Cologne refreshes: First ice cube machine ensures cooling in the green belt!

Cologne refreshes: First ice cube machine ensures cooling in the green belt!

Cologne has a new cool hotspot - and this time it's not about the newest bar or a trendy restaurant. The city's first ice cube machine is now located next to the water playground on Venloer Straße. This is not only a brilliant idea for quenching your thirst in the hot summer, but also brings a breath of fresh air into the cities. According to the Review online Ice cubes are widely used in drinks such as Cola, Mojito and Aperol Spritz. We know that these little cold bringers were originally invented to help those suffering from fever. Would you like a bit of a history lesson?

Did you know that in the USA, ice cubes are often just used to top up drinks? In Cologne, on the other hand, the new vending machine is taking an innovative step to bring ice cubes directly to those who are thirsty. The machine, operated by On the Rocks GmbH from Bergheim-Pfaffendorf, dispenses 1.5 or 3 kilos of ice cubes and enables cashless payment. These measures are intended to prevent vandalism and make use easier.

Sustainability in focus

Sustainability plays a central role for operators. Frank Frost, the brand behind the machines, already operates nine such machines in Mallorca, primarily at popular marinas and beaches. In Cologne, additional machines are being planned in popular meeting points such as the Aachener Weiher, the Rheinpark and the Poller Wiesen. To protect the environment, the ice cream is delivered in caddies that hold up to 80 kilograms and keep the ice cream frozen for up to 72 hours. In Mallorca, the machines are popular because of a built-in osmosis filter, which improves the quality of drinking water. While the cologne water is good, there is also a filter system in the machines to ensure everything stays fresh.

Speaking of fresh – while customers wait for their ice cream, they can be happy to know that even 1. FC Köln uses larger quantities of ice for their players. However, the machine is currently struggling with a technical problem as the software is out of order and a technician has to travel from Poland to fix the problem.

The booming start-up scene in Cologne

In addition to ice cube innovation, Cologne is also known for its lively start-up scene. There are numerous exciting new start-ups, particularly in the sustainable sector. How With pleasure Cologne reports, ideas that focus on environmental and climate protection are flourishing. Everything from mushroom factories to vegan ice cream to upcycling bags is represented.

• PilzWald: Starter-Kits für den Anbau von Bio-Pilzen.
• LOLOCO: Eine App, die lokale Händler unterstützt, während Kunden Belohnungspunkte sammeln.
• Nomoo: Veganes Eis ohne Palmöl und in plastikfreien Verpackungen.
• Vytal: Ein digitales Mehrwegsystem für Speisen und Getränke.
• Airpaq: Rucksäcke aus alten Airbags und Sicherheitsgurten.

These start-ups represent a trend that is attracting more and more young entrepreneurs in the region. According to a study, the proportion of green start-ups rose to an impressive 35 percent in 2022, making the city a real hotspot for sustainable ideas like this Cologne tourism highlights.

Cologne is not only attracting attention with its first ice cube machine, but also with a dynamic and sustainable start-up scene that brings fresh ideas to the city. Together they make Cologne a living example of innovation and environmentally conscious entrepreneurship.