News
Parliament reviews the plastic waste reduction regulations prepared by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
Within the Business Sector Cooperation Platform of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, the First Deputy Minister, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, and Deputies of the Minister, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili and Mr. Zurab Ezugbaya, discussed the regulatory measures developed to reduce plastic waste.
Mrs. Maia Bitadze, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, chaired the session.
The First Deputy Minister emphasized the need to reduce environmental pollution, regulate waste management, and develop a green economy in the country, outlining the importance of coordinated cooperation with the business sector in the process.
According to Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, close communication with the sector is essential for developing regulations that effectively address health, environmental protection, and economic needs.
The First Deputy Minister highlighted the proposed changes that call for banning the production, import, and placing on the market of plastic forks, knives, spoons, stirrers, plates, straws, drink stirrers, including food containers/cups and their lids made from expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Notably, the changes will affect food establishments providing customers with ready-made meals using single-use plastic food containers and cups.
Mrs. Tandilashvili added that with active engagement from the business sector, the Ministry continues to work on reducing plastic consumption, including the regulation of purchasing and using bottled water in plastic packaging.
During the meeting, the parties focused on the timelines for implementing these regulations.
According to Mrs. Maia Bitadze, sustainable waste management is a key national priority, while also expressing the Committee’s willingness to be actively involved in the mentioned process to ensure greater effectiveness.
The members of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee, including the leaders of business associations and sector representatives, attended the session.
It is worth noting that in Georgia, approximately 612.5 million single-use plastic cups, lids, food containers, knives, forks, spoons, straws, plates, and stirrers are consumed annually, amounting to a total of 3.9–5.9 thousand tonnes of plastic.