Working Meeting Held with Plastic Bag Manufacturers on Planned Regulations

A meeting was held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture with companies producing plastic bags, to discuss ways to reduce the use of plastic bags, introduce environmentally friendly alternatives, define support mechanisms for the business sector, and set timelines for implementing new regulations.

“The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture continues active work on systemic reform in waste management. Our priority is to minimize environmental pollution caused by plastic. Unfortunately, at this stage, our citizens still use plastic bags in large quantities, and this remains one of the major sources of environmental contamination.
During the meeting with bag manufacturers, we agreed to continue cooperation in a working format in order to reduce pollution risks caused by plastic bags and to work on the introduction of environmentally safe and eco-friendly alternatives,”
said Nino Tandilashvili, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

Manufacturers emphasized that the regulation should be implemented gradually, in close cooperation with the state.

“It is essential to continue cooperation with the Ministry so that we can form a mutually agreed position — one that does not harm companies and also protects state interests,”
said Elguja Gonashvili, Director of “Georgian Polymer”.

It was noted that in 2018, the government adopted a technical regulation restricting the production, import, and sale of plastic bags with a thickness of less than 50 microns and a size of 45x100 cm. Only biodegradable or compostable bags were allowed. Laboratory and inspection capacities were strengthened, and companies were supported in upgrading production equipment.

Meetings with different business sectors on reducing plastic use are held regularly at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.