Georgia Moves Toward Regulating Food-Contact Plastics Amid Environmental and Health Concerns

A working meeting was held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture to discuss the regulation of plastics used in contact with food. The session was attended by Deputy Minister Nino Tandilashvili, along with Lia Shavishvili, Kakha Kakabadze, Zurab Ezugbaia, and heads of relevant departments and services.

Participants focused on the harmful effects of single-use plastics, particularly those that come into contact with food. The discussion was framed around the outcomes of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project, "Transition from Single-Use Plastics to Environmentally and Financially Viable Alternatives in Georgia." The project emphasizes the adverse impacts of plastic on human health and biodiversity.

Nino Tandilashvili highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action:

"The results of numerous studies and reports confirm the negative effects of plastic consumption on human health and the environment. The government, private sector, and donor organizations must coordinate effectively to regulate food-contact plastics and replace them with safer alternatives."

In addition, the World Bank, with strong support from the state, presented a comprehensive report titled "Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution in Georgia" under the Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) program. The study covered four key areas:

• Diagnostics of marine plastic pollution

• Evaluation of plastic waste removal technologies for rivers

• Analysis of public policy, investment priorities, and institutional readiness

• Assessment of microplastic pollution in the Black Sea

The ministry also announced plans for continued engagement with the private sector to introduce sustainable alternatives and regulate the use of plastic in food-related contexts.