Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, President: Taichi Yoneda) has signed a “Cooperation Agreement on Global Warming Countermeasures and Climate Change Adaptation” with Okoshi City, Iwate Prefecture (Mayor: Jun Kurachi) and Michinoku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Okoshi City, Iwate Prefecture, President: Keiji Sumiyoshi). This agreement represents the first initiative in Japan where a local government and a company collaborate to address global warming through “CO2-eating vending machines,” marking the first step towards Okoshi City’s goal of achieving “net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.”
Japan’s First Example of Local Government and Corporate Collaboration Aiming for CO2 Reduction
This cooperation agreement is based on guidelines from the Ministry of the Environment for promoting global warming countermeasures and includes both “mitigation” and “adaptation” aspects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Asahi Soft Drinks and Michinoku will promote the installation of CO2-eating vending machines in Okoshi City, aiming to offset CO2 emissions caused by the vending machines’ operation.
Additionally, Michinoku will prepare and provide beverages for people experiencing health issues at cooling shelters (heat refuge facilities) set up by Okoshi City, contributing to heatstroke prevention. The partners will also jointly conduct environmental education and heatstroke awareness activities for local residents to enhance community-wide environmental consciousness.
The “CO2-eating vending machine” features CO2-absorbing materials inside, which capture CO2 from the air during operation. Each machine can absorb up to 20% of the CO2 emissions generated by its operation, equivalent to about 20 mature cedar trees. Currently, around 150 units are installed mainly in the Kanto and Kansai regions, operating in areas with high CO2 concentrations, both indoors and outdoors. The technology is patented and is gaining attention as a groundbreaking advancement toward a decarbonized society.
Okoshi City’s declared goal of “net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050” positions it as a pioneer among municipalities aiming for a sustainable society. This agreement marks the first step toward achieving that goal. The partnership is expected to further promote CO2 reduction and global warming countermeasures within the region.
As part of its climate change adaptation efforts, Okoshi City is implementing specific measures such as installing heat refuge facilities and providing beverages during disasters to ensure the safety of residents. The city will also work to improve citizen awareness through environmental education and outreach activities, establishing a community-wide approach to global warming countermeasures.
This cooperation agreement is the first domestic example of a local government and company working together to reduce CO2, and it could become a model case for future global warming countermeasures. The introduction of “CO2-eating vending machines” is especially expected to influence other municipalities as an effective global warming countermeasure at the local level.
Asahi Soft Drinks operates under the corporate vision of creating new value for society and is engaged in activities based on the three materialities of “health,” “environment,” and “community co-creation.” This agreement focuses on “community co-creation” and contributes to building a sustainable regional society.
The company plans to continue strengthening its efforts toward a decarbonized society in collaboration with Okoshi City, aiming to enhance the quality of life for local residents and contribute to a sustainable society.
Press release available here