. Rather than attaching to an item externally, it is intended to integrate discreetly inside it.

That structural shift is the core of the product’s proposition. By removing the rigid shell that defines conventional tracking hardware, MeetSticker can be placed in items that previously had no practical way to accommodate a tracker. Bitmo Lab states that the device connects through a proprietary network and a companion application compatible with both iOS and Android, positioning it as a cross-platform solution rather than one tied to a single ecosystem.

The implications extend beyond form factor. Objects without obvious attachment points — such as compact travel accessories or specialised tools — could potentially be monitored without visible add-ons. In doing so, the device broadens the scope of tracking technology into categories where aesthetics, aerodynamics or compact design matter as much as functionality.

Before moving toward retail distribution, however, the company is focusing on validation. Bitmo Lab has launched a five-week global alpha testing programme beginning February 9. Sixty participants will receive a prototype unit and early access to the app. According to the company, the programme is designed to assess durability, usability and real-world performance before a wider commercial release. Participants who provide feedback will receive a retail unit upon launch.

Such testing is particularly relevant for flexible electronics. Unlike rigid devices, bendable hardware must withstand repeated flexing, daily handling and environmental exposure. Early user data can help refine manufacturing processes and software optimisation before scaling production.

As with other connected tracking devices, privacy considerations remain part of the equation. Bitmo Lab has stated that data collected during the alpha programme will be used strictly for testing purposes and deleted once the programme concludes.

Whether flexible trackers will redefine the category will depend on how they perform outside controlled testing environments. Still, the introduction of a near-invisible, bendable tracking device reflects a broader shift in consumer technology. As everyday products become thinner and more design-conscious, the tools built to protect them may need to adapt just as seamlessly.

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Strategy & Leadership

Sustainable Marketing in the Digital Era: Trends Small Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore

"Discover how emerging sustainability trends in digital marketing are reshaping the way small businesses connect with eco-conscious consumers."

Updated

January 8, 2026 6:35 PM

Protestor holding a sign "NO BUSINESS ON A DEAD PLANET" during a march. PHOTO: UNSPLASH

Sustainability has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a movement that’s reshaping business practices across industries. For small businesses, aligning with sustainable values isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about staying competitive in a world where consumers increasingly prioritize eco-conscious brands.

In the digital age, sustainable marketing is evolving rapidly, offering businesses new ways to reduce their environmental impact while engaging with customers who care deeply about the planet. Let’s take a closer look at the top trends driving sustainable marketing today and their implications for small businesses.

1. The rise of green digital advertising

Most people don’t realize that online advertising has an environmental cost. Every time an ad is displayed, clicked on, or streamed as a video, it consumes energy. This energy powers the servers, data centers, and networks that host and deliver these ads. The problem is that much of this energy still comes from non-renewable sources like coal and natural gas, which contribute to carbon emissions.

For small businesses, this could mean optimizing ad campaigns to reduce unnecessary data usage or using platforms that offset their carbon emissions. Additionally, adopting lighter website designs and faster-loading ads can not only reduce energy consumption but also improve user experience—leading to better engagement and conversion rates.

What this means for small businesses:

Small businesses can stand out by making their digital campaigns both efficient and eco-friendly. Highlighting these efforts in marketing messages can appeal to sustainability-minded customers while showcasing innovation.

2. Eco-packaging meets digital storytelling

Sustainable packaging is no longer optional—it’s an expectation. But for small businesses, it’s not just about switching to biodegradable materials. It’s about effectively communicating those efforts to customers through digital channels.

Brands are using their websites, social media, and email marketing to share the stories behind their packaging choices. Whether it’s sourcing recycled materials or partnering with eco-friendly suppliers, transparency is key. Educational content, such as videos or infographics, can help customers understand the impact of their purchases and feel good about supporting a brand.

What this means for small businesses:

By using digital platforms to tell the story of their sustainability efforts, small businesses can create deeper emotional connections with customers. Sharing behind-the-scenes processes or celebrating packaging milestones can boost loyalty and differentiate a brand from competitors.

3. The growth of eco-conscious influencers

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for brands, and the rise of eco-conscious influencers is creating new opportunities for businesses that prioritize sustainability. These influencers focus on topics like waste reduction, ethical consumption, and eco-friendly lifestyles, making them an ideal partner for sustainable brands.

Collaborating with such influencers allows small businesses to reach niche audiences that are already committed to sustainable living. These partnerships feel more authentic compared to traditional ads, as followers trust influencers to recommend products that align with their values.

What this means for small businesses:

Even small businesses with limited budgets can benefit from micro-influencers —individuals with smaller but highly engaged audiences. Partnering with eco-conscious influencers can amplify a business’s sustainability message and create a ripple effect of awareness.

4. Transparency and accountability take center stage

Consumers today are more skeptical of vague claims like "green" or "eco-friendly." They want specifics. Brands that embrace transparency by sharing measurable data about their sustainability efforts are earning trust and loyalty.

For example, brands that disclose the carbon footprint of their products or provide detailed information about their supply chains stand out in an age of greenwashing (misleading sustainability claims). This trend is particularly relevant for small businesses, as customers often expect smaller, local brands to be more ethical and transparent.

What this means for small businesses:

Being upfront about sustainability efforts—even if they’re still a work in progress—can build credibility. Sharing challenges, milestones, and small wins through social media or email newsletters makes the brand relatable and trustworthy.

5. Participation in the circular economy

The circular economy—a model in which products are reused, repaired, or recycled instead of discarded—is gaining momentum. Small businesses are finding creative ways to incorporate this principle into their operations and marketing.

For example, some businesses encourage customers to return used products in exchange for discounts or loyalty points. Others upcycle returned goods into new products and share this process with customers through digital platforms.

What this means for small businesses:

By participating in the circular economy, small businesses can differentiate themselves while building a loyal customer base. Promoting these initiatives online—whether through videos, blogs, or customer testimonials—can amplify their impact and attract eco-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

Sustainable marketing is more than a trend—it’s becoming a necessity for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, it represents both an opportunity to stand out in a competitive market and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the planet.

Emerging trends like green digital advertising, circular economy initiatives, and transparency are reshaping how brands connect with their audiences. By embracing these practices, small businesses can attract eco-conscious consumers, build loyalty, and foster trust—all while reducing their environmental footprint.

The future of marketing belongs to those who see sustainability not as an add-on, but as the foundation of their growth. For small businesses ready to take on this challenge, the rewards go beyond profits—they include making a lasting, positive impact on the planet and the people who inhabit it.