Asahi Soft Drinks is experimenting with CO2 resource recycling using vending machines. The new model is designed to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into industrial raw materials such as fertilizer and concrete. This initiative allows Japan to be one step closer to its mission of achieving a decarbonised society.
At the moment, each machine is capable of offsetting 20 percent of the CO2 emissions generated from the production of the electricity it requires to operate. With improvement, the hope is that these vending machines will achieve carbon neutrality in the future, where CO2 emissions are equal to absorption.
Close to 30 vending machines will be installed in various indoor spots where CO2 concentration is high, as well as in outdoor areas in Kanto and Kansai.
As for how the absorbed CO2 will be used, Asahi states: “various industrial applications, through co-creation with local governments and businesses”. These include boosting soil carbon sequestration and using CO2 as an additive in concrete to form submerged seaweed beds.
Why need to absorb Co2:
- Climate Change Mitigation: CO2 is one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. High concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere trap heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures. Reducing atmospheric CO2 levels by absorbing it helps mitigate the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.
- Ocean Health: The oceans absorb a significant portion of the Earth’s CO2 emissions. However, this absorption leads to ocean acidification, which threatens marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, like corals and shellfish. By finding alternative ways to absorb CO2 outside of our oceans, we can help protect marine ecosystems.
- Carbon Sequestration: Natural processes such as photosynthesis enable plants, trees, and phytoplankton to absorb CO2, converting it into oxygen and biomass. Enhancing these natural carbon sinks through reforestation, afforestation, and preserving existing forests can significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. Additionally, technological solutions like carbon capture and storage (CCS) aim to directly remove CO2 from industrial emissions or the atmosphere and store it underground or utilize it in products.
- Air Quality Improvement: High levels of CO2 can also contribute to poorer air quality, especially in urban areas where emissions from vehicles and industries are concentrated. Absorbing CO2 can lead to improved air quality, benefiting human health and well-being.
- Economic Opportunities: Innovations in carbon capture technologies and practices that enhance natural carbon sequestration not only address environmental concerns but also create economic opportunities. These include new jobs in green technology sectors, increased agricultural yields through soil carbon sequestration, and potential revenue from carbon credits.
Efforts to absorb CO2 are crucial in addressing global challenges posed by climate change, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.