French water cooler manufacturer Mistral Constructeur has unveiled a redesigned version of its flagship Evopure commercial water cooler, marking 20 years since the original model was first introduced. The new Evopure 2.0 was launched at the industry trade show Venditalia and has been developed to reflect changing workplace hydration habits and growing demand for sustainable solutions. Designed by Mistral's in-house research and development team, the updated model retains the overall shape and structural design of the original Evopure while incorporating a more contemporary appearance. The unit features an all-black finish and a simplified user interface intended to provide a more modern user experience. The redesign also reflects the increasing adoption of reusable bottles in workplaces. As part of this shift, Mistral has removed the integrated disposable cup dispenser from the new model, encouraging users to bring their own drinking vessels. To accommodate reusable bottles more effectively, the dispensing area has been enlarged, allowing for easier filling of larger containers. The Evopure 2.0 also includes integrated connections for external wastewater drainage as standard, which the company says simplifies installation and day-to-day operation. Mistral added that the water cooler incorporates filtration technology designed for commercial and industrial environments, in line with manufacturing standards at its facility in Essonne, France. The Evopure 2.0 is manufactured in France and is now available for international pre-orders.

Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has secured a $192 million senior secured credit facility to support its acquisition of Farmer Brothers Coffee and provide working capital for the combined business. The financing was arranged by White Oak Commercial Finance, an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors. The package comprises a $155 million revolving credit facility and a $37 million term loan. White Oak Commercial Finance acted as sole lead arranger and sole lender on the revolving facility, while Hilco Global served as administrative agent on the term loan, with White Oak acting as co-lender. The funding enabled Royal Cup, a portfolio company of Braemont Capital, to complete its acquisition of Farmer Brothers Coffee, expanding its national presence and manufacturing capabilities. According to the companies, the transaction will strengthen Royal Cup's position across key commercial beverage markets by increasing route density and broadening its operational footprint. Mark Allen Smith, managing director of originations at White Oak Commercial Finance, said the facility was designed to provide the flexibility needed to support Royal Cup's strategy of building a national beverage platform. Andre Hakkak, CEO and co-founder of White Oak Global Advisors, described the acquisition as an important milestone for Royal Cup, adding that the financing would support the company's growth plans while providing flexibility during the integration of the two businesses. Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Global Capital Solutions (Americas), said the transaction reflected continued demand for scalable financing solutions in the lower middle market and would help position Royal Cup for long-term operational and strategic growth. The acquisition of Farmer Brothers is expected to enhance Royal Cup's capabilities as a provider of beverage and equipment solutions across the US market.

The European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) has opened registrations for EVEX 2026, the latest edition of its annual European Vending Experience event, which will take place in Vienna, Austria, from 13-15 October. Hosted at the Parkhotel Schönbrunn, next to Vienna's historic Schönbrunn Palace, the event is being organised in partnership with the Austrian Vending Association (OVV). The EVA said the location was selected for its accessibility to participants from across Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, as well as the wider German-speaking market. Since its launch in 2015, EVEX has become one of the vending and coffee service industry's flagship annual events, bringing together operators, suppliers and other stakeholders for networking, exhibitions and educational sessions. The 2026 edition follows last year's event in Croatia. Running over two and a half days, EVEX 2026 will feature a trade exhibition, conference sessions and interactive workshops covering developments and trends across the vending and coffee service sectors. Networking activities will also form a key part of the programme, including a guided tour highlighting Vienna's coffee culture. The event will begin with a welcome cocktail reception and dinner on 13 October, with the main conference and exhibition programme taking place over the following two days. The EVA said sponsorship and visibility packages are already attracting strong interest, with a limited number of opportunities still available. Attendees are encouraged to register early and secure accommodation before the hotel booking deadline of 30 June. Further details on the programme, sponsors and registration are available via the EVA's EVEX 2026 event website.

