Major companies in the Georgian beverage market have warned about the risks associated with the planned ban on the sale of products in plastic bottles. Industry representatives believe that strict restrictions could lead to financial losses, reduced production, and even the closure of some enterprises, and propose focusing on the development of a waste recycling system.
The company "Tskali Margebeli," which owns the brands "Nabeghlavi" and "Bakhmaro," noted that PET packaging accounts for less than 10% of all waste, and a complete ban is not applied anywhere in the world. The company emphasized that the transition to alternative formats, such as Tetra Pak or large bottles, is technically impossible for carbonated drinks and is not a realistic replacement.
Temur Chkonia, the founder of Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia, expressed a similar position. He noted that waste recycling is more effective than a ban, brings benefits for employment and the economy, and announced his readiness to invest in the development of a disposal system and cooperation with other companies. According to the government decree, the ban should come into force on February 1, 2027, with exceptions for large volumes of water and carbonated drinks.