Coke announces LED energy-saving vending machine

The Japanese branch of soft drinks company Coca-Cola is trying to emphasize its positive environmental attitude by installing LED lighting in new vending machines across Japan. 

Coca-Cola Japan, its bottling partners and affiliates will begin installing LED lighting in their new vending machines starting from 2012, the company announced on September 7.

LED lighting is often cited by environmental groups as having a positive impact on the environment due to its low energy consumption rates; Coca-Cola Japan estimates that compared to conventional lighting it could reduce the energy consumption of vending machines by 70 percent.

This initiative is the latest in a line of 'environmentally friendly' developments taken by Coca-Cola in relation to its vending machines; previous actions include the introduction of HFC-free and 'energy-saving' models complete with solar panels. 

Despite the disposable nature of the company's main products, Coca-Cola has fought hard to curate an environmentally friendly image - engaging in stewardship schemes with WWF in China, introducing some hybrid delivery vehicles in the United States and publicly supporting campaigns by Greenpeace for companies to use natural refrigerants.

Its major rival in the soft drinks market PepsiCo is also keen to jump on the ‘green' bandwagon and has recently introduced a number of initiatives including PET recycled bottles and containers made completely from plant-based materials in a test phase.  

More information about Coca-Cola's environmental efforts can be found at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/energy_climate_protection.html.

More information about Pepsi's environmental efforts can be found at http://www.pepsico.com/Purpose/Environmental-Sustainability.html.