Consumers will now be able to pay for items in Coca-Cola Amatil’s vending machines across Australia and New Zealand using cryptocurrency, following a new agreement signed by the beverage giant and digital asset platform Centrapay.
Using the Sylo Smart Wallet app, consumers can go to any of Amatil’s 2000 vending machines to scan the QR code payment sticker, which will accept payments in cryptocurrency or other digital assets.
The new payment option further helps to reduce people’s need to touch the vending machine, addressing hygiene concerns presented during the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers only needing to touch the machine once while they take their purchase.
“At Centrapay, we’re working to create a future where individuals are in control of their own data and digital identity. Brands can connect directly and ethically with people, empowering them to make the right purchasing decision, whilst also supporting their retail and other distribution partners,” said Centrapay CEO Jerome Faury.
Faury said integration complexity and poor user experiences are barriers to adoption of Web 3 technology, such as digital identity and assets, and “we have solved both these issues”.
“Centrapay is pioneering the way to enable this new internet of value and bring its benefits to both consumers and merchants.
“And it comes with the added benefit of reducing physical contact and addressing the hygiene concerns we’ve all become acutely aware of due to COVID-19.”
The new technology is now available across Australia and New Zealand, while Centrapay looks to expand the business globally by targeting the US market next.
