
Our CO2-eating vending machine absorbs CO2 from the air and is the first of its kind in Japan.
In capturing only CO2 from the surrounding air, it performs a role similar to that of trees. We want to create urban “forests” through the installation of these CO2-eating vending machines.
CO2 absorbed and stored by vending machines can be repurposed for the production of concrete, asphalt, and other industrial materials. We want to contribute to the creation of a circular, carbon-free society and promote a biodiversity-aware society by recycling captured CO2 as a resource and utilizing it to preserve coral reefs and regenerate blue-carbon ecosystems.*1
- *1. Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in marine ecosystems as well as ecosystems with that function.
- What is a CO2-eating vending machine?
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Vending machines draw in outside air from their surroundings and utilize it to keep their beverages cool or warm. CO2-eating vending machines selectively absorb CO2 from the air through internally installed CO2 absorbent materials.*2 The amount of CO2 absorbed by a single vending machine in one year is equivalent to up to 20% of its CO2 emissions*3, which works out to the amount of CO2 annually absorbed by approx. 20 Japanese cedar trees (of around 56–60 years in age).
- *2. By-products generated during manufacturing processes at partnering facilities
- *3. Based on CO2 emissions derived from the generation of electricity to power its operation.
Installation Examples

Inside Tokyo Skytree Town

On a train platform at Umeda Station
on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line

What is the captured
CO2 utilized for?
Through utilization as a raw material in various industrial products, the CO2 absorbed by these vending machines will be repurposed as a resource.
In addition to fixation through blending in materials for concrete, asphalt, non-fired tiles, and other products, efforts are also being made to utilize the captured CO2 for environmental conservation such as restoring blue carbon ecosystems and preserving coral reefs.
Actual Use Cases

Concrete cable troughs for Keio Corp.

Roadways on Asahi Soft Drinks
research laboratory campus

Irabu Island coral reef
transplantation beds
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
The CO2 absorbent utilizes byproducts from manufacturing processes at partnering companies. We have confirmed that this material absorbs more CO2 than the amounts generated during its processing and shipment. Quantitative environmental impact assessments*4 utilizing LCA methods were performed to measure the environmental footprint of this CO2 absorbent material.
- *4. Calculations performed by C2X Ltd. in line with ISO 14040 and 14044 standards.
Scope of assessment for CO2 absorbents in CO2-eating vending machines
LCA calculations determined that this CO2 absorbent’s net impact was −158% when compared to the total emissions (100%) from material production, shipment, and vending machine installation and recovery operations.
- *5. Scenario assuming installations in the Kanto region.
Findings of assessment of CO2 absorbent material installed
in CO2-eating vending machines
Working in collaboration with Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd., Asahi Soft Drinks has developed a concrete that incorporates a CO2 absorbent. The production flow for this concrete product is shown below.
- *6. Subsequent stages of the concrete production process are not shown, as they are identical to those for conventional concrete.
Production flow for concrete product incorporating CO2 absorbent
Compared to the total CO2 emissions from the production of conventional concrete (100%), Asahi Soft Drinks has effectively developed a net carbon-negative concrete by substituting a portion of the conventional feedstock with a low-carbon industrial byproduct and a CO2 absorbent.*7
Comparison of concrete CO2 emissions
FAQ
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Please tell me how your vending machines absorb CO2 and how much CO2 they capture.
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These vending machines are internally equipped with a special material that absorbs CO2. They are designed to absorb CO2 from the surrounding air. The amount of CO2 absorbed by a single vending machine in one year is equivalent to up to 20% of the CO2 emissions derived from the electricity generated to power its operation, which converts to the amount of CO2 annually absorbed by approx. 20 Japanese cedar trees (of around 56–60 years in age).
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How many CO2-eating vending machines have been installed?
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About 500 units as of the end of 2024. We aim to install 50,000 units eventually.
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What about the electricity bills and installation costs for these machines?
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They are the same as for conventional vending machines. For further details, please contact us using the contact form below, and our sales representatives will reach out to you.
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I want to install a CO2-eating vending machine.
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Please contact us using the contact form below.
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How is the recovered CO2 utilized?
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The CO2 captured by the vending machines is utilized as a raw material in industrial products such as concrete, asphalt, and tiles. We are also exploring the idea of utilizing it to cultivate marine seaweed beds. Our company aspires to contribute to the creation of a carbon-free society by recycling captured CO2 as a resource.
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I would like to use your CO2 absorbent or concrete, asphalt, tile, or compound products containing it.
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Please contact us using the contact form below.