Machinex technology at the service of the modernization of the system deposit-refund in Quebec

Sorel-Tracy, April 4, 2025 – Modernization of the system deposit-refund in Quebec is taking a major step forward with the inauguration of the packaging plant for returnable beverage containers, today, in Sorel-Tracy. Designed to handle lightweight containers such as aluminum cans and plastic bottles, this facility can process a throughput of 24 tons per hour of material, and will see an estimated annual volume of 55,000 tons. Equipped with a state-of-the-art sorting system, this plant ensures maximum purity of the sorted materials, facilitating their resale on the markets while actively contributing to the circular economy .

The construction of this plant is part of phase 2 of the deposit-refund modernization program led by the Quebec Beverage Container Recovery Association (QBCRA)/Consignaction. Since March 1, 2025, all ready-to-drink beverage containers made of plastic and ranging in size from 100 ml to 2 L have been subject to a deposit, which has significantly increased the volume of containers to be processed. To meet the objectivescircular economy material recovery, the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA)/Consignaction has entrusted the design of this facility to the Quebec-based company Machinex, recognized worldwide for manufacturing state-of-the-art sorting systems, to process returnable aluminum and plastic beverage containers.

"QBCRA proud to see the Machinex plant become operational, marking a key milestone in the evolution of deposit-refund Quebec. Thanks to its proven expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, this facility will enable optimal sorting of redeemable containers and aluminum redeemable containers , promoting maximum recovery rates since 100% of returnable beverage containers are recycled. This project not only contributes to the prosperity of Sorel-Tracy, but also to a more sustainable future for the entire province," said Normand Bisson, President and CEO ofQBCRA.

The plant was designed to meet the current needs of the system deposit-refund while integrating technological flexibility to adapt to future needs, including the addition of multi-layer containers from March 2027.

The sorting process
Container conditioning begins as soon as the containers are unloaded. A flow equalizing wheel ensures a constant flow of material into the system. The material is directed to disc separators for initial sorting of fine particles. Next, the containers are conveyed to eddy current separators, which isolate the aluminum from other materials. Subsequently, the containers are conveyed to the technological heart of the system, seven MACH Hyspec® optical sorters using hyperspectral detection technology and artificial intelligence to precisely sort the flow of aluminum as well as various types of plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET #1), high-density polyethylene (HDPE #2), polypropylene (P #7), and more. Finally, once the materials have been separated according to high-purity requirements, they are compacted into bales using high-capacity angular balers.

“At Machinex, we are committed to developing solutions for a more responsible future, and this project is fully in line with this vision. One of the essential design criteria was the integration of cutting-edge technologies to ensure fast and efficient sorting, meeting the requirements of processing companies. That’s why, at the Sorel-Tracy plant, we combined MACH Hyspec® optical sorters with the use of artificial intelligence. This technological advancement not only optimizes traditional sorting; it also refines the analysis and detection of material grades, thus promoting increased recovery of the material flow for even more precise sorting,” explains Pierre Paré, President and CEO of Groupe Machinex.

This project to build a plant for conditioning returnable beverage containers represents a total investment of just over $50 million. It has been selected for financial assistance under one of the programs set up by RECYC-QUÉBEC, which enables beverage containers that are placed on the market and recovered in Quebec to be reused, conditioned, or recycled. This local transformation also aims to use recyclable materials as a resource in accordance with the principles ofcircular economy order to maintain and diversify market opportunities. This project was therefore directly in line with the objective of the RECYC-QUÉBEC program, as it allows beverage containers placed on the market and recovered in Quebec to be conditioned locally for recycling, while generating economic benefits for the province.

"This $1 million investment is perfectly in line with RECYC-QUÉBEC mission RECYC-QUÉBEC support projects that promote the recovery of recyclable materials and the transition to a circular economy. This packaging plant is a concrete example of how we can transform our waste into valuable resources while stimulating the local economy," " said Emmanuelle Géhin, President and CEO of RECYC-QUÉBEC.

The inauguration of the packaging plant was welcomed by the City of Sorel-Tracy. Located in the industrial district, this 67,000 square foot facility has created approximately forty jobs. In a spirit of commitment to sustainable development and circular economy , the municipality sees this project as an important economic lever.

"With the inauguration of this plant, Sorel-Tracy continues its commitment to thecircular economy in the region. Machinex's presence in the Saint-Laurent industrial port zone has a positive effect on the entire deposit-refund logistics chain in the province. It's certainly a project that fits in with our desire to attract companies that want to do their part for the environment while integrating into our ecosystem in industrial symbiosis," said Patrick Péloquin, Mayor of Sorel-Tracy.

About Consignaction and the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA)
Since 2001, Consignaction programs have been promoting recycling among citizens and businesses. Consignaction is the official brand used to promote the activities of the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) to the general public and stakeholders.QBCRA the designated management organization responsible for developing, implementing, financing, and managing the deposit-refund system based on the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It brings together beverage producers involved in the recovery, reuse, recycling, and recovery of beverage containers in Quebec. For more information, visit www.consignaction.ca.

About Machinex
Machinex's mission is to create solutions for a more responsible future. Proudly based in Plessisville for 55 years, the 100% Quebec-owned company designs, develops, and manufactures its own sorting technologies using optics, robotics, mechanics, and artificial intelligence to create some of the most advanced sorting solutions on the market. Machinex became the first Canadian company, in the 1980s, to design equipment for sorting centers and quickly established itself as a global authority. Over the years, Machinex experts have designed and installed hundreds of turnkey systems in partnership with managers.
largest waste management companies in Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia. To learn more about Machinex, visit www.machinextechnologies.com .

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Source: Industrie Machinex Inc.
Information and interview requests:
Elisabeth Larocque-de Freitas, Senior Public Affairs and Communications Advisor, QBCRA
514 652-6887, [email protected]
Anne-Marie Paré, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Machinex
819 362-3281, [email protected]