Coca-Cola Japan and Fuji Electric to Unveil World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Vending Machine at Expo 2025

November 1, 2024

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. and Fuji Electric plan to showcase the world’s first hydrogen-powered vending machine at the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025. Known as the “People’s Living Lab,” this expo will highlight advanced technologies from Japan and around the world. The Osaka-Kansai Expo is set to run from April through October 2025, offering visitors a glimpse of the latest groundbreaking technologies.

This first-of-its-kind vending machine uses a hydrogen cartridge and oxygen from the air to generate electricity. This new, innovative vending machine technology releases zero carbon dioxide while operating. Offering hope for the future, this environmentally friendly power source may help the efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

Using a hydrogen cartridge also offers benefits beyond reducing environmental impact. This power source makes it possible to place vending machines anywhere. No outlets are needed for hydrogen cartridges, meaning vending machines can be placed outdoors or indoors. Not relying on electricity also means food won’t go bad during power outages. Furthermore, vending machines can hold more food, beverages, and snacks, as hydrogen power doesn’t require a lot of space.

This development builds on Coca-Cola Japan and Fuji Electric’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact. To date, they have reduced carbon emissions in their vending machines by 60% through innovations like heat pump vending machines, green refrigerant vending machines, and peak shift vending machines. Hydrogen-powered vending machines are the latest innovation, offering a peek into the future of environmentally friendly vending. 

A game-changing power source, hydrogen cartridges have the potential to transform the vending industry. Not only will this innovation support a greener future, but it will offer additional benefits such as versatility. 

Hydrogen cartridges may be a game-changer for the vending industry, offering a versatile and green power source that aligns with global sustainability goals. As hydrogen technology continues to advance, it could play a significant role in supporting a greener future and offering more versatility within the vending industry.