Meeting the Representatives of the Business Sector to Discuss Issues on Regulating the Use of Plastic Bottles

A working meeting was held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia with representatives of the business sector to discuss a draft of new regulations on the sale of beverages in plastic bottles. The First Deputy Minister, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, along with the Deputies of the Minister, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili and Mr. Zurab Ezugbaia, presented the planned changes to entrepreneurs.

The initiative aims to strengthen environmental protection objectives and establish consistent, practical support mechanisms for businesses, enabling the sector to adapt smoothly to the upcoming changes.
 

According to Deputy Minister Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili, the Ministry is implementing a reform aimed at reducing the use of plastics that come into direct contact with food and beverages.
 

“It is essential to start regulating the use of plastic bottles in a gradual manner. As you know, restrictions on their use are planned within the budget-funded sector. At the next stage, the regulations should be extended to restaurants and food service establishments. We are actively cooperating with the business community and striving to ensure that every step is agreed upon with them. Only in this way, step by step and in coordination with the private sector, we will be able to develop and enforce effective regulations,” stated Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili.

 
Mr. Levan Vepkhvadze, Executive Director of the Georgian Business Association, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that the association is ready to actively engage in the process.

 
“We are moving consistently toward reducing plastic consumption. Achieving our common goal through close communication with the business sector is crucial. Decisions should have minimal impact on both businesses and consumers. Maintaining balance and taking into account the views of all stakeholders is essential so that the decisions adopted are reasonable, balanced, and effective,” stated Mr. Levan Vepkhvadze.

 
During the meeting, participants discussed an initiative aimed at restricting the purchase of beverages in plastic bottles for public institutions and the hospitality sector. This measure is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing plastic consumption.

 
Special attention was given to the phased implementation timeline of the regulation, ensuring that the sector has sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements.

Working meetings with the business sector will continue as part of ongoing consultations regarding the new regulations.