As it looks to combat its carbon emissions, one of Japan’s prominent beverage makers is turning to a familiar sight in the nation – vending machines.
The soft drinks division of Asahi Group Holdings, headquartered in Tokyo, has announced plans to conduct tests with a vending machine designed to absorb carbon dioxide while cooling or warming the beverages stored inside.
Described as a potential ‘urban forest’ by the company, these patented machines contain a white powder-like material composed of various calcium compounds. As air is drawn in to regulate the temperature of the drinks, the material will absorb carbon dioxide. Once a certain threshold of CO2 absorption is reached, the powder will be repurposed for industrial applications such as fertiliser production and algal sea beds.
This experiment, set to begin with around 30 units deployed in the Kanto and Kansai regions, aligns with the company’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Each vending machine can absorb approximately 60 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to 20% of its own carbon emissions. Looking ahead, Asahi plans to implement a wider-scale replacement programme for its existing 260,000 vending machines by 2024.
By harnessing the widespread presence of vending machines and their ability to incorporate carbon absorption technology, Asahi aims to make substantial strides in reducing its carbon footprint. This innovative initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and serves as an encouraging example for others in the industry to explore creative solutions for combating climate change.
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