The hidden cost of unmanaged waste — and how cities can break free
Envac is the global leader in the automated waste collection industry, committed to creating smarter and more sustainable cities. Our advanced systems facilitate efficient resource recovery, significantly reducing heavy traffic and emissions by up to 90%. This transformation leads to quieter streets and cleaner, safer waste disposal procedures for users. Since the early 1960s, Envac has pioneered the development of pneumatic waste collection systems, which are now widely utilised in urban centres, residential neighbourhoods, hospitals, and airports around the world. Our technology is designed to integrate seamlessly into urban infrastructure, operating as reliably as electricity, water, and sewage systems. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Envac operates 35 offices across 20 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America, reinforcing our commitment to advancing sustainable urban living.
Naznoush Habashian
Chief Sustainability Officer, Envac Group
It’s a true honour to be featured as ISWA’s Member Company of the Month. As Chief Sustainability Officer at Envac Group, I’m proud to represent a company that shares ISWA’s global commitment to advancing sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions.
With over 25 years of experience in sustainability and strategic innovation—including roles within the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, and the Swedish Armed Forces—I’ve seen firsthand how international collaboration drives meaningful change. These experiences have shaped my belief that sustainability must go beyond environmental compliance and be embedded in how we design, build, and live in our cities.
At Envac, we’re not just a clean tech company—we’re a sustainability partner. Our smart waste collection systems are part of a broader vision to create healthier, more resilient urban environments. We align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions into every solution we deliver.
ISWA’s global network is a powerful platform for knowledge exchange and innovation. I’m grateful to be part of this community and look forward to continuing our shared mission of building a world where waste is not a problem, but a resource.
What inspired you/ your organisation to join ISWA, and how has ISWA helped in your career?
Envac joined ISWA because we share the same belief: that waste should be managed as a resource, not as a burden. ISWA provides a global platform to exchange knowledge, set standards, and connect innovators across countries and sectors. For us, being part of this network has expanded collaboration opportunities and strengthened our ability to align projects with global best practices.
What are the biggest projects/ initiatives in waste management that your organisation has achieved so far?
Several stand out:
Bergen, Norway, where Envac replaced traditional collection in historic districts with underground vacuum systems, reducing trucks, improving safety, and setting a benchmark for cleaner streets.
Seoul, South Korea, where our systems support the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) policy, motivating households to reduce waste and recycle more effectively.
Stockholm Royal Seaport (Sweden), one of Europe’s largest sustainable urban developments, where Envac’s pneumatic collection and ReFlow digital engagement platform are helping cut truck traffic by 90% while shifting citizen behaviour towards circularity.
Each of these projects demonstrates how technology and policy, when combined, can radically improve waste outcomes.
What are your biggest challenges so far?
Our biggest challenge is that waste management infrastructure is often invisible and undervalued until problems arise. Convincing decision-makers to invest in automated systems requires shifting perceptions from seeing waste as a cost centre to recognising it as a health, environmental and economic opportunity.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues in the waste sector that should be addressed today?
Uncontrolled waste: open dumping and burning remain the reality for billions, with severe consequences for health and climate.
Manual handling risks: in hospitals, residential complexes and cities, manual collection exposes workers and communities to infections and accidents.
Behavioural change: infrastructure alone is not enough — citizens must be engaged to reduce, sort, and recycle properly.
Financing gaps: sustainable systems require upfront investment and innovative financing models.
What are the trends in waste management that excite you the most?
We are encouraged by the shift towards smart, data-driven systems that integrate with broader urban infrastructure. Digital tools like Envac’s ReFlow are empowering citizens to understand their impact and improve their behaviours. We also see strong momentum in energy-efficient, green initiatives and circular economy frameworks, which create systemic incentives to keep resources in use.
What role do you see ISWA play in driving sustainable practices globally?
ISWA acts as a convener and amplifier. By setting standards, sharing data, and connecting practitioners worldwide, ISWA helps ensure that successful models in one city can inspire and be adapted by others. ISWA’s advocacy also raises waste higher on the global policy agenda, linking it to health, climate, and equity, which is essential if we are to mobilise investment at scale.
How can ISWA members collaborate more effectively to address shared challenges?
I believe the best, effective way is to visit each other’s waste management facilities and exchange information about how they were set up, how they operate, how successful they are, but also to explain what does not work and why. Learning how to be successful from others directly is very helpful to plan, design, construct and operate new facilities.
How can ISWA members collaborate more effectively to address shared challenges?
By sharing not only successes, but also failures and lessons learned. Pilot projects, technical innovations, and behavioural interventions can all be scaled faster if members openly exchange results. We also believe collaboration can go beyond conferences through joint research, cross-border demonstration projects, and knowledge platforms that make best practices accessible to municipalities everywhere.
How can ISWA members collaborate more effectively to address shared challenges?
I believe the best, effective way is to visit each other’s waste management facilities and exchange information about how they were set up, how they operate, how successful they are, but also to explain what does not work and why. Learning how to be successful from others directly is very helpful to plan, design, construct and operate new facilities.
ISWA has an active Young Professionals Group as a special task force, what would be your advice to them looking to make a difference in the waste sector?
Our advice is: be bold, be curious, and stay collaborative. Young professionals should see themselves as changemakers who can challenge outdated systems and bring fresh thinking. We encourage them to embrace new technologies, engage communities, and push for policies that recognise waste as a resource. The future of this sector depends on their energy and vision.
