Restaurant Association co-founder Shota Burjanadze has welcomed the government’s decision to postpone the ban on single-use plastic containers and cups for food service businesses, saying the delay will give the sector more time to adapt.
Speaking to BMG, Burjanadze said the measure is necessary but must be implemented gradually. “This process should be made gradually, both businesses and consumers need time to adjust,” he noted, adding that abrupt implementation would have created additional costs and operational pressure, particularly for delivery services.
The government announced on July 6 that the ban on plastic food containers will now take effect on January 1, 2027, while the restriction on single-use plastic cups will come into force on July 1, 2027.
Burjanadze said the postponement reflects consultations with industry stakeholders, particularly producers and food operators, many of whom had requested more time to transition to alternative packaging solutions.
While supporting the delay, he stressed that the reform remains necessary in the long term, citing environmental and public health concerns. However, he added that regulations should be introduced in a practical and economically sustainable way for the sector.
