A leading industrial packaging producer in Kosovo is reducing its carbon footprint and lowering energy costs through a renewable energy investment supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU).
Founded in 1978 in Mamusha, southern Kosovo, Birlik has expanded from a local agricultural business into a major producer of flour and industrial packaging. The company now supplies domestic and regional markets, with around 70 per cent of its production exported to countries including Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.
Like many manufacturers across the Western Balkans, Birlik has faced growing challenges from rising energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and increasing production costs. To strengthen its competitiveness and improve long-term stability, the company turned to renewable energy solutions.
With support from the EBRD and the EU under the SME Go Green programme, Birlik invested in an on-site solar power system designed to reduce electricity expenses and greenhouse gas emissions. The installed solar panels have a capacity of more than 200 kilowatts and now provide a significant share of the company’s electricity needs.
According to Birlik’s director Fikret Morina, the solar system currently covers around 30 to 40 per cent of the company’s energy consumption, helping deliver substantial savings while reducing dependence on external energy sources.
The project was made possible through a combination of financial assistance and technical support. Alongside an EBRD loan, Birlik received an EU-funded grant covering 15 per cent of the loan value, as well as advisory support to help plan and implement the renewable energy investment.
The transition to solar power has provided benefits beyond lower energy bills. By producing part of its own electricity, Birlik has improved cost predictability, increased resilience against market fluctuations, and reduced its environmental impact.
The investment also supports the company’s efforts to align with European environmental standards, which are becoming increasingly important for businesses operating in regional and international markets.
Birlik’s renewable energy project highlights how targeted green investments can help manufacturers manage economic pressures while moving towards more sustainable operations. With support from international financing and environmental programmes, businesses in Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans are finding new ways to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and strengthen their future growth.
