ATLAS Vending and SW Corp Join Forces to Transform Recycling in Malaysia with 50 ECOPODs

In a landmark step towards a greener Malaysia, ATLAS Vending, the vending machine arm of Etika Sdn Bhd, and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SW Corp) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at SW Corp’s headquarters in Cyberjaya.

This public-private partnership unites two national leaders with a shared mission: scaling up recycling infrastructure, embedding sustainable habits into daily life, and making green living more accessible to all Malaysians.

Under the agreement, SW Corp will adopt 50 ECOPODs from ATLAS Vending, the Guinness World Records-recognised reverse vending machine (RVM) hailed as the world’s thinnest with a can compaction system. ATLAS will also work alongside SW Corp to deploy the units at strategic, high-impact locations identified by the corporation.

Making recycling part of daily routines

ECOPOD will be deployed at wet markets, hospitals, universities, and Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs) – all high-footfall, often congested locations where placing machines can be a challenge. With its sleek, space-saving design, ECOPOD fits seamlessly into these environments, making recycling convenient without adding to space concerns.

Unlike conventional reverse vending machines that take up the space of both a recycling unit and a vending machine, ECOPOD combines the best of both worlds in one slim footprint, offering greater benefits without compromise. Despite its compact build, each unit has the capacity to hold up to 214 crushed cans and 70 bottles per cycle, proving that smart design can achieve both efficiency and impact.

ECOPOD is designed with simplicity at its core. Users only need their mobile number to start recycling and redeem credits. Those who recycle Etika products are instantly rewarded with credits that can be redeemed on the spot at the adjacent ATLAS vending machine for discounted drinks, making recycling both convenient and exciting.

“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. As the ECOPOD continues to evolve, 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,” said Santharuban T. Sundaram, CEO of Etika Sdn Bhd.

Ybrs. Tuan Khalid Bin Mohamed, CEO of SW CORP, emphasised, “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.”

Driving National Sustainability Goals

Locally designed and built, ECOPOD is a “Buatan Malaysia” innovation created for Malaysians, proving that homegrown solutions can tackle global challenges. By deploying these machines in high-footfall community spaces, ATLAS and SW Corp are not only making recycling convenient, but also demonstrating how Malaysian innovation can serve the nation’s sustainability needs.

This collaboration further strengthens Malaysia’s Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021- 2030, bridging infrastructure with everyday consumer participation to build long-term recycling habits. Since its launch in May 2025, 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.

The MOU with SW Corp amplifies this momentum, reflecting Malaysia’s collective determination to accelerate sustainability through innovation, partnership, and pride in local solutions.