Georgia Moves Toward Regulating Single-Use Plastics in Food Contact Products
At a working meeting held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture with plastic product manufacturers, importers, and representatives of retail chains, the parties discussed the need to develop and implement a model that balances health, environmental, and economic interests. The goal is to ensure that new regulations are introduced within a reasonable timeframe, promoting both environmental safety and sustainable development for the private sector.
“The Ministry is actively working on regulating single-use plastics, especially those that come into direct contact with food. These regulations consider environmental, health, and food safety aspects,” said Nino Tandilashvili, Deputy Minister. “At the meeting with business representatives, we discussed the benefits of these regulations, potential challenges for the private sector, and realistic timelines for gradually introducing the new standards.”
Representatives of the Georgian Business Association and the broader business sector emphasized the importance of clear and realistic transition deadlines.
“We received information about the upcoming ban on the import and sale of certain plastic products. It’s important that the transition is gradual and as seamless as possible,” said Akaki Saghirashvili, First Deputy Executive Director of the Georgian Business Association.
Nino Meladze, Director of Lunchgroup LLC, acknowledged the difficulty businesses may face in adapting but expressed openness to negotiated timelines. “It will be easier for importers than for manufacturers, but nothing is insurmountable,” she said.
Excessive plastic consumption remains a major environmental challenge. A recent study in Georgia found that the country consumes approximately 612.5 million units of single-use plastic products annually—including cups, lids, food containers, cutlery, plates, and drink stirrers—amounting to between 3.9 and 5.9 thousand tons.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers Solomon Pavliashvili, Kakha Kakabadze, Zurab Ezugbaia, and other relevant ministry officials.
