One of Georgia’s leading mineral and fresh water producers, Healthy Water, has warned that the government’s planned ban on selling beverages in plastic bottles could cause financial losses, staff reductions, and even the closure of some companies. In a statement to BM.GE, the company highlighted that multi-million-dollar long-term investments in PET packaging make the sector particularly vulnerable.
The company noted that non-alcoholic beverage PET packaging accounts for less than 10% of total waste streams, meaning that banning plastic in this sector alone would have limited environmental impact. “Extending such restrictions only to this sector will not bring systemic results,” the company said, adding that it is ready to participate in constructive consultations with authorities.
Healthy Water emphasized that implementing the ban in its current form could create serious financial strain, forcing companies to optimize staff or reduce production. “There is a real risk that some companies may completely cease operations or significantly cut output,” the statement said.
The company also highlighted technological constraints. For example, bottling carbonated drinks in large formats or Tetra Pak containers is technologically impossible, and such alternatives are not practical for consumers. Healthy Water reaffirmed its support for a unified plastic management policy and said it is ready to explore global best practices to develop effective, balanced solutions for both the environment and the industry.