VenHub has opened a second and larger production and assembly facility in Las Vegas, expanding its manufacturing capacity as demand for its autonomous Smart Store technology continues to grow. The company said the new site will enable it to increase production and deployment of its AI-powered retail units, supporting a broader commercial rollout across key sectors including airports, universities, corporate campuses, entertainment venues and EV charging locations. The facility represents the latest step in VenHub’s manufacturing expansion strategy, first outlined in March 2026, and is designed to speed up delivery times as customer demand increases. The announcement follows a series of recent commercial developments for the company, including an extension of its agreement with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Metro, a partnership with Circa Resort & Casino to install an autonomous Smart Store at the Las Vegas property and additional agreements for new Smart Store locations across the city. Shahan Ohanessian, founder and CEO of VenHub, said the opening marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth plans. “The opening of our second production facility is a defining moment in the continuing evolution of VenHub,” he said. “We are no longer preparing to scale; we are now fully equipped to meet our growing demand and scale rapidly.” He added that the additional manufacturing capacity will allow the company to assemble and deploy Smart Stores more quickly as it expands its network of commercial partners. VenHub said it is seeing increasing interest from developers, municipalities and businesses seeking automated retail solutions. The company is currently prioritising deployments across transit hubs and airports, campuses and universities, corporate and government sites, fuel and EV charging locations, entertainment venues and convenience retail environments. Top image: © VenHub

Saratoga Spring Water has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Saratoga Collection, a new range of flavoured sparkling waters designed to tap into growing consumer demand for premium hydration options. The collection introduces four flavours: Untitled Berry No.3, Abstraction of Lime, Anatomy of a Peach and Mango Dragon Fruit Perspective. According to the company, each flavour has been designed to reflect different consumer personalities and lifestyles, ranging from a layered berry profile and bright lime flavour to a peach-flavoured offering and a tropical mango dragon fruit blend. The launch comes as the flavoured sparkling water category continues to benefit from consumer interest in healthier refreshment options and premium beverage experiences. Saratoga said the new range is intended to transform everyday hydration into a lifestyle statement, with flavour profiles designed to appeal to a variety of consumer preferences. Kheri Tillman, chief marketing officer at Primo Brands, said: “The Saratoga brand stands for fearless self-expression, and that spirit is captured deliciously and refreshingly in the four new flavours of Saratoga Collection. This new line celebrates originality and creativity, while creating more occasions to elevate the everyday with Saratoga.” Packaged under the Saratoga brand, known for its distinctive blue bottles, the collection is now available through retailers across the US.

The safety of drinking water and sanitation systems has a direct impact on human health. While many societies enjoy incredibly high water and sanitation quality, approximately 40% of the world’s recognised countries have an Environmental Performance Index score of less than 50 out of 100. As governments and businesses alike look towards 2026 global water quality targets, the search for sustainable, chemical-free solutions has never been more urgent. Enter bioaugmentation: the strategic use of ‘beneficial’ microorganisms to clean wastewater naturally. In this article, Canadian-based company Bionetix International highlights the significant potential of bioaugmentation to help governments and businesses alike achieve their water quality goals. What is bioaugmentation? Bioaugmentation, or biological augmentation, is the addition of bacterial cultures or other microorganisms to an area with the aim of speeding up the existing rate of contaminant degradation. Organisms originating from the contaminated areas may already be able to break down waste, but may be inefficient and slow. Implementing more of these indigenous bacterial cultures can significantly boost degradation rates. Bioaugmentation is considered an extremely effective and sustainable approach to removing contaminants. Bioaugmentation for wastewater Wastewater released to the environment without proper treatment can negatively impact the quality of water sources (eg. lakes and rivers) that supply drinking water. Furthermore, temporary camps for military personnel, mining operations or humanitarian aid may depend on wastewater reclamation to support hundreds of people onsite, making quality wastewater treatment critical. Wastewater treatment cannot happen without the presence of beneficial microorganisms that transform pollutants into stable end products such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, water and microbial biomass. Biological performance depends on retention time, oxygen availability and other factors that may vary from system to system. Unfortunately, challenges like BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) overloads, excessive foaming, sludge build-up or slow system start-up indicate that existing microorganisms cannot handle the load. That is where bioaugmentation – the addition of beneficial microorganisms that degrade waste – can help to keep the system in balance. Balancing wastewater overloads with ‘bugs’ Different microbial blends are suited to different wastewater challenges. In developing countries or remote locations where a new wastewater treatment system needs a quick start-up, bioaugmentation solutions can be used to rapidly seed or populate the system with billions of beneficial bacteria to support a wide range of waste degradation. Existing systems with sludge overloads could see a dramatic drop in pumping costs with the regular addition of microorganisms capable of digesting the sludge at the bottom of the lagoon. If ammonia levels are high, the right microorganisms can consume the excess. Bioaugmentation blends make it possible to tailor the solution to address specific problems. Bringing water quality within reach around the globe Many nations around the globe still need cleaner drinking water and better sanitation. Bioaugmentation can help to bring these goals in reach by enabling facilities to release cleaner wastewater to the ecosystem from which societies draw and filter potable water. Given the benefits of biological wastewater treatment, decision makers involved in advancing water quality around the globe should certainly consider the role of bioaugmentation in their water quality enhancement plan.

