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Working Meeting Focuses on Regulating Food-Contact Single-Use Plastics
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia hosted a working meeting with representatives from the business sector to discuss the regulation of single-use plastics in contact with food.
Manufacturers, importers, and retail representatives discussed the need for a regulatory framework that balances public health and supports environmental protection with economic interests. Parties focused on adopting balanced regulations and realistic timelines that ensure both ecological safety and the private sector's sustainable growth.
“The Ministry is working on regulating single-use plastics, particularly those that come into direct contact with food. These regulations take into account environmental concerns, public health, and food safety. During the meeting with the business representatives, we discussed the benefits of the proposed regulations, listened to potential challenges from the private sector, and highlighted specific details and reasonable timeframes for the gradual implementation of new standards and requirements," stated Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili.
During the meeting, representatives from the Business Association of Georgia and the broader business sector emphasized the importance of appropriate transition periods for the adoption of the new regulations.
"We received information regarding the ban on the import and placement on the market of certain plastic products. It is crucial that the transition to new regulations occurs gradually and with minimal disruption," stated Mr. Akaki Sagirashvili, First Deputy of the Executive Director of the Business Association of Georgia.
According to Mrs. Nino Meladze, Director of LLC “LunchGroup,” the transition to the new regulations will not be easy for businesses.
“Through dialogue and cooperation, it is possible to reach agreement on reasonable implementation timelines. The transition will likely be easier for importers than for local manufacturers, but nothing is insurmountable,” said Nino Meladze.
Excessive use of single-use plastics is a major environmental issue in Georgia. Research shows the country consumes approximately 612.5 million single-use plastic items annually—including cups, lids, food containers, and utensils—amounting to an estimated 3.9 to 5.9 thousand tonnes.
The Deputies of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze, and Mr. Zurab Ezugbaia, along with representatives of relevant departments, attended the meeting.