This has been compounded by the fact that the world in going through its worst recession since the days of prohibition, leaving consumers and businesses short on capital. Every business is now looking to cut costs where possible, and this extends to vending. Add to this the fact that today's vending customers are ethical creatures who probably recycle and are increasingly environmentally conscious, it makes sense that vending manufacturers should react to this emerging market.

Just a few years ago it was healthier snacks shaking up the vending industry, but now consumers demand more. From the snack to the machine vending it, we want to buy into the green experience.

So, as many businesses move towards a greener way of doing things, what steps have vending manufacturers made in terms of energy saving machines and cutting back on harmful emissions?

Manufacturer Westomatic states that since the introduction of the EVA EMP (European Vending Association Energy Management Protocol), findings show that their machines could save businesses up to 52% in lost energy. These savings are made up through the use of LED lighting, use of recycled materials, paperless brewing system and refillable ingredients containers.

Further to this, the use of USB technology allows you to monitor stock levels and change prices from the comfort of your office, reducing paper, saving time and more importantly saving on employing an operator to check the machine.

Indeed, since the introduction of the EVA EMP, vending manufacturers and venues looking to buy machines can compare energy efficiency. Catherine Piana, the EVA Director General says that they are proud to be leading European vending into a more eco-friendly age. She states: "The vending industry is taking a number of positive initiatives towards the protection of the environment, individually and as a community. The new version of the EMP doesn't just compare machines, but rather ranks them against competitors as more or less energy-efficient."

The introduction of the EVA EMP met a positive reaction from manufacturers who are keen to show that their machines make the biggest energy cuts. The EVA EMP measures energy used in the heat up of the machine, the time the machine is idle and when it vends a drink. The Energy Consumption Per Litre (ECPL) is then measured by dividing the amount of energy used during the drink making process, and then divided by the amount of water actually dispensed. The comparative nature of the measurement means that all manufacturers are now forced into making their machines energy efficient to attract clients.

The innovations in office vending don't stop there. Some companies are now making their water-coolers minus those unsightly large plastic canisters. Instead modern supplies can connect to your water mains, saving businesses not just on energy lost, but also on space. In these harsh economic times, as businesses look to downsize, many simply don't have the space for such large machines. These machines may also feature a cooling or heating at point of water dispensing, the latter making considerable savings when you consider how many times the average kettle is boiled in the office. This also saves on the volume of water being used, limiting waste, and cutting your electricity bill.

Vending manufacturers are now offering other services, such as refitting and refurbishing older machines, to make them greener, more modern and energy efficient. Rather than splashing out on a new machine, this offers companies a clear saving.

Even the largest companies are moving towards greener vending. Whilst Coca-Cola introduced energy saving vending machines at the Beijing Olympics, Reuters report that PepsiCo are trialing a series of energy conscious vending machines in Washington D.C. Robert Lewis, vice president of packaging and equipment development, says that they hope to roll them out globally over the next seven years, pointing to the fact that they use 44% less energy than machines used six years ago. When considering that just PepsiCo has around 5 million venders internationally, the benefits to the environment become clear.

One thing is certain. Businesses, more than ever, want and need to cut their costs. The economic downturn is forcing managers up and down the country to scrutinise their budgets, and rather than be a victim of cuts, it appears vending manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge. Combined with a growing international focus on green issues in terms of energy conservation, emissions and contribution towards pollution, are all coming together to usher in a new greener way of doing things.

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