In 2025, we are marking three decades of innovation in urban waste containerization solutions and continuing to work toward a more efficient and sustainable future.
We are also celebrating these 30 years with a trip down memory lane, creating a video featuring the most important milestones in our history. Join us on this journey!
30 Years of a Visionary Journey
Celebrating 30 years of activity is, for Sotkon, more than marking a symbolic date: it is about honoring a path defined by continuous innovation, global expansion, and a strong commitment to urban sustainability.
Founded on April 5, 1995, by Modesto Balerdi, under the name MBE Sotkon, our company began its journey in Spain, quickly evolving into an international benchmark for urban waste containerization solutions.
In 2008, we established our headquarters in Portugal and joined the NORS Group, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth and internationalization. Since then, we have been a 100% Portuguese company.
This journey has accompanied the transformations of modern societies, where the valorization of waste as a resource and the growing awareness of the finitude of natural resources have made sustainability a cross-cutting priority. We have been an active part of this evolution, which is reflected not only in our commercial activities but also in our vision and mission.
Milestones of Sustained Commercial Growth
Over the course of these three decades, Sotkon has consolidated its position in the waste sector with solid and sustained growth.
In 2008, we reached 10,000 units sold. By 2012, our products were already present in more than 10 countries. Just three years later, in 2015, over 20,000 units had been sold across 20 countries. Today, Sotkon is approaching 40,000 units sold in 23 countries.
Three Decades of Innovation and Technological Leadership
Innovation has been in Sotkon's DNA since its inception!
With its own Research & Development teams since the beginning of its development, and a culture of partnerships with cutting-edge technology centers and institutions, the company maintains a wide range of innovative solutions.
Back in 1995, we created our first underground container system – “Koncept” – installing the first units in Spain, in 1996, and in Portugal, in 1998.
In 2001, we filed our first patent and, in 2005, became pioneers in Portugal with the introduction of fill-level sensors for smart waste management. In 2006, we opened our factory in Entroncamento, significantly increasing production capacity. In the years that followed, we expanded our product portfolio with the launch of the EVOS, QUBUS, and INTEGRA systems (2011–2014), followed by the APTO system in 2015.
In 2014, we once again stood out as pioneers, this time in the integration of smart access control systems, which optimize monitoring and collection efficiency. In 2017, we developed the Sotkis digital platform, which enables an integrated and smart management of the equipment installed, reinforcing the link between technology and sustainability.
Internationalization and innovation have always gone hand in hand! In 2009, the company began its international expansion into countries such as Greece, Croatia, France, Turkey, Brazil, Angola, and Morocco, with the first installations in France in 2010.
In the following years, we continued to grow, reaching new markets. In 2020, Sotkon began its first installations in Georgia and Croatia, and in 2022 it took a decisive step by integrating the Sotkis PAYT system, which promotes sustainable and responsible waste management based on digital technology.
Between 2024 and 2025, our expansion continued, reaching 37,000 installed containers across countries such as Georgia, Italy, Lithuania, India, Scotland, Colombia, Greece, and Ukraine, strengthening our position as industry leaders.
This trajectory of constant innovation and commitment to technology has placed us at the forefront of smart containerization, combining industrial knowledge, technological development, and a strong environmental commitment.
A Celebration Worthy of Three Decades of Success
To mark this milestone, we organized a celebration at the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, in Cascais, on September 26, 2025!
The event brought together over 90 staff members and business partners in a relaxed atmosphere of friendship and collaboration. The event program included a golf lesson for beginners, followed by a celebratory lunch and moments of interaction that reinforced the bonds built over these 30 years.
We invite you to relive the the most memorable moments of Sotkon's 30th anniversary celebration with us through this very special video!
Vision for the Future: Innovate to Sustain
With a strategy focused on consolidating our presence in current markets and expanding into new geographies, particularly within the European Union, Sotkon remains open to opportunities that may accelerate our growth.
Over the next ten years, Sotkon's mission remains firmly focused on developing innovative and sustainable solutions for waste disposal and collection, promoting more efficient, clean, and conscious cities.
We are preparing to launch a new solution that represents a qualitative leap in urban management: Sotkis P(L)AYT — an acronym for "Pay Less As You Throw." This digital platform, compatible with any type of container from any manufacturer, incorporates the PAYT (Pay As You Throw), RAYT (Reward As You Throw), and SAYT (Save As You Throw) principles, encouraging responsible behavior through gamification and reward systems.
In addition to encouraging sustainable behavior, Sotkis P(L)AYT allows management entities to collect and analyze data with the support of artificial intelligence algorithms, contributing to the definition of more effective public policies to increase recycling rates and reduce waste sent to landfills.
Three Decades of Trust, A Future of Sustainability
Three decades later, we continue to lead through innovation and commitment to urban sustainability. The celebration of our 30th anniversary is not a point of arrival, but rather a new starting point! We are prepared to face future challenges with the same determination and vision that brought us here, convinced that the best is yet to come.