Dutch coffee machine manufacturer de Jong Duke has launched Nio Next, a new fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine designed for workplaces, public environments and other high-volume professional settings. The company said the machine combines premium design, touchscreen functionality and remote service capabilities, while also introducing an optional Fresh Milk Solution aimed at delivering barista-style milk beverages in unattended environments. Nio Next features a black exterior with a stainless steel adjustable dispense head and a 10.4-inch touchscreen interface designed to support personalised drink selection and simplified navigation. The machine has been developed for locations requiring high-capacity beverage preparation alongside consistent drink quality across multiple sites. Alongside the launch, de Jong Duke unveiled its exclusive Fresh Milk Solution, which uses smart valve technology and temperature control to produce milk foam for beverages such as cappuccinos and lattes. According to the company, the system has been designed for low-attendance environments and includes an automated clean-in-place cycle, daily rinse functionality and automatic flushing throughout the day to help maintain hygiene and reduce servicing requirements. Nio Next also includes a redesigned service environment intended to simplify installation, cleaning and maintenance. Technicians can access a guided service menu aimed at reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. The company added that the machine is more than 93% recyclable as part of its wider sustainability efforts. When connected to de Jong Duke's ConnectMe platform, operators can remotely monitor service information, usage data, replacement notifications and customer feedback through an integrated poll function. Nio Next and the Fresh Milk Solution will be available to order from June 2026.

From PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to pharmaceuticals, personal care products to microplastics, emerging contaminants (ECs) pose a significant risk to water quality. For this feature, Refreshment's Bryony Andrews asked a number of experts in the water filtration sector to share their insights on the most prevalent ECs in our water today, and the technologies and solutions that could help to manage them. Emerging contaminants (also known as ‘contaminants of emerging concern’) are synthetic or natural substances found in water or the environment at low levels. These could be pharmaceuticals, personal care products, PFAS, pesticides or microplastics, among others. While their effects on human, animal and plant matter are so far uncertain, studies have suggested that they could have potentially harmful results – and in recent years, this has prompted growing concern about the long term effects that ECs in water could have on human health and the environment. ECs are considered particularly hazardous due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity in water and the environment. They often bypass conventional treatment, requiring instead advanced monitoring and treatment technologies. Many of these treatments are performed by public water treatment infrastructure, but point-of-use systems offer further treatment and refinement to ensure the highest quality of drinking water for users. For facilities and buildings managers, a knowledgeable water dispense partner with a comprehensive plan for EC removal means peace-of-mind for clients, employees and residents. Which ECs pose the greatest risk to water quality? PFAS, pharmaceutical residues and microplastics are considered the most concerning ECs, with PFAS generally agreed to be the biggest threat to water quality. PFAS is the collective term for a large group of over 10,000 synthetic “forever chemicals” used for decades for their water, grease and stain-resistant properties in products like non-stick cookware and food packaging. It is only in recent years that scientists have discovered that PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, bioaccumulating in humans and wildlife thanks to their presence in food and water. Linked to cancer, immune system suppression and developmental issues, PFAS requires specialist filtration technology to remove it from water. Furthermore, no single filtration method is 100% effective for all 10,000 types of PFAS, making certified filters and regular maintenance a must. Pharmaceutical residues, meanwhile, often bypass conventional water treatment once they have entered the water system, and microplastics – originating from the degradation of larger plastic items such as car tyres, synthetic clothing fibres from washing machines and fragmented plastic litter – have been linked to cardiovascular issues, reproductive problems and cancer. Shifting priorities While manufacturers of water filtration solutions have historically focused on matters of taste and odour, the growing health concerns associated with ECs mean that the consistency and performance of filtration technology is now taking top billing. According to Anna Jones, brand manager at provider of eco-friendly water solutions Hydrofast, “consumers now expect filtration systems to provide verified protection against tough contaminants, not just improve taste. They want clear performance data, smarter monitoring and less maintenance.” For Hydrofast, this means water filters with capabilities that directly address customer concerns around ECs. Jones recommends models with features including real-time monitoring, so users always know the current water quality; multi-stage reverse osmosis (RO) systems for complete purification; and automated features like auto-flush, leak detection and UV sterilisation to maintain safety with minimal user effort. Jones further highlights the importance of offering numerous filtration options – ie. desktop, under -sink, portable – allowing users to access safe, high quality water from their location of choice. Antonio Zerilli, managing director at Zerica, an expert in water cooling and water purification technologies, similarly told Refreshment that “expectations are clearly shifting away from purely aesthetic parameters such as taste and odour towards greater transparency, control and consistency of performance over time”. According to Zerilli, the challenge is less about addressing individual ECs and more about “managing a complex and evolving mixture of contaminants in a responsible, data-driven way”. He suggested that end users and professional operators are not necessarily looking for absolute guarantees around ECs, but for systems that are appropriate for the specific characteristics of the incoming water, supported by clear technical documentation and designed to be maintained and monitored effectively. Rather than new filtration methods, Zerilli instead highlighted “interconnected and digitally-enabled systems, continuous or remote performance monitoring and improved use of data” as some of the most promising developments in water treatment. With this in mind, Zerica’s YouRO solution was designed to offer a modular reverse osmosis unit that can either be combined with a Zerica water dispenser or used independently, with the major advantage of being interconnected. “This allows operational status and system behaviour to be monitored remotely and with confidence – without making unrealistic claims, but by providing transparency and control,” Zerilli explained. “When it comes to emerging contaminants, there are no shortcuts,” Zerilli emphasised. “Sound decisions are based on data, appropriate technology and ongoing control. Our focus is on delivering reliable, well-managed solutions that perform as intended over time.” New technologies for a cleaner future While traditional filtration technologies, such as carbon filters, may have sufficed in previous years, they are no longer sufficient for the high quality drinking water demanded by today’s consumers. Filtration solutions like ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, reverse osmosis and multi-stage systems offer much better protection against contaminants. Jeff Price, VP of product marketing at Quench USA, a supplier of bottle-free drinking water filtration systems, highlighted reverse osmosis, specialised carbon block filters and ion exchange resins as key technologies for consumer systems. He said: “The future lies in nanomaterial-based filters – like nanofibre or graphene – for high efficiency in a small footprint, coupled with AI-enabled monitoring to precisely predict when a filter should be changed, ensuring peak performance and reducing waste,” he advised. Andrea Martinez, applications engineer at Aquisense, believes that UV-C LED technology represents one of the most promising advancements in water disinfection, addressing many of the shortcomings of current water treatment technologies. “LED-based UV systems offer instant on/off operation, compact and modular designs and mercury-free construction, making them well suited for point-of-use food and beverage applications,” she told Refreshment. “While both conventional and LED UV technologies can achieve effective microbial inactivation when properly designed, UV-C LEDs provide greater flexibility; improved energy efficiency in real-world operating conditions; and easier integration into increasingly complex treatment trains. As regulatory and sustainability pressures grow, UV-C LED disinfection stands out as a key enabling technology for next-generation water treatment systems.” Meeting changing regulations In reaction to our growing knowledge of the dangers of PFAS, regulations have been rapidly revised and tightened globally, largely through bans and lower exposure limits. Quench USA’s Price described the new legal limits for PFAS levels in public drinking water as the single biggest regulatory driver that he’s seen in years. “It will rapidly accelerate the demand for high-performance, validated dispensing systems,” he believes, with customers requiring certified, transparent filtration performance. Price said: “Consumers no longer just want a filter for chlorine; they demand proof – specifically third-party certifications – that a POU system reliably reduces specific hazards like PFAS and microplastics. Transparency and performance data are the new non-negotiables.” Emma Redford, marketing director at H2O Direct, a provider of water filtration products for the coffee, vending and POU watercoolers, similarly believes that the new, stricter PFAS regulations will lead to growing demand for certification of filters used with drinking water. Redford explained: “In the UK, stricter control on PFAS levels is being enforced, while new EU drinking water rules now require monitoring of PFAS levels and enforce limits within water sources… Often filters are now engineered with these specific requirements in mind.” Redford recommends advanced treatment filters that have been specifically designed to reduce PFAS, such as H2O Direct’s MicroFilter’s FP range, which Redford says is the first filter in the world to be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation. “MicroFilter products are committed to providing 100% certification, whereas alternative manufacturers either do not have official certification or simply reduce, not remove, contaminants,” said Redford. Blupura, an Italy-based supplier of watercoolers and dispensers, has responded to the growing attention and concern over emerging contaminants among its customers by developing two complementary solutions based around “reliable and scientifically-grounded technologies”. Debora Screpanti, marketing manager at Blupura, explained that the two solutions are designed to allow customers to improve the water quality of the watercooler installations while fully complying with new EU regulations. The first of these, Blutron Hero, is based on ultrafiltration and equipped with a Carbon Block filter, enhanced with selective absorbent materials capable of retaining PFAS, heavy metals and microplastics. Blutron Osmo, meanwhile, is a reverse osmosis system that ensures “consistently pure and safe water” by removing unwanted substances such as dissolved salts, nitrates and micro-pollutants. Microbial concerns While ECs certainly warrant continued scrutiny, regulation and monitoring, Aquisense’s Martinez argues that from a drinking water safety perspective, microbiological contamination – including biofilms and bacterial regrowth – remains one of the most immediate and consequential risks to water quality. Water treatment solutions designed to address PFAS, which rely primarily on adsorption or membrane technologies, are not approved to provide microbial control. Martinez explained: “These processes can increase the risk of biofilm formation and bacterial regrowth due to added surface area, longer residence times and downstream piping and storage. As a result, best-practice PFAS treatment architectures typically include a dedicated disinfection step downstream of PFAS removal, ideally at the point of dispense.” She recommends UV disinfection as well suited for this role, providing a non-chemical, final barrier that inactivates microorganisms and protects distribution and point-of-use systems without impacting water chemistry, taste or formulation. Conclusion Despite their persistence in the environment, ECs are not an immediate danger for most communities. Filtration technology today – both public infrastructure and POU – is sufficient for the removal and reduction of ECs. Arguably, the most promising developments in filtration for ECs are not new solutions themselves, but rather new ways of interacting with them: for example, interconnected and digitally-enabled systems, remote performance monitoring and harnessing data to optimise operation. ECs are a complex and constantly changing topic, and as we understand more about them, solutions will continue to evolve and improve. For manufacturers, addressing consumer concerns with scientifically-supported products, certified solutions and clear educational resources about new regulations will go a long way towards ensuring continued trust and confidence among end users.

