Soap Refill Station installs prototype vending machine at Coffee Ethic

Soap Refill Station has installed a prototype vending machine at The Coffee Ethic in downtown Springfield.

The vending machine allows customers to refill containers with soap products, said co-owner Anne Dezort. The vending machine has options for hand soap, laundry soap and dish soap.

The Coffee Ethic, at 124 Park Central Square, marks the first location for the vending machine concept.

"We have a grant to hopefully produce 4-5 more to pepper around in surrounding local communities but ultimately our goal would be thousands if they work," Dezort said via email.

Dezort said The Coffee Ethic "felt like a good fit with crossover customers," as the companies have partnered together before.

"The machine will hopefully generate business for us both, but we do give a cut of profits to The Coffee Ethic for hosting the machine," she said.

Dezort said the partnership with The Coffee Ethic allows Soap Refill Station to be back downtown, as well. The company previously operated downtown since being founded in 2018 but moved to 1912 E. Sunshine St. in 2024.