Plastic’s Fall Is Paper’s Rise
Bangladesh is saying goodbye to plastic — and welcoming paper. In cafes, events, offices, and even street tea stalls, paper cups and plates are taking over. Most important, government restrictions on single-use plastics have pushed demand for eco-friendly disposables through the roof. If you want a business that’s affordable to set up, easy to manage, and backed by public demand, this is it.
Why Paper Cups and Plates Are Booming
You can’t drink tea out of policy — you need a container. As plastic bans hit hard and green awareness grows, paper-based disposables are winning. Here’s why this industry is growing faster than others:
- Government Crackdowns on Plastic – Several districts have banned polythene outright.
- Eco-Conscious Consumers – Restaurants, cafes, and event organizers are choosing paper over plastic.
- Export Demand – Eco-friendly tableware is in demand in Europe, Gulf countries, and Southeast Asia.
- Affordable Entry Point – You can set up a plant with less than 40–60 lakh BDT.
- Small Space, Big Returns – Even 1,000 sq. ft. is enough to start production.
Popular Products to Manufacture
You can focus on 2–3 of the following to start:
| Product | Unit Price (Retail) | Local Market Demand/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Cups (100ml – 250ml) | 0.5 – 2.0 BDT | 5 crore+ units |
| Paper Plates (6–12 inch) | 1.0 – 3.5 BDT | 3 crore+ units |
| Paper Bowls | 1.5 – 4.0 BDT | 50 lakh+ units |
| Custom Logo Cups (Cafes) | 2.0 – 5.0 BDT | Rising in Dhaka, Chattogram |
Key Markets and Buyers
The best part? You won’t need to beg for orders. Here’s where your products will fly:
- Street-side tea vendors
- Restaurants, caterers, and food delivery services
- Event organizers (weddings, fairs, corporate events)
- E-commerce resellers
- Export buyers (through B2B marketplaces or agents)
Basic Setup and Investment Breakdown
Let’s create a realistic setup for a medium-sized unit producing 1.5–2 lakh cups/plates monthly.
| Category | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Factory Setup (Rented) | 4,00,000 |
| Paper Cup Machine (Auto/Manual combo) | 25,00,000 |
| Die Cutting Machine (Plates) | 10,00,000 |
| Raw Materials (3 months) | 12,00,000 |
| Packing Machine | 2,00,000 |
| Generator + Utilities | 4,00,000 |
| Manpower (6–8 people) | 6,00,000 |
| Marketing & Logistics | 2,00,000 |
| Total Investment | 65,00,000 |
Expected Monthly Revenue: BDT 8–12 lakh
Annual ROI: 30%–40%
Break-even Point: 18–24 months
Machinery and Raw Materials
At PPB, we supply European and Chinese machines with installation support. Machines you need:
- Fully Automatic Paper Cup Machine
- Hydraulic Paper Plate Making Machine
- Die Cutting Machine
- Lamination Machine (optional)
- Air Compressor & Trimming Tools
Raw Materials:
- Food-grade PE-coated paper rolls
- Bottom paper (for cups)
- Printing ink (for branding)
- Cartons for packaging
We help you source high-quality, food-safe materials from trusted suppliers in Dhaka, Narayanganj, or import if needed.
How to Get a Bank Loan (with PPB’s Help)
You’ll need a full set of documents and planning. Good news: PPB handles it for you.
Eligibility Criteria:
- New or existing entrepreneur
- Trade license, TIN, and NID
- Industrial premise (owned or rented)
- Basic equity (20%–30%)
Loan Documents:
- Project profile (created by us)
- Machinery quotation
- Factory location paper
- Financial statement or income source
- Bank transaction history
- Collateral or personal guarantee
You may qualify under:
- SME Foundation Funding
- Startup-friendly loan schemes
- Green industry promotion funds
Challenges & Mitigations
Success is easy when you plan for the bumps ahead:
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Heat-sensitive machines | Setup in ventilated or A/C area |
| Fluctuating paper prices | Bulk buy or partner with local mills |
| Quality inconsistency | Train operators properly |
| Storage space | Use racking system or rent mini-warehouse |
Real Business Example:
Name: EcoServe Paper Products
Location: Keraniganj
Started With: BDT 48 lakh
Capacity: 2 lakh cups/month
Clients: Restaurants in Dhaka, agents for UAE
Net Profit (Year 2): Over BDT 18 lakh/year
USP: Biodegradable, printed paper cups with brand customization
Final Thoughts: Your Cup of Profit
You don’t need to wait for the plastic ban to hit your area. The future is already paper. Whether you want to supply to weddings or chain cafes, a well-run paper cup and plate plant can give you steady returns and a good name in a green industry.
At Project Profile Bangladesh (PPB), we don’t just prepare reports — we build businesses. From machines to money, we’re here every step of the way.
