AUTOMATED RETAIL & PACKAGING


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he vending industry is experiencing a profound transformation, powered by several trends among them rapid


adoption of automated retail solutions and a transformation in packaging and disposables landscape. The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) recent census offers some insight into the impact of these developments. From smart fridges and micro-markets to AI-driven inventory management and remote monitoring, automated retail technologies are not only modernising the sector—they’re  


growth in smart fridges and micro-markets, a clear indicator of changing consumer  scalable solutions. These are some of revelations from the Census… • Changing Consumer Behaviour: People want convenient, frictionless access to food and drink—24/7. Automated retail delivers exactly that, whether in workplaces, gyms, universities, or transport hubs.


• Technology & Data: Remote stock monitoring, AI-driven replenishment, and centralised reporting are revolutionising how operators manage assets, reduce waste, and optimise sales.


• Workplace Evolution: With hybrid working models here to stay, traditional catering services are being replaced by automated, high-tech retail spaces that require  convenience.


16 | vendinginternational-online.com


• Product Diversity: The growth of fresh food vending, healthier options, and grab- and-go gourmet is driving the need for systems that go beyond snacks and drinks.


  premium product sales. • End users enjoy a modern, intuitive experience—often integrated with loyalty schemes, dietary information, and mobile access.


• The industry as a whole becomes more agile, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of a 24/7 society.


Meanwhile, the packaging and disposables landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by evolving consumer expectations, environmental priorities, and tightening legislation. For the vending and automated retail sector, these shifts are both a challenge and an opportunity. In 2024, the AVA


Census revealed strong sectoral growth, with innovation and adaptability at the core. However, alongside this momentum, operators and suppliers must navigate a growing wave of regulatory change that directly affects packaging choices and waste responsibilities.


Key pieces of legislation now reaching  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers and distributors will soon be required to fund the full cost of collecting and recycling packaging waste. Liable businesses should have registered by 1st April 2025. • Simpler Recycling: From April 2025, businesses in England must segregate their waste to align with national recycling standards. • Deposit Return Schemes (DRS): England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland aim to implement DRS from October 2027. The AVA is pushing to ensure unattended vending sites are exempt. • Scottish Cup Levy: A proposed 25p charge on single-use cups could drive a 53% increase in the price of vended coffee—unless exemptions are secured, as they have been for AVA members so far.


According to the AVA, these measures are not just administrative—they have real cost and supply chain implications. For operators, it means rethinking packaging solutions; for suppliers, it’s a call to innovate sustainably and support clients in compliance. With the rise in cashless and contactless vending, micro-markets, and fresh food offerings, the demand for smart, compliant, and eco-conscious packaging has never been higher. The trade body believes now is the perfect time for packaging providers to: • Showcase recyclable or compostable alternatives


 of AVA’s collaboration with the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging)


• Position themselves as proactive partners in helping operators meet new obligations without compromising quality or experience.


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