Organised by Tegfeta Green Planet and Wasteless Association for Specific Waste Management, Georgian Rubber-Modified Asphalt Summit (GRAS) 2026 took place in Tbilisi, aiming to facilitate the exchange of global expertise in the development of sustainable road infrastructure and rubber-modified asphalt technologies
GRAS 2026 served as a platform for knowledge exchange on global developments, challenges and opportunities in rubber-modified asphalt technologies, with panel discussions focusing on innovation, sustainability and circular economy practices.
Ekaterina Kavtaradze, CEO of Tegeta Holding: “For Tegeta Holding, sustainable development is one of the most important principles of our operations, which is reflected in concrete solutions. I am delighted that Georgia has had the opportunity to host such a large-scale event. GRAS 2026 demonstrates that the circular economy can become a real economic priority in Georgia as well, bringing significant benefits to the country, as waste is transformed into a resource, creating economic advantages and reducing the negative impact on the environment.”
Shalva Akhvlediani, Director of Tegeta Green Planet: “Georgia is at a stage where infrastructure decisions can shape the economic and environmental outcomes of the next generation.” This summit provides us with a unique opportunity to learn from the world’s leading countries and implement these lessons at the local level. Overall, the circular economy is the way forward: it allows us to transform waste, such as used tyres, into a useful resource, ensuring economic stability, environmental protection, and sustainable development.”
Tegeta highlighted how rubber-modified asphalt has been in use in the US, Portugal, Spain and other European countries for over 60 years, however, that practice still doesn’t exist in Georgia. The organisation emphasised the durability of rubber asphalt compared to the conventional one, as well as noise reduction and water resistance.
Giorgi Guliashvili, Chairman of Wasteless: “Our goal is to implement a fully circular model in Georgia—from waste collection to recycling and the effective use of recycled materials. Starting this autumn, Georgia will launch its first high-tech tyre recycling plant, which will process used tyres collected throughout the country. Using recycled rubber in asphalt is a clear answer to the question of how the resulting raw materials are utilised. As a result of the plant’s launch, we estimate that we will produce up to 12–15 thousand tons of rubber crumb per year, which will allow us to use this material locally to build more durable and environmentally friendly roads. This will bring significant benefits to both the environment and the economy.”
Organisers said GRAS 2026 aims to support the adoption of international best practices, promote sustainable waste management and raise awareness of the environmental impact of untreated waste, positioning Georgia to play a leading role in the development of sustainable infrastructure in the region.
Image credit: Tegeta Green Planet
