REP Fee Hikes: Groupex speaks out to protect its members
The horticultural cooperative Groupex is urging the Québec government to address skyrocketing REP fees affecting its members. Some producers are seeing their bills more than double due to overlapping regulations..
Two systems, one big problem
Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) est l’organisme désigné responsable de la gestion du système de collecte sélective pour les contenants, emballages et papiers imprimés. Ce service est désormais financé à 100 % par les producteurs.
Until recently, this funding was provided through the Compensation Plan (CP), which helped cover part of the costs incurred by municipalities. With the gradual implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), this plan is being replaced by a new framework: the Producer Financial Contribution (PFC). However, during the transition phase, both systems temporarily coexist, forcing some producers to pay both the CP and the PFC.
“We fully support the principle of extended producer responsibility. But right now, having to fund two systems at once—on top of an already tough economy—seriously threatens the viability of a lot of businesses here in Québec,”
Magali Boutroy, Sustainable development manager at Groupex.
Groupex faces a 176% Increase
For Groupex, through its Passion Jardins, brand, this translates to a 176% increase in REP fees for 2025. Many other Québec businesses have seen their contributions double, triple, or even quadruple in recent weeks.
Initial government forecasts had estimated a total cost of $23 million for the REP rollout—an amount that’s already been far exceeded..
Groupex Takes Action
Faced with this financial strain—combined with inflation, labour shortages, and U.S. tariffs—Groupex submitted an official letter to Minister Jean-François Roberge, calling for adjustments to the transition plan and better support for businesses in the horticultural sector.
The cooperative has also enlisted the help of a public relations agency to make sure its members’ concerns are heard.
United for a Fairer System
Groupex has joined forces with several industry associations to request regulatory adjustments:
- CTAQ (Food Processing Council)
- RCC (Retail Council of Canada)
- Québec Produce Growers Association
- Québec Dairy Industry Council
- Québec Produce Distributors Association
Together, they are calling for an REP system that is fairer, more predictable, and financially sustainable, while still supporting shared environmental goals..
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