Abstract

PHARMACEUTICAL POLLUTION AND THE ROLE OF INDUSTRY: ALIGNING GEORGIA’S ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS WITH EU STANDARDS

Nana Shashiashvili*

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Abstract

Environmental risks associated with pharmaceuticals are increasingly recognized as a global public health and ecological concern. This paper provides a comparative overview of Georgia’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework in relation to international standards, particularly those of the European Union and Sweden. The analysis draws upon official policy documents, legislation, and published academic literature, focusing on environmental risk assessment (ERA), extended producer responsibility (EPR), medicine take-back systems, and industry engagement in environmental initiatives. The review identifies several regulatory and institutional gaps in Georgia, including the absence of mandatory ERA, a national return mechanism for unused medicines, and clearly defined producer obligations and oversight mechanisms. The discussion underscores the importance of policy alignment with EU practices and the role of the private sector in promoting sustainable pharmaceutical waste management. The paper concludes by advocating for the implementation of green pharmacy principles and the development of legislative and economic incentives to support environmentally responsible practices in the pharmaceutical sector and strengthen environmental governance in Georgia.

Keywords: Environmental risk, Green pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals, Pollution.