Sustainability and innovation as key drivers of th …

The European vending and coffee service sector is driven by its commitment to sustainability and efficient energy use, in alignment with the European Green Deal. Through its continuous innovation, the sector ensures the increased circularity of its machines and processes, while also enabling consumer choice. The unattended nature of the sector, however, requires targeted solutions to facilitate its sustainable transition.

Minimising waste through modular design

With more than 4 million machines across the continent, the European vending and coffee service sector facilitates convenient access to products, ranging from food and beverages – by far the main business – to electronic goods. Machines are built on a modular basis, allowing for increased repairability and exchange of components. While the typical lifespan of a snack machine is eight years, its modular build can lead to much longer use.

Running smart energy-efficient machines

The European vending and coffee service industry has a long-standing commitment to increased energy savings. LED lights and automatic switch-off are now integrated in the vending machines to minimise energy consumption at night or when the space hosting the machine – often an office or a factory – is closed. Energy saving technologies are promoted through the voluntary Energy Measurement Protocol, developed by the European Vending and Coffee Service Association, and refrigerated vending machines apply EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules

Facilitating greater recycling

The industry understands its role in promoting sustainable practices along the value chain. In line with the push to reduce the use of disposable plastic products, modern coffee vending machines typically have sensors, which can detect and allow beverages to be dispensed into reusable cups.

Consumers are also reminded of this choice via information labels placed on specific machines, for example through an ongoing project in Germany or even at the EU Institutions in Brussels.

In fact, the European vending industry is a frontrunner in mitigating the impact of single-use plastics. In Italy, the industry-led project ‘Rivending’, aimed at streamlining the collection and recycling of disposable cups, saves 13 000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Balancing environmentally friendly practices with health and safety

While the unique unattended nature of the vending and coffee services sector allows access to products at consumers’ convenience, it also requires consideration when it comes to health and safety risks. In specific circumstances, such as medical environments and public spaces such as busy train stations, single use cups ensure the highest level of hygiene and consumer safety. In these environments, vending operators make sure that waste collection points are present.

We strongly support the European Union’s drive for a sustainable and circular economy. To deliver on these objectives, our industry is continuously innovating, offering sustainable solutions across the board, while also embracing new digital technologies to boost convenience for our customers.

Follow our #Vending4Future campaign to find out more about how the vending industry is transforming.