The Armenian government proposes to ban the sale or existence of polyethylene bags and sacks, as well as single-use containers and tableware made of plastic or styrofoam as of January 1, 2027.

Reusable bags made of paper and cloth are being considered as substitutes. (Polyethylene is the most produced plastic. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging.) 

A package of draft bills on this issue was adopted by the country’s parliament today at a first reading.

The ‘first reading’ is the initial stage of the legislative process where the general concept, principles, and necessity of a draft law are debated and approved.

An exception will be established for garbage bags made from packaging and secondary raw materials, as well as containers with lids used for packaging.

The government points to the chronic and long-term environmental damage caused by plastic bags that are used a few times and then discarded.

Backers of the bill maintain that resort areas and tourist spots in the country are polluted with plastic bags and other single-use plastic products.