Cloud technology to support NSW container deposit scheme

Software specialist PrimeQ has been appointed by a joint venture of major Australian beverage suppliers to build the IT that will support NSW’s container deposit scheme.

The partners in the ‘Exchange for Change’ JV, which recently won the NSW government tender to coordinate the scheme, include Asahi Beverages, Carlton & United Breweries, Coca-Cola Amatil, Coopers Brewery and Lion. Together, they sell more than three-quarters of the containers eligible for a refund under the scheme.

Exchange for Change will oversee management of the new recycling system, ensuring the efficient flow of funds from deposits collected by beverage suppliers back to consumers, via the network operator, when they return their containers to collection points. PrimeQ Chief Executive Andrew McAdams said PrimeQ will build the information technology to support this role and ensure it meets the needs of venture partners and the NSW government.

“PrimeQ’s work with Exchange for Change will include building from scratch a bespoke portal in the cloud that will allow beverage suppliers and the network operator to input the scheme’s data requirements,” said McAdams.

“Oracle ERP Cloud will be used to manage the payments and running of the business.

“We will also implement and provide ongoing annuity protection for the scheme’s financial system.”

Exchange for Change’s Jeff Maguire said that PrimeQ was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process in which “PrimeQ demonstrated a strong understanding of the scheme concept and the information technology required for its delivery”.

“PrimeQ is an Australian company that is able to deliver within our required time frames and came recommended by joint venture partner Coopers Brewery, with whom PrimeQ has a longstanding relationship,” Maguire continued.

“These factors gave us additional comfort and confidence in the appointment of PrimeQ, and we look forward to working with them to implement and deliver the scheme.”

A joint venture between Cleanaway Waste Management and TOMRA Systems was appointed the network operator for the NSW container deposit scheme last month. The scheme is currently scheduled for launch in December.

Pictured: PrimeQ Chief Executive Andrew McAdams.