Plastic makers want solar energy as factory utilisation drops to 30%

Bangladesh's plastic manufacturers have urged faster adoption of rooftop solar as a prolonged energy crisis has cut factory utilisation to as low as 30 percent, threatening production and competitiveness.

The call came at a seminar on renewable energy organised by the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) and the STAC Foundation in Dhaka today.

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BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed said the plastic industry depends heavily on uninterrupted electricity, with many factories now operating at below 30 percent capacity because of persistent gas and power shortages.

He urged greater investment in renewable energy and resource-efficient production to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Md Hasan Mahmud Khan, a renewable energy consultant, said rooftop solar could significantly lower electricity costs, reduce dependence on the national grid, and help manufacturers meet buyers' sustainability requirements.

The association's leaders also called for simpler net-metering procedures, reliable grid connectivity and greater technical support, while industry representatives stressed the need for practical solutions, affordable technologies and battery storage to support wider solar adoption.