Kyrgyzstan launches initiative to cut single-use plastic packaging ahead of nationwide ban
Key takeaways
- Kyrgyzstan will ban single-use plastic bags and polymer films nationwide by 2027.
- The government launches the Green Entrepreneur platform to support businesses phasing out plastics.
- The government explores the possibility of implementing reverse vending machines across the country.
Kyrgyzstan is laying the groundwork for a nationwide ban on certain plastic packaging, including single-use bags and polymer films, set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
To facilitate the transition, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision has launched the “Green Entrepreneur” platform, an initiative designed to recognize and support businesses that proactively phase out plastic packaging.
The Ministry has encouraged businesses to adopt biodegradable packaging as the country moves toward phasing out single-use plastic bags.
It has also explored the implementation of reverse vending machines to motivate consumers to return clean PET bottles and aluminum cans and build recycling habits, while increasing environmental awareness.
Zhenish Kanybekovich Seidaliev, first Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, says: “Plastic pollution is a global problem, but in Kyrgyzstan we can become leaders in Central Asia through innovation and partnerships.”
Building circular economy
Regarding the upcoming plastic ban, the two laws adopted in Kyrgyzstan are Law No. 181, “on production and consumption waste,” and Law No. 177, “on restricting the circulation of packages and plastic products made of polymer film in the Kyrgyz Republic.”
The move aims to align Kyrgyzstan’s environmental legislation with the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union.
At the first stage, the laws came into effect in Issyk-Kul, a region bordering China. Earlier this year, Shandong Installation Group from China won the bid for the Issyk-Kul waste disposal project, involving the construction of a solid waste incineration line with its supporting systems.
According to the Kyrgyz National News Agency, currently, inspections and explanatory work have already been carried out in the region, informing the public about the need to use alternative packaging.
Recently, Sidel established an office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to support its regional growth in the Central Asia and Caucasus region. The company has developed returnable PET bottles as well as beverage packaging solutions for long-standing reuse, aiming to reduce single-use plastic packaging waste.
