Atlas Vending, SWCorp join forces to transform recycling with 50 Ecopods

Atlas Vending, SWCorp join forces to transform recycling with 50 Ecopods

The companies have signed a MoU to bring the record-breaking innovation to wet markets, universities, hospitals, and other high-footfall areas.

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(From left) SWCorp deputy CEO Zulkifli Tamby Chik and CEO Khalid Mohamed, Etika CEO Santharuban T Sundaram, and Etika marketing manager Kalithasan Sothinathan with the signed MoUs. (Atlas Vending pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
Atlas Vending, the vending machine arm of Etika Sdn Bhd, and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) have signed a memorandum of understanding to embark on a mission towards a greener Malaysia.

The partnership will see the companies scaling up recycling infrastructure, embedding sustainable habits into daily lives, and making green living more accessible through SWCorp’s adoption of 50 Ecopods from Atlas Vending.

The Guinness World Records-recognised innovation is hailed as the world’s thinnest reverse-vending machine with a can-compaction system. Each unit has the capacity to hold up to 214 crushed cans and 70 bottles per cycle despite its build, proving that smart design can achieve both efficiency and impact.

Atlas will work alongside SWCorp to deploy the units at strategic high-footfall locations, including wet markets, hospitals, universities, and urban transformation centres. The sleek Ecopod fits seamlessly into these environments, making recycling convenient without adding to space concerns.

Indeed, the Ecopod is created with ease in mind: users only need their mobile number to start recycling and redeem credits. Those who recycle Etika products are rewarded with credits that can be redeemed on the spot at adjacent Atlas vending machines for discounted drinks.

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Khalid trying out an Ecopod machine while Kalithasan looks on. (Atlas Vending pic)

“With Ecopod, we are giving communities, especially the younger generation, an interactive platform to embrace recycling and support the nation’s sustainability goals,” said SWCorp CEO Khalid Mohamed.

Etika CEO Santharuban Thurai Sundaram added: “This collaboration is an important step in advancing Malaysia’s circular economy. By linking recycling directly with Etika’s product range, Ecopod makes it easier for people to turn everyday consumption into a sustainable act.

“Our goal is not only to provide smarter solutions but also to encourage more Malaysians to change their habits, raise awareness, and improve recycling rates. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment and inspire a lasting culture of sustainability for future generations,” he said.

Since its launch in May, the Ecopod has captured strong public and corporate interest, setting a new benchmark for space-efficient recycling. Adoption has been swift, with Atlas already on track to deploy 100 machines within the first year.

For more information, visit Atlas Vending’s Facebook page.

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