Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. (through its subsidiary Asahi Soft Drinks) has developed innovative vending machines that actively absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surrounding air as part of their sustainability initiatives. These machines, first trialed in Japan in 2023, represent a step toward carbon-negative technology in everyday infrastructure, one step closer to the mission of achieving a decarbonised society. Below is a breakdown of key details.
How It Works
- CO2 Absorption Mechanism: The machines draw in ambient air through internal vents and use specialized absorbent materials (made from industrial byproducts) to selectively capture CO2, mimicking the natural process of trees. The absorbed CO2 is stored within the machine’s cartridges.
- Repurposing the CO2: Instead of releasing it, the captured CO2 is collected and reused as a raw material for eco-friendly products, such as:
- Carbon-negative concrete (e.g., cable troughs for Keio Corporation and roadways on Asahi’s campus).
- Asphalt, non-fired tiles, and plastic compounds.
- Environmental projects like coral reef preservation beds on Irabu Island or blue-carbon ecosystem regeneration.
- Environmental Impact: Each machine achieves a net CO2 reduction of -158% compared to its total emissions (based on life-cycle assessment standards), far exceeding just offsetting its own footprint.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual CO2 Absorption | 56–60 kg per machine (equivalent to ~20 mature Japanese cedar trees). This offsets up to 20% of the machine’s own CO2 emissions from electricity use. |
| Power Source | Standard electricity (costs match conventional vending machines); some prototypes integrate solar power with sodium-ion batteries for enhanced sustainability. |
| Size & Functionality | Similar to standard drink vending machines—dispenses Asahi beverages while absorbing CO2 passively during operation. |
| Installation Cost | Comparable to regular vending machines; no premium for the CO2 feature. |
| Deployment Scale | ~500 units installed by end of 2024, with a target of 50,000 units across Japan. Examples include Tokyo Skytree Town and Umeda Station in Osaka. |
Background and Updates
- Launch and Trials: Announced in May 2023, these were the first CO2-absorbing vending machines in Japan. Initial trials focused on integrating the tech without disrupting vending operations.
- Recent Developments (as of 2025): The machines are featured at Expo 2025 in Osaka, with expansions into partnerships like Nishimatsu Construction for carbon-negative building materials. A 2025 prototype highlights sodium-ion battery integration for off-grid use, further reducing emissions.
- Broader Goals: Asahi aims to contribute to Japan’s carbon neutrality by 2050, using vending networks (Japan has ~2.3 million machines) as a scalable platform for CO2 capture.
