A Meeting Held with Business Sector Representatives to Discuss the Regulation of Beverage Sales in Plastic Bottles

The Deputies of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili, Mr. Zurab Ezughbaia, and Mr. Kakha Kakabadze met with the representatives of the business sector to discuss the regulation of beverage sales in plastic bottles.


“The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is taking active steps to regulate plastic consumption. As you know, Georgia is a party to several international conventions. Under the National Waste Management Strategy, Georgia has set a goal to reduce plastic waste generation by 2030, thereby contributing to lower environmental impact and the advancement of a circular economy. It is important for us to ensure coordinated cooperation with the sector and develop regulations that balance environmental and public health concerns with economic interests,” stated Mr. Pavliashvili.
 

As mentioned, under the new initiative, it is planned to prohibit the purchase of beverages in plastic bottles by budgetary organizations (Ministries and their Subordinate Agencies, state-owned enterprises, local self-government bodies, and educational institutions), including the hospitality sector. This measure aims to reduce plastic consumption.



The parties focused on the specific timelines for transitioning to the new regulations, noting that further consultations will be held to thoroughly discuss the sector’s needs and existing challenges.