Nayax has launched a new Android-based payment terminal designed to support the growing demand for secure, higher-value transactions across the UK’s unattended retail and self-service sectors. The new VPOS Media 4 terminal supports both contactless and chip-and-PIN payments and has been developed for use in unattended environments such as vending, EV charging, parking, kiosks and laundromats. The terminal combines payment processing, loyalty programmes, remote device management and consumer engagement tools within Nayax’s integrated commerce platform. It also supports EMV, NFC and QR code payments through an open API architecture. The launch comes as unattended retail operators face growing infrastructure and regulatory pressures, including PCI DSS compliance, Strong Customer Authentication requirements and the phase-out of 2G and 3G telecom networks across the UK. Yair Nechmad, CEO and chairman at Nayax, said: “Many legacy unattended terminals were designed for low-value vending transactions and are not equipped for high-value PIN payments, evolving compliance requirements or telecom network sunset resilience”. “As unattended services expand into areas like EV charging, parking and kiosks, operators need payment technology capable of supporting larger transactions securely and reliably.” VPOS Media 4 is Nayax’s first terminal to integrate PCI PTS 6.x certified PIN-on-Glass technology with a 4-inch colour touchscreen, allowing merchants to operate in higher-value and regulated environments. The device also supports remote configuration and over-the-air updates, while its Android-based architecture enables operators and OEMs to develop custom applications integrated with Nayax’s payment infrastructure. Lynda Clarke, general manager UK at Nayax, described the device as turning “the point of sale into a point of engagement”. “By combining platform flexibility with regulatory readiness, the device helps merchants build stronger customer relationships, unlock new sustainable growth opportunities, and future-proof their operations as they enter new markets,” she added. The launch forms part of Nayax’s wider strategy to expand its smart unattended commerce platform. In Q1 2026, the company reported revenue of $107 million, representing 32% year-over-year growth, while its installed base surpassed 1.5 million connected devices globally.

