EVA launches ambitious manifesto News | Industry Updates


With over 100 participants, the EVA’s webinar on 15 March saw the official launch of its manifesto which introduced the industry, its challenges, and its calls for action for the current parliamentary term. The event heard from a diverse group of


high-level stakeholders, including MEP Brando Benifei, MEP Stefan Berger, and Emmanuelle Maire, head of unit in DG ENV. The webinar addressed important


topics for vending such as the circular economy, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, payment innovations, and support for the recovery of SMEs following the COVID-19 pandemic. President of EVA, Paolo Ghidotti


(pictured), kicked off the discussion and outlined EVA’s ambition to build a strong, sustainable, and innovative vending and coffee service industry. With 80% of vending machines located


in factories and offices, it was no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the industry – with less commuting and less working at the office, consumption dropped dramatically. However, Ghidotti believes the


pandemic has also presented opportunities and room for innovation whether it be vending machines selling personal protective equipment, or as eventual replacements for larger canteens. The EVA president called on the EU to


recognise the big steps the industry is making with regards to energy efficiency and highlighted the need for the EU institutions to be conscious of the practical constraints which affect the vending industry. He also asked for the vending sector to


be adequately factored into any revision of the European electronic payment rules. Finally, he called on the EU to


collaborate with the vending sector to promote better health and nutrition. “We hope for greater collaboration between EU decision-makers and our industry to promote better health and nutrition capitalising on the potential for vending machines to offer healthier products in a


convenient manner,” said Ghidotti. When asked whether EVA would sign


the upcoming EU Code of Conduct (CoC) for responsible businesses, Ghidotti confirmed that the EVA would play its part to ensure a wider range of products are available in its machines, is participating in the stakeholder meetings on the CoC and hopes to be in a position to sign the Code later this year. Through an EU lens, Emmanuelle Maire


provided an overview of the Commission’s actions when it comes to the circular economy. With grants and loans available under


the NextGenerationEU programme and the Multiannual Financial Framework, Maire highlighted that there are multiple grants available to industries pioneering a circular economy agenda. Maire highlighted the importance to


further work on the sustainable design of products. “We are looking at revising and widening the ecodesign directive beyond energy-related products and beyond the energy efficiency,” said Maire. On another policy area, MEP Stefan


Berger touched on digital payments and ways in which the vending industry can make them easy and seamless. “Non-cash payments have dramatically


increased with the pandemic… this is a trend we cannot stop, and we should not stop,” said MEP Berger. With Berger confidently asserting that


cryptocurrency and tokens will dominate future payments, he encouraged the sector to invest in these forms of payments. “The real revolution in payment is yet to


come” said MEP Berger, acknowledging that the European Parliament is currently reviewing how to establish a digital Europe with a digital euro. The webinar was concluded by MEP


Brando Benifei. Aware that the vending industry is composed of 99% of SMEs, Benifei recognised that the pandemic has disrupted supply chains across the sector and assured those present that these disruptions were taken into account when debating and


deciding the new SME strategy. Benifei gave an overview of EU support


to SMEs and commended EVA for its willingness to embrace the green transition despite being hard hit by the crisis. The webinar touched on some crucial


topics for growth of the vending sector. EVA is ready to invest and adapt to a green and digital future but expects and needs the EU to take into consideration the views, expertise as well as current challenges faced by the industry.


Brupac adopts disposable in-cup packaging


UK in-cup drinks specialist Brupac has moved over to using Greiner Packaging’s K3 cardboard-plastic packaging solution for its 12oz in-cup drinks range. At a time when business owners and


facilities managers have safety and hygiene at the top of their agenda, disposable in- cup drinks have many advantages. The alternative is to use crockery,


spoons and containers, which can be handled by multiple people and which require collection and dishwashing. Disposable in-cup drinks packaging


represents a safer, more hygienic, more cost effective and more convenient solution. The K3 lightweight thermoformed


tub uses up to 33% less polypropylene (PP) than a conventional direct-printed, thermoformed cup of the same size, and the cup is wrapped with a removable cardboard outer layer. The K3 pack is said to keep the


ingredients safe until use and is great to drink from. It is also fully and easily recyclable.


4 | vendinginternational-online.com


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