Tbilisi recently served as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on one of Georgia’s most pressing environmental challenges – the reduction of industrial Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the country’s transition towards a circular economy. The workshop gathered key stakeholders from government bodies, international organizations, and the industrial sector to share insights and discuss the way forward in addressing the legacy and future risks posed by hazardous chemicals.
Persistent Organic Pollutants – long-lasting, toxic substances used in various industrial processes – remain a threat to both the environment and human health. Their effective management requires coordinated efforts, robust legislation, and innovative solutions that prioritize prevention, reduction, and sustainable alternatives. In this context, Georgia’s ongoing efforts reflect its growing commitment to aligning national policies with international environmental standards and advancing towards safer, greener industries.
“Georgia’s commitment to reducing industrial POPs goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to build a circular economy in our country. Through collaboration with international partners and our private sector, we are working towards solutions that will protect both – environment and public health, while fostering innovation within our industries.” – Ms. Irma Gurguliani, Deputy Head of Waste and Chemicals Management Department, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
The workshop, organized within the framework of the GEF-funded project “Reduction of Industrial Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Manufacturing and Processing Sector Through Support for the Transition to a Circular Economy” led by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and its local partner REC Caucasus, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture serving as a main beneficiary of the project.
The analysis focuses on reducing industrial Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Georgia’s manufacturing and recycling sectors through lifecycle-based approaches. It includes a comprehensive analysis of value chains in four priority sectors – Construction, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Vehicles/ELVs, and Firefighting Foams – selected based on a multi-criteria screening of POPs relevance. The assignment entailed detailed life cycle mapping of POPs-containing products, identification of emission hotspots, and the future development of sector-specific Environmentally Sound Management Plans (ESMPs) and disposal strategies aligned with Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP). Additionally, the work explores cross-sector collaboration opportunities and contributes to drafting a national disposal plan to ensure sustainable, practical, and technically feasible POPs management solutions.
The technical sessions highlighted the latest research on POPs in Georgia’s industrial sector. International experts Mr. Ankit Kapasi and Mr. Kishore Ganesan, alongside with national experts from REC Caucasus, presented key findings that shed light on current pollution hotspots in Georgian companies representing industrial sector, gaps in their management practices, and opportunities for targeted interventions. These findings are expected to guide policymakers, industries, and civil society in shaping more effective and sustainable chemical management strategies.
“Our analysis shows that targeted actions in key sectors – such as construction, electronics, transportation, and firefighting foams – can significantly reduce the presence of hazardous substances. By mapping the full lifecycle of these materials, we help Georgian industries identify opportunities to align with international best practices and strengthen environmental governance.” – Mr. Ankit Kapasi, International Expert.
Further discussions centered around Georgia’s chemicals and waste management policy, outlining recent legislative advancements and future plans, and Georgia’s progress in establishing EPR systems – a cornerstone policy tool for developing circular economy principles. Through EPR, producers are increasingly held accountable for the lifecycle of their products, fostering innovation, resource efficiency, and a shift away from the traditional linear economy model.
The workshop concluded with a common understanding that reducing industrial POPs and moving towards a circular economy is not only a matter of regulatory compliance, but also a chance to encourage risk-free manufacturing process, strengthen competitiveness, and promote sustainability within Georgia’s industrial sector.
