12:17 - 20.10.2026

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October 20, Fineko/abc.az. Despite the fact that more than three years have passed since the introduction of paid sale of plastic bags in Azerbaijan in order to protect the environment, their production is again showing significant growth.

The State Statistics Committee reports that for Jan-Sept 2026, 13,990 tons of bags and bags made of polyethylene were produced in the country (20.5% more against Jan-Sept 2025).

The production of bags and bags made of other types of plastics also increased by 15.7%, up to 6,523.9 tons. As a result, the combined output of both categories reached 20,500 tons (a year-on-year rise of 18.9%).

At that, despite expansion of production of finished plastic packaging, including bags and plastic bottles, the output of raw materials has decreased. Over Jan-Sept 2026, the production of polyethylene in primary forms dropped by 23.3% versus the 2025 same term, reaching 87,300 tons.

Export figures indicate that a significant part of the bags and bags made of ethylene polymers produced in the country are intended for the domestic market. For Jan-Aug 2026, their exports totaled only 289.29 tons for $537,660 (around 2.1% of the production of plastic bags for Jan-Sept 2026).