Commentary

How vending can support sustainability in the workplace

Thanks to new technology, there are several ways vending can help organizations looking for ways to improve workplace sustainability.

Image provided by iStock.

March 14, 2022 by Sam Roberts — Digital Marketing Manager, Connect Vending

Businesses across all sectors have had to sit up and take note when it comes to improving the footprint they leave on the planet. Along with regulations and incentives for businesses to improve their sustainability, a market shift towards a preference for sustainable products means that robust corporate social responsibilities policies are now more important than ever.

Some of the biggest companies in the world are making positive commitments towards a sustainable future. For example, Microsoft has built a reputation as a global leader in CSR — their focus on carbon reduction sees them targeting 2030 as the date for them to go totally carbon neutral.

Similarly, Ikea regularly updates its sustainability strategy with the target of not only reducing the brand's impact on the environment but also tackling social and economic issues across the world.

While investing the time and money needed to create and follow through with CSR commitments on this scale is something that is only possible for a few companies, there are plenty of areas smaller companies can target to reduce their impact on the environment.

Businesses shouldn't overlook vending

Businesses looking for ways to improve sustainability in the workplace often think of reducing the amount employees spend on the road or switching to more sustainable suppliers.

Another area to look at is vending machines. Whether this means installing eco-friendly machines in the workplace or replacing existing ones, there are several ways vending machines can help improve sustainability in the workplace.

Smart technology

The introduction of smart technology into vending machines has brought a host of new sustainable opportunities. Smart fridges, for example, are monitored automatically so that low stock can be replaced and perishables that are coming close to their use-by date can be used, helping to reduce waste.

This also helps vending operators plan their client site visits with less stock needing to be carried in vans and keeping vehicles off the road altogether when machines do not require fresh stock. All of this helps with the efficiency of the machines, improving both cost effectiveness and sustainability.

Energy efficiency

Along with the introduction of smart technology, modern vending machines are more energy efficient than they used to be. This is important as most models need to be plugged in and connected to power 24 hours a day.

Depending on the size of the machine, vending solutions can use as little electricity as a domestic refrigerator.

Another way that energy efficiency can be maximized is to consolidate product offerings. While many companies like to provide as many options as possible, it's now possible to provide a similar level of choice with fewer machines. Micro markets are a great way to provide staff and customers with a wide range of options without installing lots of machines.

Sustainable sourcing

Another thing to consider is where the products vending machines stock are sourced. A vending operator can maximize sustainability by making sure that the machines are not only environmentally friendly but that the products they sell are manufactured ethically and sustainably.

Our particular company, for example, belongs to the Rainforest Alliance, which is made up of people and businesses across a range of industries that work together to make sustainable business the norm. This is done by protecting rainforests, improving the livelihoods of farmers, promoting human rights and working to mitigate the climate crisis.

Being involved in this organization allows us to ensure that our South American Café Bonitas coffee beans meet the rigorous standards needed to get certified.

Modern water coolers can reduce the impact of single-use plastics, allowing employees or visitors to keep themselves refreshed using a reusable bottle or recyclable cup.

These are just some of the ways vending machines can be part of a company's sustainability initiative.

Vending