In the next 60 days, the well-known Gračanica-based plastic processing company “Variplast” will celebrate its 35th anniversary by launching a new plastic processing facility, with an investment of around 5 million KM. This expansion will increase production capacity and create new jobs.

Plastic Recycling

Gračanica is widely recognized in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region for plastic processing. “Variplast” is among the industry leaders, with the Hasić family from Malešići having started their plastic processing business back in the 1980s. With the construction of this new facility, the company— which produces plastic materials for the food industry, construction, textile, chemical sectors, and general consumer goods—will expand its exports to Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Serbia, and Croatia, thereby completing an important investment cycle.

“In the new facility, we will install state-of-the-art equipment, including an extruder and plastic recycling machines for both production waste and externally sourced plastic materials. “Variplast” will invest 5 million KM in the facility and machinery. This expansion will create 10 new jobs, bringing our workforce from 92 employees to over 100,” says Mujo Hasić, owner and director of Variplast.

Work Environment

The new facility will offer 3,000 square meters of additional workspace, bringing the total area to 12,000 square meters, ensuring better working conditions for employees. However, the shortage of skilled labor, a general issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is also affecting Variplast. The solution lies in retraining workers, improving work quality, and increasing wages.

Challenges in the Business Environment

“Our company currently offers wages above the average in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a federal representative in the House of Representatives, I must emphasize that high taxes on wages are a major burden on businesses. At the beginning of his term, Prime Minister Fadil Novalić promised to work on reducing these burdens, but nothing has changed. If business taxes were lower, employees would have higher wages, and the overall economy would benefit. Until then, we continue to fight,” concludes Hasić.