[Corporate Research Institute] Swedish Firm Targets Luxury Apartment Waste with Vacuum-like Precision

Nback Leads Automated Waste Transport Systems
"Challenging the Ordinary with Curiosity and Innovation"

Editor's NoteSouth Korea ranks second in the world for corporate research and development (R&D) spending (2022) and fourth for the number of patent applications filed in the United States (2020). However, the productivity growth rate of companies dropped sharply from an annual average of 6.1% between 2001 and 2010 to just 0.5% from 2011 to 2020. This slowdown is due to a decline in productivity growth among so-called "innovative companies" that are active in innovation initiatives. Without change, companies risk being left behind by the market. To help revive the innovation DNA of the industry, we look at case studies of innovation from leading global companies. Innovative companies will be the driving force to revitalize South Korea's stagnant economic growth rate.

"With curiosity and innovation, we challenge the ordinary, and with sustainability and responsibility, we will continue to take responsibility for resources, society, and the environment."

Joakim Karlsson, CEO of Sweden's Nback Group, shared the company's core values in an interview with Asia Economy on August 31. Nback developed the waste vacuum collection system, starting with a Swedish hospital in 1961, and now manages waste disposal for residential complexes worldwide, including South Korea. Operating in over 20 cities globally, Nback recorded sales of 1.8 billion Swedish kronor (approximately 262.4 billion won) last year, achieving 10% annual growth for the past four years.

Byungjin Kim, Assistant Manager of Maintenance Department at Nback Korea, is explaining the Nback system installed at Gwacheon Xi. Assistant Manager Kim said, "The trash discarded by residents is collected here and transported all at once." Photo by Hyunju Lee

Nback's business in South Korea began in 1999 with the installation of an automated waste transport system in the Yongin Suji District 2 residential area (10,000 households), which officially began operation in 2000. In response to requests from residents in neighboring districts, the company expanded the system to serve an additional 4,000 households in 2003 and 2005. Nback has now installed eco-friendly automated household waste transport systems in more than 30 redevelopment projects, including Gaepo DH Firstier I-Park, Godeok Gracium, Bangbae Gran Xi, and Cheolsan Xi The Heritage in Seoul, as well as in 16 new towns such as Sejong and Hyangnam in Hwaseong.

The waste disposal methods vary, ranging from direct disposal from inside the home to chutes located in hallways on each floor or outdoors. The technology has been newly developed and adapted for the Korean market. These include systems for weighing waste using RFID cards, deodorization equipment, automated input chutes, and systems to reduce filter dust generation. Trash is vacuumed into a collection unit, allowing collection vehicles to remove it all at once, which reduces both the frequency of garbage trucks circulating within apartment complexes and the associated risk of accidents and carbon dioxide emissions.

Hyun Sehyeok, Director of the Technology and Design Department at Nback Korea, said, "By meeting the high standards of Korean customers, we have become a global leader. The Housing and Development Board of Singapore is even studying the technology that Nback has implemented in Korea."

Garbage can be disposed of through chutes installed on each apartment floor. Residents use an RFID card key to open the chute and throw away their trash. The garbage is vacuumed and collected at a gathering facility located in the underground parking lot. An AI system is used to identify the times when the most garbage accumulates and to carry out energy efficiency improvements. Photo by Lee Hyunju

In Europe, it is becoming increasingly common to install Nback's waste management systems when replacing centuries-old water and sewage infrastructure. The city of Bergen, Norway, has implemented Nback's system citywide, and installations are currently underway in Barcelona and Bilbao, Spain.

CEO Karlsson stated, "Nback's technology is being applied not only in new cities but also in older urban areas, and is actively used in medical institutions that require hygienic and efficient waste management." He added, "The World Economic Forum (WEF) recognized Nback's technology as not just a waste system but as climate innovation, highlighting it as a case that contributes to reducing carbon dioxide and fine dust emissions by decreasing the number of garbage trucks operating within cities."

Joakim Karlsson, CEO of Nback Group. Provided by Nback Group

CEO Karlsson said, "The WEF has also taken note of the Reflow application recently developed by Nback, which allows users to check the amount of waste they have disposed of, thereby promoting recycling. Since climate innovation requires collaboration among participants, we aim to create shared value through close cooperation with cities, industries, and research institutions."