Advanced Drainage Systems named to TIME’s 2026 Most Impactful Companies
Advanced Drainage Systems was named to TIME’s 2026 World’s Most Impactful Companies list for its sustainable water management and circular manufacturing. The company operates a 110,000 square-foot Engineering and Technology Center and diverts over half a billion pounds of plastic from landfills annually. These efforts support its production of high-performance drainage products for commercial, residential, and agricultural use.

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Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. has been named to TIME’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Impactful Companies, recognizing its leadership in sustainable water management and environmental stewardship. The annual list highlights organizations making significant contributions to global challenges through innovation and measurable impact. ADS was specifically cited for advancing sustainable infrastructure, expanding circular manufacturing practices, and delivering solutions to protect water resources.
Brian King, EVP, Marketing, Project Management and Sustainability at ADS, stated that customers seek partners to solve complex water challenges sustainably. He attributed the recognition to the company's focus on innovation, scale, and long-term performance. Central to its operations is the 110,000 square-foot Engineering and Technology Center, which the company describes as the largest and most advanced stormwater research facility globally.
The facility features a 90,000 gallon, closed-loop recyclable water system designed to replicate real-world storm conditions. It also includes a hydraulics lab for water separation and filtration, a Materials Science Lab for structural analysis and recycled plastics testing, and an Advanced Technology Lab for 3D printing and prototyping. These capabilities enable ADS to accelerate product development and help customers meet regulatory requirements, mitigate flooding risks, and improve water quality.
A key component of ADS’s impact is its commitment to circularity. As one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, the company diverts over half a billion pounds of plastic from landfills annually. This material is transformed into high-performance drainage products, offering customers durable solutions that align with sustainability goals.
Operational Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology Center | 110,000 square-foot facility |
| Water System | 90,000 gallon, closed-loop recyclable system |
| Plastic Diversion | Over half a billion pounds annually |
ADS supports its manufacturing and distribution network with advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to improve system performance and asset management. The company, founded in 1966, operates alongside NDS and Infiltrator Water Technologies to provide stormwater drainage and onsite wastewater products for various applications.
How will ADS leverage its new Engineering and Technology Center to expand into emerging markets facing severe climate-related water challenges?
Could the recognition from TIME accelerate partnerships with government bodies for large-scale municipal infrastructure projects?
What are the plans for scaling the circular manufacturing model to increase the percentage of recycled content in future product lines?




























