HOSPITAL CATERING
“Today’s machines are smart, secure, connected to Wi-Fi, and incredibly versatile,” the AVA explains.
One of the most pressing issues is the disposal of food and drink packaging, which is a major source of waste in healthcare facilities. The vending and automated retail industry is actively working to find innovative ways to reduce waste, often in conjunction with new government schemes. A prime example is the issue of disposable coffee cups. With eight million cups of coffee served daily through vending machines in the UK alone, this represents a significant waste stream. To combat this, most large coffee machines have sensors that allow customers to use their own reusable cups. The AVA is also working closely with Defra in the formulation of the Mandatory Cup Takeback scheme – due to be implemented in early 2026. This will encourage and capture the valuable, recyclable material in paper cups to reduce the industry use of raw materials – again, helping reduce carbon impact.
Preparing for new regulations The industry is also preparing for potential new regulations that could significantly impact waste management in vending. One such initiative is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, set up by Defra, which aims to shift the costs of dealing with packaging waste from taxpayers to packaging producers. Under the EPR, producers will pay the full cost of managing packaging waste, incentivising them to use less packaging and more recyclable materials. Another important development is the potential
introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Under this system, customers would pay a refundable deposit on drink containers, which they can reclaim by returning
the empty container. For healthcare estate managers, these developments in the vending industry can support broader sustainability goals. By partnering with forward- thinking vending operators, hospitals can reduce their environmental impact while still providing convenient food and drink options. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration, it’s likely that compliance with schemes like the DRS may become a requirement for healthcare facilities in the future.
A healthy future The vending industry has come a long way, especially in healthcare settings. Today’s vending solutions offer healthy options, smart technology, and improved sustainability. For healthcare estate managers, modern vending means less hassle, better service, and support for broader facility goals. As we look to the future, we can expect even more innovations in vending technology. From further improvements in healthy offerings to more advanced data analytics, vending will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of hospitals, staff, and patients. That will mean even greater access to nutritional, and – in many cases – fresh, food and drinks. By embracing these new vending technologies,
healthcare facilities can provide round-the-clock access to nutritious food and drinks, support staff wellbeing, enhance patient comfort, and contribute to sustainability efforts. A far cry from the poorly maintained stereotypes of the past, vending machines today have transformed into a powerful tool for improving hospital environments – and the potential for what they can offer is only growing.
David Llewellyn
David Llewellyn, Chief Executive of the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA), has ‘a wealth of vending and business knowledge’, having been involved in the vending business for over 26 years. He has been worked in all aspects of vending: as a supplier of ingredients and equipment; as a national operator through his own vending company, and as a vending equipment manufacturer and supplier. The Vending & Automated Retail Association is the trade body and voice for the automated 24-hour food and beverage industry in the UK. A not-for- profit organisation, it is headquartered in Leeds.
January 2025 Health Estate Journal 65
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
