Coca-Cola’s new vending machine lets consumers recycle packaging

The Coca-Cola Company has showcased a new vending machine in China which features facial recognition and allows consumers to return used packaging.

Called VenCycling, the machine has a voice interactive system and it is said to make purchasing and recycling a variety of Coca-Cola beverages “more efficient and intelligent”.

Sporting AI LEDs and two ‘eyes’ – one that dispenses beverages and another that collects used packaging – the machine offers a smart incentive for consumers to recycle, Coca-Cola said.

In exchange for returning used cans or plastic bottles into the machine, consumers receive credits, primarily via mobile devices, for beverages or products made from recycled plastics.

Shell Huang, vice president of research and development at Coca-Cola Asia Pacific, said: “We envision a system that allows vending machines to also collect used packaging. It will help enhance recycling awareness among consumers and nurture recycling habits.”

Coca-Cola Greater China and Korea vice president Jiantao Zhang added: “VenCycling is an innovation for the company to achieve our global vision for sustainable packaging. We will use our business efficiency to contribute to sustainable development in China.”

The Coca-Cola Company said that innovations like the VenCycling machine support its World Without Waste vision to help collect and recycle the equivalent of 100% of its packaging by 2030.

As part of the programme, which was unveiled earlier this year, Coca-Cola will support the collection of packaging across the industry – including bottles and cans from other companies – and “work with local communities, industry partners, our customers, and consumers to help address issues like packaging litter and marine debris”.