Since Envac’s first system became operational in 1961, when its technology was installed in Sweden’s Sollefteå Hospital, the firm has carved an international reputation as the world’s largest provider of PWCS with over 1,000 installations currently operational in six continents.

Its inaugural system remains operational, as does many of the systems built as far back as the 1960s and 1970s. Over the course of six decades Envac has evolved to include contactless, pay-per-throw and even optical sorting technology. It has also established itself as a critical tool used to support the vision of smart cities worldwide.

The Swedish-headquartered firm, which is fully owned by Stena Adactum AB and part of the Stena Sphere, currently has a 70 per cent global market share of the PWCS sector.

Joakim Karlsson, Envac’s CEO, comments: “Envac’s success is the result of an international team made up of some of the best engineering and technological minds. However, Envac is ultimately a tool that can be used to create smarter cities, improve quality of life and help secure a greener planet for future generations. The waste collection landscape is shifting and I’m proud to say that Envac is at the cutting edge of this change. Our new identity will now play a significant role in strengthening our commitment to building smart and sustainable cities.”

PWCS technology is now the preferred solution in 44 cities around the world. The decision signifies a move to address growing volumes of waste generated by a rising population in densely populated urban environments. It also coincides with the decreasing availability of aboveground space typically used to house traditional methods of waste collection, such as household bins.

Tony Yates, Technical Director at SLR Consulting, global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions, adds: “Envac continues to play a disruptive role in shaping and maintaining smart and sustainable cities, and its ability to help society reach UN Sustainable Development Goals is clear. I would expect take-up of this technology to grow exponentially as external pressures, such as growing waste volumes and cities’ desire to de-risk their waste collection strategy, are prioritised.”