This Coffee Machine Reduces Energy Use For An Eco-Friendly Cup
A company in Spain is working with the European Union to create an environmentally friendly coffee machine. The machine is designed to use energy and water more efficiently. It also keeps the user connected through high tech features.
Updated May 25 2019, 9:56 p.m. ET
If buying a cup of coffee in the morning is part of your everyday routine, you’re not alone. You’d be one of the millions of Americans that consume coffee every year. In fact, according to a study done by the National Coffee Association, coffee drinkers in the United States collectively spend about $74.2 billion annually.
Despite the immense demand for coffee, many coffee machine designs have remained relatively traditional and haven’t changed much in terms of making a more sustainable cup of joe. Iberital, a product company based in Spain, has designed a more eco-friendly coffee machine called Vision.
To create a coffee machine with a low carbon footprint, the team worked on a more energy efficient design which minimizes the coffee machine’s energy consumption by up to 50 percent. Users can tweak energy modes to find one that best meets their needs.
Water was also a key element in creating a healthier, more sustainable coffee. The designers implemented new materials to avoid heavy metals in the water like nickel and lead. They also added an independent multi-boiler system and water circuits.
In addition to more efficient water and energy usage, the company also wanted people to be able to easily connect to their machine. Users can access the machine remotely with the internet connection on their phones or tablets. The access gives users a range of options such as the ability to monitor the machine’s maintenance needs and track coffee supply. Who knew coffee could be so high tech?
According to Horizon Magazine, Iberital’s Research and Development Director, Rafael Muñoz, said, “Final coffee consumers are not aware of the energy losses, and waiters (or) baristas do not really seem to care much about energy savings, unless they receive an explanation of the problem and the solution that we propose.”
While the Vision model was revealed to the world last October in Milan, Italy, it won’t be officially released until April. Right now, the machine will be targeted at the hospitality industry in major countries around the globe, but the company may also create one for consumers down the line as well.
