From September 1, 2025, a ban on the production of three types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging will come into force in Russia. By order of the government, the production of PET bottles for the food industry in unusual colors (except blue, white, green, brown and colorless bottles), multi-layer PET bottles and PET containers with polyvinyl chloride label (except shrink labels). is prohibited. The government explained its decision by saying that this type of packaging cannot be processed or recycled, which is a serious blow to the environment.
PET is polyethylene terephthalate. These containers are used for soft drinks and dairy products, vegetable oils, sauces, fruit juices, cosmetics and powders. At the bottom of the bottle, the PET is marked with the number “1” and also has a raised dot. The Council of Ministers concluded that colored PET packaging is mainly a marketing measure to attract more buyers. That is why it was decided to allow manufacturers to use only translucent bottles in blue, green, brown and black. Of the opaque ones, only white bottles for dairy products will remain; In this case, the color white plays a functional role.
The State Duma has already rushed to declare that the ban on three types of PET packaging will not lead to an increase in food prices. According to Artem Kiryanov, deputy chairman of the Economic Policy Committee of the State Duma, “it is always possible to find an alternative when it comes to packaging.”
The manufacturers themselves claim that they will have to incur additional costs due to the transition to other types of packaging and labels. We are talking in particular about the transition from circular PVC labels to circular ones based on other materials. At the same time, the Union of Producers of Juices, Waters and Beverages (Soyuznapitki) confirmed that the authorities notified their decision in advance. This means that manufacturers will have time to adapt to new conditions and rebuild. The Union noted that the ban will not fundamentally affect the cost of the final product.
– Garbage in our territory is a big problem. What is currently prohibited is not recyclable and must be disposed of. Therefore, this is a logical step, which was announced a long time ago. This is a coherent policy, as I call it, of eco-dictatorship, of strengthening environmental activities and also a signal to the economy that it is necessary to put recycled materials into economic circulation. Over the past five years we have been very actively moving forward in the “cleanliness” reform, Rashid Ismailov, president of the Russian Ecological Society, noted on KP radio.
The expert explained that for now only a small volume of PET containers will be removed from circulation.
– It is about banning several types of really complex colored packaging. These are additional chemical compounds,” Ismailov explained.
One of the problems, he mentioned, is replacing what is out of circulation.
– There are disposable containers, which will also disappear from our lives, and the question arises of how to package the food that, for example, we order at home. In Europe, the use of cotton swabs and various straws for cocktails is already prohibited. It would seem like a small thing. But we are used to it and little by little it will disappear. They will be replaced by recyclable and reused materials, as well as natural materials. Substitute materials are already being developed. In addition, this is a very good niche for business, startups and scientific developments,” said Rashid Ismailov.
