SUSTAINABILITY


How the vending industry has made sustainability a priority


Sustainability is a critical factor that can drive the growth and success of the vending industry in the long term, but just how is the industry evolving to become more sustainably focused? How do vending businesses think about sustainability? And finally what are some of the most innovative product developments?


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ver recent years the concept of sustainability has become more than just a buzz word in vending. Consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, the need to


reduce carbon footprint as well as operating costs, and a desire to improve our social responsibility image, are all driving the industry. And firms are showing their commitment by using energy-efficient machines, reducing water consumption, recycling or reusing materials, and sourcing products responsibly. The reduction of waste through recycling and reuse in particular


is seen as one of the primary benefits of introducing sustainable practices in vending businesses. This not only benefits the environment but can also reduce costs associated with waste disposal. Legislation such as the deposit return scheme, single use plastic ban and the mandatory take back scheme will help the vending industry take huge strides towards net-zero efforts and reducing carbon footprint. Vending and Automated Retail Association (AVA) chief executive, David Llewellyn said: “Other than the environmental rewards, the positive impact that increased sustainability has on brand image and reputational value is extremely significant. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases and are looking for businesses that prioritise sustainability. By introducing sustainable practices, vending businesses can improve their reputation among consumers and attract more environmentally conscious customers. But there are financial benefits too. In the long term, the


legislation introduced will improve vendors waste management systems, which undoubtedly will save expenses on things such as excess waste removal and restocking on single use plastics. “Whilst the short-term costs may increase as businesses find


alternative sustainable solutions, the long term savings they will bring will greatly help the vending industry.” Mr Lewellyn contends. “There is an overall growing recognition among vending businesses and customers of the benefits of introducing sustainable practices. Fundamentally, by prioritising sustainability, vending businesses can improve their bottom line while also contributing to a greener, more environmentally friendly planet.”


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SUSTAINABLE WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS By adopting sustainable vending solutions such as reusable cups, compostable materials, and energy-efficient machines, vending businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and appeal to consumers who are looking for environmentally friendly options. On the customer side, there is also a growing awareness and demand and by introducing sustainable vending options, businesses can attract these environmentally conscious consumers and differentiate themselves from competitors. Vending machine manufacturer Coffetek, sees itself at the


forefront of promoting sustainable practices. Its new NEO Q coffee machine and water fountain is designed to encourage sustainability in workplaces, leisure centres, gyms, and other establishments by promoting the use of reusable cups or bottles. The NEO Q offers quality fresh filtered water and coffee in a single machine, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles and disposable coffee cups. Another approach is to use energy-efficient machines with standby function when not in use to save energy – another feature of the Neo Q. Coffetek sales director Ian Johnston says: “Customers are


increasingly seeking out vending businesses that have a commitment to sustainability and are willing to pay more for products that are environmentally friendly. By introducing sustainable practices, vending businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also attract more customers and improve their bottom line.”


REDUCING FOOD WASTE With global food waste reaching astronomic proportions, the latest innovations in intelligent vending machines can play a significant role bringing this phenomenon under control. The latest data reveals that fresh food is predicted to experience


robust growth in coming years, but this presents a significant challenge to the food value chain as waste could be as high as 45% prompting the UN to set reduction targets partly to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.


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