Companies say the ban on single-use plastic dishware has caused major financial losses, leaving them with large inventories they were unable to sell.
According to Lunch Group’s General Director, Nino Meladze, her company alone now has 200,000–300,000 GEL worth of unsold plastic products. She adds that several local manufacturers have already shut down due to the regulation.
Businesses are frustrated that the government did not extend the sales deadline, despite their request to allow sales until June or July so they could clear existing stock. Meladze says the proposed alternatives, wooden or cardboard cutlery and plates, do not meet market needs, resulting in weak demand.
She also notes that three companies established through the “Enterprise Georgia” program have closed. “We paid for this inventory and imported it. The government should have considered the impact on businesses,” Meladze said.
