Optimization of the curbside collection value chain: Éco Entreprises Québec and the Carton Council of Canada team up

MONTREAL, June 19, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) and the Carton Council of Canada (CCC) are pleased to announce that on June 6, 2014, they signed a collaborative agreement that aims to promote initiatives to optimize the curbside collection value chain in Quebec. The objective of the agreement, a first for North America, is to increase the quantities recycled and improve recycling rates for shelf-stable cartons (juice, soup, sauces) and gable top cartons (milk, juice) processed in the Quebec curbside collection system.

"ÉEQ is proud to partner with such a dynamic industry organization, with whom we share common goals that include the dissemination of best practices and the optimization of the curbside collection value chain," stated Maryse Vermette, President and Chief Executive Officer of ÉEQ. "We believe that this approach is a winning one for all system stakeholders, and we hope to inspire other groups to follow suit and help increase the quantity and quality of the material collected."

The two partners have committed to supporting one another's efforts and collaborating in three key areas of activity: the sharing and dissemination of information through communication tools and participation in task forces; the introduction of joint awareness and education initiatives through the promotion of leading practices and the support of municipalities in their citizen communication efforts and in schools; and financial support for initiatives needed to optimize the curbside collection value chain.

"We share the same vision of Quebec curbside collection and hope to jointly establish awareness channels across the province," affirmed Élisabeth Comère, Vice-President, Government Affairs for the Council. "Our partnership will help overcome obstacles associated with the misconceptions of some stakeholders about curbside collection as it pertains to carton recycling and will enable us to promote the options that exist for carton end markets. The support of ÉEQ will give us a major boost in achieving our objectives."

About Éco Entreprises Québec
Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) is responsible for developing the Schedule of Contributions and collecting the contributions from companies, which are redistributed to fund Quebec's municipal curbside recycling services. ÉEQ also encourages innovation and the sharing of best practices to optimize the value chain of recyclable materials. To this end, ÉEQ works with businesses to both reduce the amount at source and promote the use of recyclable materials. In addition, the organization collaborates with municipalities and other stakeholders to increase recycling and the economic value of salvaged materials. ÉEQ, a private non-profit organization created by companies that market containers, packaging and printed matter in Quebec, has been accredited by RECYC-QUÉBEC under the Environment Quality Act since 2005.

About the Carton Council of Canada
The Carton Council of Canada represents the country's leading shelf-stable and gable top cartons manufacturing companies. Its founding members are Elopak, Evergreen Packaging, SIG Combibloc and Tetra Pak. It endeavours to advance sustainable recycling solutions in Canada by promoting both recycling technology and local collection programs to divert cartons from landfills. It provides a platform for carton manufacturers in Canada to benchmark and profile cartons as renewable, recyclable and low-carbon packaging solutions. Engaging with stakeholders and partners seeking high environmental stewardship, it contributes expertise to environmental policy and legislation.

 

SOURCE: Hill+Knowlton Stratégies - Montréal

Source: Virginie Bussières, Éco Entreprises Québec; Élisabeth Comère, Carton Council of Canada; Information: Jade Lavallée Labossière, Senior Consultant, Public Relations, H+K Stratégies, Telephone: [phone], Cell: 514-349-9090, E-mail: [email protected]