Nik Nazmi said the recycling machines, launched by beverage manufacturer and distributor Etika Sdn Bhd, reduces the need for manual labour, improves efficiency, and lowers operational costs.

“The Ecopod is not just a corporate achievement but a broader effort to realise national initiatives and goals in line with the Malaysia Madani commitment.

“Such an initiative also supports our national agenda to reduce the carbon footprint and promote resource sustainability, aligned with Malaysia’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” he said at the launch of the Atlas Ecopod at his ministry here today.

Etika Group manufactures, distributes and markets beverage brands including Pepsi, Mirinda, 7UP, Revive Isotonic, Gatorade, Lipton, Tropicana, Mountain Dew, Wonda Coffee, and Calpis.

The Atlas Ecopod is a reverse vending machine that collects polyethylene terephthalate bottles and aluminum cans, converting them into reward points that can be redeemed at vending machines.

It was also certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the thinnest reverse vending machine with a compaction system.

Nik Nazmi expressed hope that sustainable technology such as the Ecopod would educate the younger generation to take responsibility for the environment and practice low-carbon lifestyles.

“Single-use plastics are the main issue, but some plastics are unavoidable. When that happens, proper collection and recycling is vital.

“We all know about the plastic policies, but the challenge lies in operationalising these goals (reducing plastic use),” he said.

Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, CEO of Etika Group, said initial rollouts of the Ecopods will begin in two months for 50 units with a target of 100 nationwide by December.