• Due to the intelligent vision camera system consumers can return deposit cans, plastic bottles and glass in any condition, for a 10c per-container refund.
    Due to the intelligent vision camera system consumers can return deposit cans, plastic bottles and glass in any condition, for a 10c per-container refund.
  • Paul Johnson, GM of SAGE Automation with one of the semi Auto Return Terminals (ART) destined for Queensland.
    Paul Johnson, GM of SAGE Automation with one of the semi Auto Return Terminals (ART) destined for Queensland.
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NORD Drivesystems has partnered with system integrator SAGE Automation, Nukon, and SA-based independent recycling depot Container Deposit Systems (CDS) to roll out new recycling technology across Queensland.

The semi Auto Return Terminal (ART) installed at recycling sites around Queensland enabled CDS to process 32,000 containers per day in its first week of operation, since increasing to 80,000 per day across five sites.

Consumers can return drink containers for a 10c refund, no matter their condition, thanks to algorithms programmed into SAGE’s vision system that can identify anything the human eye can.

“We’ve spent a lot of time making improvements. In the past, other systems relied on the reading bar codes and this created problems in identifying products that had been crushed, folded or broken. Thanks to the smart vision system, this is now a thing of the past,” said Paul Johnson, general manager at SAGE.

“We are already working on an upgrade which will go as far as to recognise brands. This once again aligns to our motto of ‘how can this be done better’.”

NORD drive with incremental encoder on the motor for positioning.
NORD drive with incremental encoder on the motor for positioning.

To help accomplish this, SAGE partnered with NORD Drivesystems, which included an incremental encoder on the motor for positioning. This system is the result of a strong partnership with SAGE, said Vinod Pillai, South Australian sales manager for NORD.

“This particular encoder ensures that materials are accurately positioned at the pneumatic blower to execute the operation efficiently.

“We’ve established a great working relationship with SAGE, and we’ve been flexible and innovative in our approach to their unique automation requirements,” said Pillai.

According to Johnson, SAGE is satisfied with the over 300 custom-made units installed to client specifications and budget.

“NORD has been a fantastic technology partner and they are just like one of the team now. When we talk development and innovation, they are part of the group. We have a very close working relationship and I love the fact that they hold local stock in Melbourne and are committed to Australian manufacturing,” he said.

Food & Drink Business

Wine Australia has released its five-year Strategic Plan 2025–30, outlining how it will support Australian grapegrowers, winemakers and exporters in navigating current pressures while building a more resilient, profitable and sustainable future. 

Global beverage giant, Suntory, has officially launched its combined Australia New Zealand business, Suntory Oceania, as it unveiled the $400 million Swanbank factory in Ipswich, Queensland. It was more than three years ago that then CEO of Frucor Suntory, Darren Fullerton, outlined the ambitious build and two years since Suntory Oceania was announced. With plans realised, there is now a $3 billion beverage behemoth in the arena, representing the fourth largest in the region with ambitious growth plans in the works. 

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking has accelerated its plans to reduce harmful drinking – partnering leading global beer, wine and spirits producers with advertising, public relations, and influencer agencies to ensure alcohol marketing is clearly recognised, responsibly advertised, and aimed at an audience over the legal purchase age.