The regulation of single-use plastics used in contact with food was discussed at a meeting with business sector representatives.

First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, along with the Deputies of the Minister, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze, and Mr. Lasha Avaliani, met with business representatives from retail, plastic manufacturing, and importing sectors.

 
The meeting aimed to discuss the regulation of plastic products intended for contact with food.

 
“As you know, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is actively working on regulating the use of single-use plastics that come into direct contact with food. Coordinated cooperation with the sector is crucial for us, so that we can develop regulations that balance public health, environmental protection, and economic interests,” said Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili.
 

According to the draft version of the regulation, it is planned to prohibit the manufacture (except for export purposes), import, and marketing of the following plastic products: knives, forks, spoons, plates, stirrers, straws, and food containers made of expanded polystyrene, including their lids, as well as cups and cup lids.

 
The regulation will also apply to food service establishments that supply ready-to-eat meals to consumers using single-use plastic food containers and cups.


During the meeting, the parties focused on the transition period for the implementation of the new regulation.
 

Notably, excessive plastic consumption remains one of the major environmental challenges today. According to research conducted in Georgia, the country consumes approximately 612.5 million units of single-use plastic items annually — including cups, lids, food containers, knives, forks, spoons, straws, plates, and stirrers — which amounts to 3.9–5.9 thousand tonnes of plastic per year.

 
Mr. Levan Vepkhvadze, Executive Director of the Business Association, and representatives from related Ministry departments and services, attended the meeting.