End of 2011, Plastic Omnium Environment was awarded the contract of underground containers of Versailles Grand Parc

By mid-2013, a total of 300 of the five-cubic-meter containers will have been installed in the 14 towns that make up the community, which is home to 186,000 people. Each voluntary disposal site will have three separate containers of glass, household waste and paper.

The contract confirms the growing demand for underground containers, whose many benefits are winning over more local authorities. In 2011, the business will generated approximately €40 million in revenue for Plastic Omnium, a figure that is expected to increase €100 million within the next three years. The increase in demand is being driven by the communities' need for a high unit-volume, low nuisance waste collection system. Because of their large capacity, the underground containers limit the number of waste disposal sites, thereby reducing collection truck traffic and resulting harmful emissions.

To meet demand, Plastic Omnium Environment has strengthened its European leadership in the segment, in particular through a program launched in 2008 to substantially enhance the resources of ∑-Sigmatech, its French research and development center, and through the May 2011 acquisition of German manufacturer Rotherm. The containers to be installed in Versailles Grand Parc were designed and developed by POEnvdesign Studio, Plastic Omnium's in-house engineering unit. Featuring exclusive styling and an attractive, original appearance, the containers have won over local officials because they fit seamlessly and discreetly into the urban environment.