Refreshment focuses on the water dispenser/cooler, office coffee service and vending sectors, while also taking an in-depth look into products for vending from bottled water and drinks, to snacks and confectionery. It also focuses on hydration, health and wellness, new technologies and environmental and social responsibility issues.
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Refreshment brings you monthly updates on the latest news and insights from some of our member associations in the vending, coffee and water sectors. Featuring insights from industry leaders, this round-up highlights key developments, events and initiatives shaping the future of these industries, providing essential information on emerging trends and regulatory changes.
Water updates
The water sector continues to evolve with innovative technologies, sustainability initiatives and industry events driving progress. From watercoolers to hydration solutions, here’s what’s happening in this space:
Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE)
NMWE joins industry opposition to Slovakia’s proposed state-run EPR scheme
Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) has joined more than 40 organisations in opposing a Slovak government proposal that would allow the state-run Environmental Fund to operate as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) within the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
The amendment to the Environmental Fund Act has prompted concern across the packaging value chain, with industry groups warning that a state-controlled PRO could compromise the efficiency and transparency of Slovakia’s packaging waste management system.
NMWE has co-signed a joint statement with EUROPEN and other industry bodies urging Slovak authorities and EU policymakers to reject the proposal. The statement argues that Slovakia’s EPR framework should meet EU minimum requirements under the Waste Framework Directive, support recyclability goals set out in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and follow established international producer-responsibility principles.
The organisations call instead for producer-led EPR schemes, which they say are better suited to delivering circular and effective packaging waste management.
International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)
Bottled water recycling gains ground on America Recycles Day
On America Recycles Day, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) highlighted the impact of recycling empty bottled water containers.
According to the National Association of PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), PET plastic bottles have an 89% success rate of being fully recycled when placed in curbside bins.
Recycled PET plastic is increasingly used to make new bottles, with bottle-to-bottle recycling averaging 16.4% across all PET containers in 2023. IBWA emphasises that keeping caps on bottles helps ensure they are recycled, as loose caps often fail to pass through material recovery facilities.
Bottled water containers now make up 51% of all PET bottles in curbside bins, the data shows. All bottled water bottles – plastic, glass or aluminum – are 100% recyclable, with PET #1 and HDPE #2 containers among the most commonly recycled plastics. Large 3- and 5-gallon bottles are returned to bottlers for cleaning and refilling up to 40 times before being recycled.
IBWA partners with Keep America Beautiful’s America Recycles Day initiative, as well as national programmes such as the Put It In The Bin campaign and The Recycling Partnership, to educate consumers on recycling and reduce landfill waste.
Watercoolers Europe
Watercoolers Europe Holds 2025 Conference & Trade Fair in Milan
Watercoolers Europe (WE) hosted its 2025 Conference & Trade Fair on 6-7 November in Milan, gathering industry leaders, manufacturers, suppliers and experts from across Europe.
The event featured presentations on market trends, HORECA opportunities, AI-driven marketing, cybersecurity and customer engagement strategies. Workshops on technical compliance, legislation, and marketing offered practical insights for attendees.
The Trade Fair showcased new products, technologies and sustainable solutions, reflecting the sector’s focus on quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility.
At the Aqua Awards Gala Dinner, WE recognised achievements in innovation, sustainability, marketing, and social impact. The event also marked the retirement of Gustav Felix, WE’s long-serving Director General.
Refreshment magazine also attended the event and published a review, which can be read here.
WE is already planning next year’s conference to continue promoting collaboration and best practices in the European watercooler industry.
Vending and coffee updates
The vending, automated retail and coffee sectors are rapidly evolving, with new initiatives, industry events and regulatory developments shaping its future. Here’s what’s happening in this sector this month:
European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA)
German vending industry gathers for VendCon 2025 in Hamburg
Hamburg hosted VendCon 2025 on 6-7 November, the annual meeting of the German vending sector, attracting 278 participants and 16 exhibitors.
At the event, the German Vending Association (BDV) reported record membership, now totaling 444 members, including 39 new members over the past year. The BDV also announced plans to launch a women’s network in 2026 to promote mentoring, leadership diversity and professional exchange.
The European Vending Association (EVA), represented by director general Erwin Wetzel, praised the BDV’s growth and emphasised the importance of collaboration on key industry challenges.
Next year’s event, 'BDV AGM meets VendCon,' will take place in Cologne on 19-20 November 2026, promising new topics, networking opportunities and industry insights.
The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA)
Paul Fitzjohn named AVA communications and events manager
The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has appointed Paul Fitzjohn as its new communications and events manager.
Fitzjohn brings over 17 years of experience in retail, FMCG, financial services and corporate communications.
He joins from Awaze, where he led multi-brand communications and introduced AI initiatives across Europe. Previous roles include senior communications positions at Asda, McCain Foods, Evri and Morrisons, focusing on internal communications, ESG strategies, crisis management and employee engagement.
At AVA, Fitzjohn will oversee all communications, digital content, member engagement and events, including webinars, regional meetings and the annual Christmas Luncheon.
David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to the AVA team. His energy and communications expertise will help us raise the profile of our industry and bring real value to our members as we continue to grow and innovate.”
