PUTRAJAYA: The world's thinnest reverse vending machine that compacts cans and bottles is expected to contribute to Malaysia’s goal of increasing the recycling rate of plastics, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The Atlas ECOPOD will hopefully also reduce the use of new plastic materials, said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister.
“This is not just a Malaysian corporate achievement, but will support the national initiative to increase recycling, reduce our carbon footprint and transition to a circular and green economy,” said Nik Nazmi, when launching the ECOPOD, which was developed by local firm Atlas Vending.
This initiative could also help the country meet its targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing recycling and reducing the demand for the production of new plastic materials, Nik Nazmi said.
“Malaysia produces more than 1 million tonnes of plastic waste a year and of that, only a fraction is recycled. I believe that the ECOPOD could help our national goal of cutting down on that waste,” Nik Nazmi said when launching the machine at his ministry, here Thursday (May 8).
The 35cmm-wide machine is expected to sit next to the 7,000 existing vending machines operated by Atlas Vending, says Etika Group of Companies CEO Santharuban Thurai Sundaram.
The Etika Group of Companies owns Atlas Vending, which is recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest food and beverage vending machine operator across Malaysia and Singapore.
These vending machines sell 16 brands of the most popular juices, sodas and waters nationwide, said Santharuban.
Consumers will be able to earn credits by feeding the ECOPOD empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans from beverages bought at any Atlas Vending machine.
“These credits can then be redeemed and used at the vending machine for buying beverages”.
In the initial rollout, the company plans to install 100 ECOPODS next to its vending machines nationwide, especially in high traffic areas such as transport hubs, malls and universities.
Today’s launch ceremony also saw the Guinness Book of World Records recognising the ECOPOD for being the ‘Thinnest Reverse Vending Machine with a Compaction System’.
