The government of Guinea has announced a six-month suspension on the ban of plastic pouches used for packaging mineral water. This decision was made to alleviate the severe shortage of mineral water that had plagued the country since the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics. The announcement was made on October 7, 2026, by Faya François Bourouno, the Minister of Modernization of Administration and Function.
The ban on single-use plastics, including plastic pouches, was initially implemented two years ago, with a two-year grace period that expired on September 20, 2026. The government had given industries time to adapt to the new regulations, switch to authorized packaging, and organize the collection and recycling of plastic waste. However, the industries in the sector petitioned for more time to adjust to the new rules.
According to Minister Bourouno, the producers of plastic pouches had submitted a request for a grace period to allow them to adapt their production lines, invest in alternative packaging, and install collection and recycling devices. The government reviewed this request and decided to grant a six-month moratorium on the production of plastic pouches for mineral water and mineralized water.
The moratorium, approved by General Mamadi Doumbouya, is aimed at ensuring the well-being of the population, maintaining access to potable water, and controlling prices of essential products. The suspension only applies to plastic pouches used for mineral water and not to other single-use plastic items, which remain banned.
In addition to the moratorium, the government has introduced measures to encourage the production and importation of biodegradable packaging, PET resin, and preforms. These measures include fiscal and customs incentives to support the shift towards more environmentally friendly packaging.
The government has also urged operators to use this six-month period to develop a system for collecting and recycling plastic waste. A inter-ministerial commission, chaired by the Prime Minister, has been set up to monitor the implementation of these measures and ensure that they are strictly enforced.
The decision to suspend the ban on plastic pouches for mineral water is seen as a temporary measure to address the shortage of mineral water in Guinea. The government is expected to work with industries to find a more sustainable solution to the problem of plastic waste and ensure that the country's water needs are met.
Key points
- The government of Guinea has suspended its ban on plastic pouches for mineral water for 6 months to alleviate a severe shortage of mineral water in the country.
- The suspension is part of a broader effort to address the issue of plastic waste and ensure that the country's water needs are met.
- The government has introduced measures to encourage the production and importation of biodegradable packaging and has set up a commission to monitor the implementation of these measures.