The Melitta Group has announced plans to invest more than €100 million into its coffee production site in Bremen, Germany, as part of its long-term growth and internationalisation strategy. The investment package forms part of the company’s ‘Melitta 2033’ strategy, which aims to at least double group sales by 2033. According to the company, the project will increase production capacity at the Bremen coffee roasting plant by around 50% over the next five to six years. Melitta said the investments are intended to help the business meet growing demand for roasted coffee products, while also improving the flexibility, sustainability and quality of operations at the site. Planned developments include the acquisition of two adjacent plots of land in Bremen, the construction of a new building and the expansion and modernisation of existing facilities. The company added that much of the investment will go towards new roasting, packaging and silo systems, alongside upgraded process control technology. Jero Bentz, member of corporate communications and great-grandson of company founder Melitta Bentz, said: “The goal of our Strategy 2033 is to at least double the Group's sales by then. A central lever for this is the coffee business in Europe". “With these investments, we are creating important conditions to meet individual customer and market needs even better and thus achieve our growth and internationalisation goals in the coming years,” he added. Headquartered in Minden, Germany, Melitta operates in 75 countries worldwide and employs around 5,500 people. The family-owned group reported annual turnover of €2.53 billion in 2025.

PerfectTed has expanded its ready-to-drink matcha latte range with the launch of a new Protein White Chocolate Matcha Latte, combining matcha with 18g of protein in a canned format. The drink has been developed to meet growing consumer interest in protein-enriched beverages and matcha-based products. The white chocolate-flavoured matcha latte contains 40mg of caffeine per can, is sweetened with agave and is gluten-free. PerfectTed said the launch brings a café-style matcha latte format into the ready-to-drink category, targeting consumers seeking both functional energy and protein in a convenient format. Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, commented: “This new Protein White Chocolate Matcha Latte is the kind of product our community has been asking for: café-quality matcha in a can, with an incredible 18g of protein, which is seriously impressive for the size of the can, to help power your day.” Founded in 2021 by Marisa Poster, Teddie Levenfiche and Levi Levenfiche, PerfectTed specialises in matcha-based drinks and products. The company said it now has more than 35,000 store listings across over 50 countries. The new product is available in Tesco and WHSmith stores, with a wider launch planned in Holland & Barrett stores next month.

Envipco has signed a final agreement with Iceland Foods to supply reverse vending machines (RVMs) across the retailer’s UK store network ahead of the launch of the country's deposit return scheme (DRS) in October 2027. The agreement confirms Envipco as Iceland’s exclusive RVM supplier, following the company’s announcement in March that it had been selected by an unnamed national UK retailer for a rollout of around 1,500 compact RVMs, subject to final contracts. Delivery of the machines is expected to begin in spring 2027 and conclude ahead of the launch of the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on 1 October 2027. The contract also includes servicing for all supplied machines. According to Envipco, the compact RVMs have been designed for convenience and smaller-format stores with limited space, aligning with Iceland’s retail footprint. Spencer Roberts, managing director for UK and Ireland at Envipco, said: “We are thrilled to be selected as exclusive supplier of RVMs to Iceland Foods across the UK. Iceland Foods is an innovative and corner-stone retailer showcasing its commitment to the environment, circular economy and the introduction of the UK DRS by being an early mover in rolling out a comprehensive network of RVMs across its retail outlets.” He added that the UK DRS market remains a key part of Envipco’s growth strategy, with the company expanding operations from its Warrington offices and demonstration facilities to support retailers preparing for the scheme’s rollout. An Iceland spokesperson said the retailer’s participation in the scheme forms part of its wider sustainability commitments. “As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact, we are proud to support the UK wide Deposit Return Scheme, helping our customers to recycle more easily as part of their everyday shop,” the spokesperson commented. Under the forthcoming UK DRS, PET bottles and steel and aluminium cans between 150ml and 3-litres will carry a flat 20p deposit, refundable upon return through designated collection points including RVMs. The scheme, managed by deposit management organisation Exchange for Change, aims to collect 90% of the estimated 26 billion single-use drinks containers placed on the UK market annually. Envipco said the system is expected to require around 35,000 RVMs nationwide, spanning convenience stores through to large supermarkets.