Drinks firm MannVend is claiming to be the first company in the island to provide contactless payment technology for vending machines.

The company is already seeing a significant demand for contactless payment units as more and more consumers enjoy the convenience of purchasing snacks and drinks without needing to carry cash.

Customers can pay by debit or credit card, or by using their smartphone.

Phone payments can be made with devices that use Android, Apple, or Windows operating systems.

Peter Richardson, head of IT at MannVend, said: ’It is well documented people are carrying less cash, and the latest figures show that only three out of every 10 payments on the high street are made using cash, with the rest made by card.

’We have tripled the number of contactless units on vending machines in the last 12 months as a response to demand from our clients, and our clients’ customers.

’We’ve been fitting contactless units to machines for about 18 months, and we are seeing the demand increasing every month.’

In addition to cashless, contactless, payment machines being very convenient, there are environmental benefits too.

’Cash is heavy to carry in vehicles,’ added Mr Richardson, ’and transporting it back to the office to be counted and then transporting it to the bank involves carbon emissions from vehicles.

’It’s much more energy efficient, and better for the environment in terms of reducing pollution, to get a direct payment with a card or smartphone.

’Contactless technology has enabled us to reduce the amount of cash we transport by 50% which illustrates the scale of the positive impact this technology can have.

’As a company which is currently celebrating its first anniversary since becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Partner, offering contactless payment vending machines is an important part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.

’It also complements our strategy to encourage clients to use compostable, plastic free cups and other everyday disposable items we supply.’