Montreal, December 18, 2024 – The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) announces the conclusion of a major agreement with manufacturer Machinex Consigne to equip return sites and Consignaction+ return sites , as well as Consignaction Zones at retailers. This agreement caps off the significant progress made in 2024 byQBCRA, which is working tirelessly to make deposit-refund system a high-performing model and a global leader.

The provision of this new equipment will enable the integration of cutting-edge technologies to serve users, with the aim of offering a simple and efficient experience. Among the solutions selected are MACH Countainer™ units, a technology developed by Machinex that uses artificial intelligence, kiosks, and automated recovery machines. This technology simplifies the customer experience when returning redeemable containers deposit centers, thanks to rapid identification by artificial intelligence. This technology can identify hundreds of containers per minute, drastically reducing return time without compromising efficiency. With the signing of this agreement,QBCRA reiterates its commitment to supporting a green and circular economy.

"I am proud of the conclusion of this agreement, which marks an important milestone in the modernization of deposit-refund systems. The partnership we are announcing today with Machinex Consigne is a testament to the expertise developed by both parties to make Quebec a world leader in deposit-refund systems," said Normand Bisson, President and CEO ofQBCRA.

"QBCRA is currently rolling out a modern, highly technological system for managing returnable beverage containers, and we're proud to be able to contribute to it. For 40 years, Machinex has been committed to technological innovation for recycling, convinced that appropriate technological solutions are essential to making recycling easier for citizens. We are delighted to participate in the modernization of the deposit-refund system alongsideQBCRA , and to be part of its vision of an orderly, pragmatic and efficient modernization. As a Quebec-based company, we value local development and intelligence. Being selected for this project is an immense source of pride and motivation for our entire team. We look forward to working withQBCRA once again," said Jonathan Ménard, Vice President Sales and Strategy at Machinex.

2024 marked by major advances forQBCRA

Over the course of 2024,QBCRA has made significant progress, the fruit of rigorous and determined work. Here are just a few of them:

• Deployment of return sites and Consignaction+ return sites :
  • More than 100 leases signed across Quebec.
  • 30 return sites are now open, with32 return sites expected tobe return sites by the end of the year.
  • In 2025, openings will continue intensively in all regions of Quebec, with the aim of having 400 by 2026.
• Human Resources :
  • Hired 270 employees in less than a year to support operations and prepare for system modernization.
• Communications :
  • Imminent launch of a large-scale advertising campaign to raise public awareness of the integration of the new material (plastic) into the deposit-refund system from 1ᵉʳ March 2025.
• Strategic partnerships :
  • Active support, collaboration and negotiation with deposit-refund partners
  • Conclusion of agreements required to bring the new regulatory provisions into force.

"The leadership of management and the work accomplished by our teams, despite the challenges, represent a crucial step in the modernization of the deposit-refund system. This collective success is a source of pride for all Quebecers. We remain firmly committed and are counting on the effective support of all our partners to successfully complete this essential transformation," said Maryse Taupier, Vice President of Operations for theQBCRA network.

The pace will pick up in 2025 forQBCRA

For 2025,QBCRA will intensify its efforts to implement the deposit-refund system for all plastic beverage containers, scheduled for March. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with all stakeholders in the deposit-refund system.

QBCRA will also focus its resources on preparing retailers, raising public awareness, and continuing to expand the return infrastructure. At the same time, sustained efforts will be made to gradually expand the system to include glass, which is not currently redeemable, and multilayer cardboard in March 2027.

About Consignaction and the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association

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 Consigne

Machinex Consigne is a Quebec-based company specializing in the design of innovative technologies and solutions for the collection and management of returnable beverage containers. With an approach focused on artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability, Machinex Consigne is positioned as a reliable technology partner for local and international initiatives to modernize redeemable containers recovery systems.

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Source: The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association

Information 

Elisabeth Larocque-de Freitas

Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and Communications, Imperium StratégiesQBCRA

(514) 652-6887, [email protected]

Anne-Marie Paré

Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Machinex

(819) 362-3281, [email protected]