The Georgian government has fanalized a regulation banning the production, import, sale of certain plastic products intended for contact with food, including most plastic beverage bottles.
The ban will be introduced in stages.
From July 1, 2026, food-service establishments will no longer be allowed to provide beverages to customers in plastic bottles.
From February 1, 2027, the production (except for export), import, and sale of beverages in plastic bottles will be fully prohibited.
The regulation includes several exemptions. The ban does not apply to:
• drinking water packaged in bottles of 3 liters or more,
• beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) packaged in 20-liter or larger containers,
• water produced and supplied for the needs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Defense Forces, and military personnel.
According to the government, the purpose of the regulation is to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. The explanatory note highlights that plastic decomposition takes hundreds of years, polluting soil, rivers, and seas, damaging sanitation systems, and reducing soil fertility.
Research conducted in Georgia shows that 88% of waste found in rivers is plastic, with plastic bottles accounting for about 41% of that pollution.
