‘Forest’ of carbon dioxide

Jul 11, 2023

Bloomberg

One of Japan's leading beverage makers is planning an unorthodox way to cut its carbon emissions by utilizing a device that's ubiquitous across the nation: the vending machine.

The soft drinks arm of Tokyo-based Asahi Group Holdings said it plans to start tests next month with the new machine, which contains a material that "absorbs carbon dioxide" as it sucks in air to cool or warm the drinks inside.

Described by the company as a potential "forest in the city," the machines, which are being patented, will contain a white powder-like material made from a variety of calcium compounds. Once it has absorbed a certain amount of CO2, the powder will then be used for industrial purposes such as making fertilizer and algal sea beds.

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