When the Georgian government last week announced an all-out ban on single-use plastics from January 1, 2026, it framed the move as a bold effort to tackle environmental damage. For policymakers, it is more than an ecological initiative—it signals that Georgia is ready to modernize its waste system and demonstrate leadership ahead of global climate summits like COP 30. For the private sector, however, the regulation presents significant economic challenges.
The ban targets single-use plastics that come into contact with food. Under new technical regulations, the production, import, and sale of items such as plastic forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, straws, stirrers, and expanded polystyrene containers will be prohibited, except for export. Public catering establishments, including restaurants, canteens, and food stalls, will no longer be allowed to serve ready-to-eat food using these items. Transitional periods allow businesses some leeway:
- 3 months to sell previously stocked items,
- 6 months to continue using plastic containers for food deliveries to eateries,
- 1 year for other plastic food-contact materials.
The National Food Agency, the Environmental Supervision Department, and the Revenue Service will enforce the regulation, which reflects Georgia’s commitment to reducing plastic waste, much of which ends up in rivers, coastal areas, and landfills.
Business leaders have voiced concerns about the financial impact. Shota Burjanadze, vice president of the Georgian Restaurateurs’ Association, warned that replacing single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives will drive costs up, estimating that “delivery services could become 5–10% more expensive for consumers.” This raises the question of who will absorb these costs: retailers, food outlets, or consumers?
Public officials defend the ban as necessary. Nino Tandilashvili, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), emphasized balancing public health, environmental safety, and private-sector development: “I believe that, through joint efforts, we can develop a model that supports public health, environmental safety, and the sustainable development of the private sector.” She offered scientific evidence on the risks: “Numerous studies and reports clearly demonstrate the harmful effects of plastic use on human health and environmental pollution. The state, private sector, and donor organizations must … replace them with alternatives that are safe for human health and the environment.”
Deputy Minister Solomon Pavliashvili presented the plastics ban as integral to wider environmental goals: “Our goal is to ensure coordination with the sector and develop regulations that balance environmental, health, and economic interests.” He noted the urgency of tackling plastic waste, which accounts for a significant portion of municipal solid waste.
Georgia generates around 900,000 tons of municipal solid waste annually, over 75% of which ends up in landfills. Plastic constitutes 12–16% of this, translating to 132,000–176,000 tons annually. In 2023, single-use plastic consumption alone reached 4,000 tons, highlighting the prevalence of disposables. Yet, these figures also indicate potential: Georgia aims to recycle 50% of its plastic waste by 2025 and 80% by 2030.
Environmental organizations highlight the need for a circular economy approach. The Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) has long influenced plastic-waste policy in Georgia. Its “End Plastic Pollution in Georgia” project, launched in 2024 with UNDP and Norway, supports government efforts to build circular waste management models. Nana Takvarelia, Head of the project, spotighted the importance of engagement: “Plastic pollution is devastating economies and environments … the circular economy … is crucial for the healthy and clean future of the generations to come.” Laurent Nicole, CENN Executive Director, stressed civic responsibility: “Civic education and public awareness is a crucial element. The citizen is a key factor. If individuals are not able to respect their neighbors with regard to waste, we won’t go far.”
Tbilisi Circular Labs (TCL) piloted reuse systems in June 2024, supported by CENN, GIZ, and ICLEI. Part of the global “Circular City Labs – Testing Reusable Packaging Systems in Cities” project, TCL aims to scale reusable packaging, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and empower women entrepreneurs in Georgia’s circular economy.
Two pilot initiatives illustrate practical applications:
- Fabrika, a multifunctional urban space in Tbilisi, launched a reusable cup system across bars and restaurants. Previously, up to a million disposable cups were discarded annually. Customers leave a small deposit and return cups for reuse. Salome Kuprashvili explained: “Disposable cups present a challenge—separating them for recycling is often difficult, especially when Fabrika is crowded. Introducing reusables eliminates the need for recycling and more effectively supports our environmental goals.”
- CAMPA, a Georgian beverage company, rolled out a bottle return and reuse system in collaboration with Tbilisi International Airport and Cavea cinemas. Empty glass bottles are collected, washed, sterilized, and reused. Ana Chkhetia, project manager, said: “Implementing a reusable bottle system requires coordination, but it’s both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. Over time, it strengthens customer loyalty and brand value.”
UNDP also highlights synergies between business and environmental goals. LL Plast, a packaging producer in Kakheti, reprocesses around 30 tons of plastic monthly and plans to expand. Its recycling model creates jobs, reduces import dependence, and lowers production costs, showing that environmental responsibility can be profitable.
CENN’s National Plastic Waste Prevention Program sets ambitious targets: collecting 85,000 tons of plastic by 2025 and 135,000 tons by 2030. However, challenges remain: infrastructure is underdeveloped, local governments often lack capacity for waste separation, and recycling standards are not yet aligned with EU quality criteria. Both CENN and UNDP emphasize that collaboration among government, business, and civil society is critical for success.
Conclusion: Bridging Ambition and Reality
Georgia’s 2026 plastics ban is more than regulation—it is a high-stakes bet on a sustainable future. The government signals that plastic pollution is a serious concern and a key part of a broader circular economy strategy. Businesses, however, warn that without flexible timelines and financial support, the transition could be burdensome.
Environmental groups and development partners highlight opportunities: a circular economy can be profitable. Projects by CENN and UNDP show that companies can benefit from recycling, reuse, and innovation. The real test will be whether ecological sustainability and economic viability converge.
If the ban is implemented effectively with stakeholder cooperation, Georgia could reduce plastic pollution and set a regional example. If costs are too high or businesses feel unsupported, the policy risks becoming symbolic rather than transformational. The coming months will show us whether Georgia can turn its plastic problem into a green-economy opportunity.
