U.S. convenience store 7-Eleven announced in early May it is rolling out self-chilling coffee drinks that utilise reclaimed CO2 in selected stores.
According to Packing Digest, previous self-chilling cans from drinks giant Pepsi used the high-GWP HFC blend R134a as the refrigerant.
This self-chilled can was created by The Joseph Company International, based in Irvine, Calif., and has received praise from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NASA and the U.S. Army, according to a press release by 7-Eleven.
Tim Cogil, 7-Eleven’s director of private brands, said, “[it] will be the first that can be chilled on demand, bringing a new level of convenience to customers who want to enjoy a chilled drink whenever and wherever they are”.
The CO2-cooled can will be used in 7-Eleven’s line of ‘Fizzics Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee’ drinks that come in three flavours – regular, French vanilla and caramel.
To chill the can, the customer simply turns it upside down, twists the base, and waits for a hissing noise to stop (this can take 75 to 90 seconds), according to 7-Eleven.
“Once the hissing stops, return the can to an upright position, open, and enjoy!” the convenience store said in the press release.
