ATLAS Vending, SW Corp boost recycling drive with 50 new ECOPODs

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia’s recycling efforts are gaining momentum as ATLAS Vending, the vending machine arm of Etika Sdn Bhd, and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SW Corp) join hands to make sustainable living part of everyday life.

In a significant step towards advancing the nation’s environmental goals, both organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at SW Corp’s headquarters in Cyberjaya.

The collaboration brought together two key national players with a shared mission to expand recycling infrastructure, strengthen sustainable habits, and make green living more accessible to all Malaysians.

Under the MOU, SW Corp agreed to adopt 50 ECOPODs from ATLAS Vending, which is a Guinness World Records-recognised reverse vending machine, hailed as the world’s thinnest with a can compaction system that is designed to combine innovation, convenience, and environmental impact.

The machines will be placed at wet markets, hospitals, universities, and Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs) which are areas often crowded and limited in space.

Its seamless integration into public spaces without disrupting movement or operations is attributed to ECOPOD’s slim and space-saving design.

Unlike conventional reverse vending machines that typically require larger footprints, ECOPOD merges the function of both a recycling and vending unit in one compact form.

Each unit can process up to 214 crushed cans and 70 bottles per cycle, showcasing how efficient engineering can drive real environmental impact.

Recycling with ECOPOD has also been made simple and rewarding as users only need to enter their mobile number to begin recycling and claim credits.

Those who recycle Etika products are immediately rewarded with credits that can be redeemed for discounted drinks at the adjacent ATLAS vending machine.

Etika Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Santharuban T. Sundaram said the collaboration marked an important milestone in advancing Malaysia’s circular economy and promoting greener lifestyles.

He described that the initiative bridges everyday consumption with sustainable action, allowing users to recycle immediately after finishing their drinks.

“This collaboration with SW Corp 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, finishing a drink and recycling the packaging on the spot,” said Santharuban.

He added that as the ECOPOD continues to evolve, their goal is not only to provide smarter solutions but also to encourage more Malaysians to change their habits, raise awareness, and improve recycling rates.

Santharuban believed that together, they can create a cleaner, healthier environment and inspire a lasting culture of sustainability for future generations.

Meanwhile, SW Corp Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ybrs. Tuan Khalid Bin Mohamed described the initiative as a strong example of public-private collaboration that strengthens Malaysia’s recycling ecosystem.

SW Corp Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ybrs. Tuan Khalid Bin Mohamed described the initiative as a strong example of public-private collaboration that strengthens Malaysia’s recycling ecosystem.

He emphasised that ECOPOD provides a hands-on, engaging platform that encourages more communities, particularly the younger generation, to take part in recycling.

“This partnership with ATLAS Vending is a model of smart collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen Malaysia’s recycling ecosystem.

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

Locally designed and built, ECOPOD represents a “Buatan Malaysia” (Made in Malaysia) innovation tailored for Malaysian needs.

Its deployment in public spaces demonstrates how homegrown solutions can address global challenges while aligning with national sustainability strategies.

The collaboration also supports the objectives of Malaysia’s Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2030, which connect recycling infrastructure with daily consumer participation.

Since its introduction in May 2025, ECOPOD has garnered widespread attention from both the public and corporate sectors, setting a new benchmark for compact and efficient recycling technology.

Moreover, ATLAS is already on course to roll out 100 units within its first year.

The MOU with SW Corp further strengthens this momentum, reinforcing Malaysia’s collective ambition to accelerate sustainability through innovation, strategic partnerships, and pride in local ingenuity.