Contributing to a Decarbonized Society from the Birthplace of Mitsuya Cider! Installing 'CO2-Absorbing Vending Machines' at 3 Noseden Stations

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.