RECSOL – an initiative of Tegeta that is transforming the waste management system in Georgia

For decades, used tires have been one of the most challenging types of waste to manage in Georgia. Improper disposal of these tires poses a significant threat to the environment, as it pollutes soil, water, and air, increasing the risk of fire and creating environmental issues that are practically impossible without a comprehensive approach. In response to this issue, Tegeta Holding has decided to establish a full-scale tire recycling infrastructure in the country as part of its sustainable development strategy, with the goal of implementing the principles of a circular economy. The RECSOL project, scheduled to launch operations this fall involves not only establishing infrastructure but also introducing a novel approach to waste management. Under this approach, used tires will no longer be viewed as environmentally hazardous waste but rather as a valuable resource with economic potential.

Shalva Akhvlediani, CEO of RECSOL: “RECSOL was founded to address a long-standing issue in Georgia. We are establishing a model in which waste no longer poses a threat to the environment and instead becomes a valuable asset. The facility will fully adhere to CE and ISO standards and will systematically recycle used tires that have accumulated in the country. As a result, materials obtained will be used in various industries, including the production of rubber-modified asphalt, contributing to the development of stronger and more resilient infrastructure.”  

Tegeta Green Planet, a affiliated company of Tegeta Holding that collects and processes tires under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, plays a crucial role in the project. The EPR scheme forms the foundation for the efficient operation of an infrastructure on this scale. The model implies that responsibility for a product’s lifecycle does not end with sale – manufacturers and importers also have responsibility for waste collection and recycling. Ultimately, a unified chain is created where waste is returned to the economic cycle.

RECSOL plant will be built in accordance with European standards and will have the capacity to process 25-30 thousand tons of tires annually. This capacity is adequate to fully process a significant portion of the tire waste generated in Georgia. In addition to the main plant, the project also envisions the establishment of a primary processing infrastructure in regional areas. This will significantly streamline the tire collection and recycling process nationwide.

RECSOL, which is being developed by Tegeta in partnership with Eco Service Georgia, is establishing a completely new industrial sector that will contribute to the growth of the local economy, creating new jobs and enhancing technical expertise. Moreover, such infrastructure enhances Georgia’s potential to become a regional hub for waste management and recycling.

RECSOL has garnered international attention. Despite still being under construction, the company received the award for “Best Green Initiative” at the Altaris International Corporate Sustainability Awards in 2026. This further highlights the significance and scale of the project.

“The Altaris Award recognizes the vision that RECSOL and Tegeta Holding have in developing a circular economy. We aim to establish a sustainable infrastructure that balances environmental protection with economic growth. We wish to demonstrate that projects on this scale can be successfully implemented in Georgia, and that a circular economy is not merely a theoretical concept but it can become a real, working system.” – Shalva Akhvlediani noted.

For Tegeta Holding, environmental responsibility extends beyond one-time initiatives. For many years, the company has been actively involved in waste management, recycling, and sustainable development efforts. Through Tegeta Green Planet, theoretical concepts have been transformed into practical and functional mechanisms that are systematically implemented. As part of regulations and systemic reforms implemented by the Ministry of environmental protection and Agriculture, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) organizations in Georgia have collected a total of 28,384 tons of tires, 9,181 tons of oil, 8,268 tons of automobile batteries, 10,957 tons of electrical equipment, and 19,560 kilograms of batteries within the country.

RECSOL is one of the most significant and strategic initiatives within the company. The overarching objective is not simply waste recycling, but rather, each phase of the project contributes to creating a system that aims to transform the nation’s resource management culture, combining economic growth with environmental stewardship.