Contributing to a Decarbonized Society from the Birthplace of Mitsuya Cider! Installing 'CO2-Absorbing Vending Machines' at 3 Noseden Stations
Noseden Railway will sequentially install Asahi Soft Drinks' 'CO2-absorbing vending machines' at Tada, Yamashita, and Nissei-Chuo stations starting May 2026 to help realize a decarbonized society. These units have already been installed at Hirano Station since April 2025, also promoting local heritage linked to the origin of Mitsuya Cider.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 23:20
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 15:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 15:03 (1 min after Collected)
Noseden Railway Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture; President: Tetsuro Nishinaka) will sequentially install 'CO2-absorbing vending machines' offered by Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd. at a total of three stations, including Nissei-Chuo Station, starting in May 2026 as part of its initiative towards a decarbonized society.
Through this project, the installed vending machines will absorb atmospheric CO2. The captured CO2 will then be utilized as an industrial raw material for items such as asphalt and concrete, aiming to contribute to a carbon-neutral society.
By installing them in stations, which are public spaces used by many customers, we aim to provide opportunities for people to become conscious of the environment in their daily lives, while also committing to efforts towards realizing a decarbonized society.
Furthermore, Hirano in Kawanishi City, where Noseden Hirano Station is located, is the birthplace of Mitsuya Cider and has a history of supporting Noseden's transport. By installing vending machines wrapped in designs from the Mitsuya Memorial Hall (Hirano, Kawanishi City), a place associated with Mitsuya Cider, we will contribute to showcasing the region's attractions through Mitsuya Cider, which has a strong affinity with the area's historical background.
■ Stations with 'CO2-absorbing vending machines'
Noseden Tada Station, Yamashita Station, Nissei-Chuo Station
*In addition to the above stations, they have been installed at Hirano Station since April 2025.
■ Reference: CO2 resource recycling using 'CO2-absorbing vending machines'
[CO2 Absorption]
The CO2 absorption performance per unit is expected to be up to 20% of the CO2 emissions derived from operating electricity, which is equivalent to the annual absorption of approximately 20 Japanese cedar trees (approx. 56-60 years old).
'CO2-absorbing vending machines' are currently installed in various locations, mainly in the Kanto and Kansai regions, particularly in indoor areas with higher CO2 concentrations. As of the end of March 2026, the number of units has exceeded 6,000.
This is a domestic first initiative contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society, and Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd. has already obtained a patent (Patent No. 7282338) for vending machines capable of absorbing atmospheric CO2.
[Utilization of absorbed CO2]
The CO2 absorbed from the vending machines is being utilized as various industrial raw materials in co-creation with municipalities and companies that endorse the initiative. We are also advancing the regeneration of blue carbon ecosystems by incorporating it into raw materials for asphalt and concrete, or using it to create seaweed beds under the sea.
This CO2 resource circulation model is part of Asahi Soft Drinks' '100YEARS GIFT' activity, aimed at connecting excitement and smiles to future generations. Through efforts to reduce environmental impact via vending machines, we aim to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.
Through this project, the installed vending machines will absorb atmospheric CO2. The captured CO2 will then be utilized as an industrial raw material for items such as asphalt and concrete, aiming to contribute to a carbon-neutral society.
By installing them in stations, which are public spaces used by many customers, we aim to provide opportunities for people to become conscious of the environment in their daily lives, while also committing to efforts towards realizing a decarbonized society.
Furthermore, Hirano in Kawanishi City, where Noseden Hirano Station is located, is the birthplace of Mitsuya Cider and has a history of supporting Noseden's transport. By installing vending machines wrapped in designs from the Mitsuya Memorial Hall (Hirano, Kawanishi City), a place associated with Mitsuya Cider, we will contribute to showcasing the region's attractions through Mitsuya Cider, which has a strong affinity with the area's historical background.
■ Stations with 'CO2-absorbing vending machines'
Noseden Tada Station, Yamashita Station, Nissei-Chuo Station
*In addition to the above stations, they have been installed at Hirano Station since April 2025.
■ Reference: CO2 resource recycling using 'CO2-absorbing vending machines'
[CO2 Absorption]
The CO2 absorption performance per unit is expected to be up to 20% of the CO2 emissions derived from operating electricity, which is equivalent to the annual absorption of approximately 20 Japanese cedar trees (approx. 56-60 years old).
'CO2-absorbing vending machines' are currently installed in various locations, mainly in the Kanto and Kansai regions, particularly in indoor areas with higher CO2 concentrations. As of the end of March 2026, the number of units has exceeded 6,000.
This is a domestic first initiative contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society, and Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd. has already obtained a patent (Patent No. 7282338) for vending machines capable of absorbing atmospheric CO2.
[Utilization of absorbed CO2]
The CO2 absorbed from the vending machines is being utilized as various industrial raw materials in co-creation with municipalities and companies that endorse the initiative. We are also advancing the regeneration of blue carbon ecosystems by incorporating it into raw materials for asphalt and concrete, or using it to create seaweed beds under the sea.
This CO2 resource circulation model is part of Asahi Soft Drinks' '100YEARS GIFT' activity, aimed at connecting excitement and smiles to future generations. Through efforts to reduce environmental impact via vending machines, we aim to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.
FAQ
How does Noseden reduce CO2 with vending machines?
By installing 'CO2-absorbing vending machines' developed by Asahi Soft Drinks at stations, the machines absorb and sequester CO2 from the atmosphere.
Where can I find these CO2-absorbing vending machines?
They are installed at Noseden's Hirano, Tada, Yamashita, and Nissei-Chuo stations.
What happens to the absorbed CO2?
It is used as an industrial raw material, such as in asphalt, concrete, or for the regeneration of blue carbon ecosystems.