Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association

Consignaction proceeds with Quebec glass processing plant despite incumbent recyclers' objections

Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA), branded Consignaction, has rebutted criticism from existing glass processors over its plan to build a new plant to package glass collected under the province's deposit-refund scheme. QBCRA says a Deloitte study found insufficient existing industrial capacity to meet producers' extended producer responsibility obligations, and it has pledged to preserve current volumes handled by incumbent processor 2M Ressources.

Why this mattersThe dispute shows how EPR-driven infrastructure build-out can clash with incumbent recyclers' commercial interests as deposit schemes expand glass collection volumes.

• QBCRA/Consignaction confirmed on 23 October 2026 it will proceed with a new glass processing plant for deposit-refund glass in Quebec.
• A Deloitte study commissioned by QBCRA's board found no sufficient existing industrial capacity to package deposit-refund glass and meet regulatory compliance.
• QBCRA has committed to maintaining current glass volumes handled by incumbent processor 2M Ressources, which also sends glass for remelting.
• Bellemare Group, which has not previously packaged deposit-refund glass, has been offered negotiations to secure volumes including possible financial concessions.
• Vision Environnement Group currently lacks the packaging facilities and environmental permits needed for the activity, according to QBCRA.
• QBCRA president and CEO Normand Bisson said refusal to acknowledge its volume commitment to existing packagers amounts to bad faith.

Relevant to you? Yes No