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Overview: about the EBRDWho we are
Overview: about the EBRD
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Eng
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Industrial packaging producer in Kosovo cuts carbon with EBRD and EU support
Author: Bojana Vlajcic
Founded in 1978 in Mamusha, southern Kosovo, Birlik has grown from a local agricultural operation into a successful producer of flour and industrial packaging, supplying both domestic and regional markets. Today, around 70 per cent of its production is exported to Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro, positioning the company as a competitive player in the Western Balkans.
“As a family business, we have always focused on quality, reliability and building long-term relationships,” says Fikret Morina, the company’s director.
But in recent years that model has come under pressure. Like many manufacturers in the region, Birlik has faced rising energy prices, supply chain disruptions and increasing input costs – challenges that threaten margins and long-term stability.
Turning to the sun
The answer came in the form of a strategic shift towards renewable energy.
With support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) under the SME Go Green programme, Birlik invested in a solar power system to reduce both costs and emissions.
Installed on site, the solar panels now generate enough energy to meet a significant share of the company’s electricity needs.
“We have installed a system with a capacity exceeding 200 kilowatts,” Morina explains. “Today, around 30 to 40 per cent of our energy consumption comes from our own production, which has already led to substantial savings.”
More than financing
The investment was made possible through a combination of financial and advisory support.
Alongside an EBRD loan, Birlik received an EU-funded grant covering 15 per cent of the loan value, as well as technical assistance to help prepare and implement the project.
This integrated approach ensured that the company could move from idea to implementation efficiently, maximising both financial returns and operational impact.
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Building a more sustainable future
Today, the benefits reach far beyond lower energy bills.
By reducing its reliance on external energy sources, Birlik is more resilient to market volatility. It has also improved cost predictability and reduced its environmental footprint.
At the same time, the investment supports the company’s alignment with EU environmental standards, which is increasingly important for businesses competing in regional and international markets.
Birlik’s experience is a clear example of how targeted green investments can help manufacturers navigate a changing economic landscape. With the backing of EBRD financing and EU grants, companies are not only cutting costs but also accelerating their transition to more sustainable business models.