ATLAS Vending, Malaysia’s leading provider of vending solutions, has achieved a historic milestone by securing the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the ‘Thinnest Reverse Vending Machine with a Compaction System’. The award ceremony was held at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, where an official Guinness World Record adjudicator was present to validate this record-breaking achievement.
The launch event featured Yang Berhormat Tuan Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, who unveiled the ATLAS ECOPOD alongside Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, Chief Executive Officer of the Etika Group of Companies and Amy Gan, VP of Marketing at Etika. Key stakeholders, industry partners, and media members were in attendance, witnessing ATLAS Vending’s continued leadership in sustainability-focused innovation.
The ATLAS ECOPOD is a reverse vending machine designed to collect PET bottles and aluminium cans, built on the principles of efficiency, precision, and user-friendly technology. Its ultra-slim profile, measuring at 35cm, makes it uniquely suited for modern urban environments and high-traffic public spaces, while its AI-powered systems allow it to sort, scan, and reward users with redeemable credits for recycling.
With the ATLAS Ecopod’s Guinness World Record achievement, the machine joins a list of award-winning ATLAS Vending’s innovative and sustainable offerings. These efforts reinforce ATLAS’s role in building a smarter, more sustainable Malaysia.
From emphasising accessibility and inclusivity through the introduction of Braille-enabled machines for the visually impaired and wheelchair-accessible designs to social responsibility initiatives like Kempen Penyegar Dahaga RM1 in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, offering affordable hydration options, and partnership with Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Vinda Malaysia to combat period poverty with an innovative solution that uses a card access system to dispense free packs of sanitary napkins, prioritising privacy and dignity for users in marginalised communities.
Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, CEO of Etika Group of Companies, commented, “Achieving this Guinness World Record is a significant milestone for ATLAS Vending. The ATLAS ECOPOD transforms recycling into an engaging experience, reflecting our relentless pursuit of sustainable innovation. This record elevates our status on a global scale while reinforcing our commitment to drive environmental change for all Malaysians”
He added, “We are grateful for YB Nik Nazmi and the Ministry’s presence here today. Beyond validation, it is truly important and meaningful for us to do our part in supporting YB Nik Nazmi and the Malaysian government’s efforts for a greener Malaysia, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices that benefit all Malaysians.”
Yang Berhormat Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad praised ATLAS Vending’s contributions to Malaysia’s sustainability goals, saying, “This achievement extends beyond a corporate accolade. It forms part of a national initiative to accelerate the transition towards a green economy, in line with Malaysia’s commitments under Malaysia MADANI, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the National Circular Economy Policy, and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
This nationwide launch is in alignment with Malaysia’s Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing ATLAS Vending’s commitment to integrating environmental responsibility with technological innovation.
The ATLAS Ecopod builds on its Guinness World Record recognition with a seamless blend of compact design and full-function sustainability. It’s designed to fit anywhere and make recycling effortless, even in the tightest urban spaces. It accepts both PET bottles and aluminium cans, compressing them efficiently with a mechanical compaction system that maximises storage capacity whilst having sensors to ensure user safety. Behind its sleek frame is a smart, AI-powered system—IoT-enabled for real-time diagnostics, featuring brand-verifying barcode scanners to distinguish and reward recycling of ETIKA’s PET bottles and aluminium cans. The discount redemption can take place at ATLAS vending machines nationwide.
ATLAS Vending will deploy the first 100 ATLAS ECOPOD units nationwide, reinforcing its mission to drive positive environmental impact through innovation. In this initial rollout, consumers who recycle Etika beverage products will receive bonus reward points, creating a seamless connection between responsible disposal and everyday consumption. This initiative reflects Etika’s deep commitment to a circular economy, closing the loop between product use and recycling while encouraging sustainable behaviour through incentives.
Following this launch, ATLAS Vending is inviting corporate partners, building owners, developers, and public institutions to adopt the ATLAS ECOPOD and be part of a nationwide movement toward more inclusive, efficient recycling. This initiative offers a practical, space-conscious solution to reducing the carbon footprint, without compromising user experience or operational performance.
For more information on ATLAS Vending and the ATLAS ECOPOD, visit their website here.
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