UNIDO, UNDP, and Tagawa Shikkui Labs Partner to Promote Sustainable Reconstruction Solutions in Ukraine

May 5, 2026 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Tagawa Shikkui Labs, a Japanese company providing sustainable building materials, have signed a Letter of Intent for cooperation on the implementation of innovative and low-carbon solutions for Ukraine's reconstruction.

At the core of this initiative is the transfer of technology, human resource development, and the application of a circular economy approach in post-conflict Ukraine, under UNIDO's "Green Industrial Recovery Project in Ukraine through New Business Creation via Technology Transfer from Japanese Companies." This initiative is being implemented under the UNIDO Ukraine Green Industrial Recovery Programme (2024–2028).

Christina Pashkina / UNDP in Ukraine Limix Factory / Tagawa Shikkui Labs

This partnership will explore how Tagawa Shikkui Labs' developed low-carbon construction technology can contribute to sustainable reconstruction, reduction of environmental impact, and revitalization of the local economy.

The company's patented LIMIX technology allows for the regeneration of construction and demolition debris, such as concrete, bricks, and mortar, into high-quality building materials like tiles, without a firing process and without emitting carbon dioxide. By utilizing this technology and resources available in Ukraine, such as limestone, it is possible to reuse war-generated debris for sustainable reconstruction.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation-driven recovery, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic development in Ukraine," said Hirofumi Yasunaga, Deputy to the Director General of UNIDO.

UNIDO, as the lead agency and grant-making institution for the project, will provide overall coordination. It will support feasibility assessments, facilitate collaboration with partners and investors, and ensure alignment with international standards and national regulations. UNIDO will also support on-site visits, including safety and security arrangements, and contribute to training and awareness-raising activities.

Mr. Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, expressed UNDP's commitment to working with international partners to transform the challenges facing Ukraine into economic opportunities, stating: "This initiative is an excellent example of the innovation-driven partnerships needed for large-scale reconstruction support in Ukraine. With its extensive experience in debris management and recycling, strong operational framework, and local partnerships, UNDP is well-positioned to connect global innovators with Ukraine's local needs. These partnerships will not only accelerate Ukraine's recovery but also co-create value and drive innovation beyond Ukraine."

The UNDP Ukraine office will support local implementation by facilitating access to and visits of debris processing facilities, assisting with sample collection and export procedures to Japan. It will also provide data and analysis on debris composition, support compliance with national regulations including occupational safety and health, and contribute to training, awareness-raising, and human resource development.

Research and Development Department / Tagawa Shikkui Labs

Tagawa Shikkui Labs is currently conducting a technical, environmental, and commercial feasibility study in Ukraine for the manufacturing of carbon-neutral interior tiles derived from war-generated debris using LIMIX technology.

Mr. Shimon Yukihira, President and CEO of Tagawa Shikkui Labs, commented: "We are deeply honored to have this opportunity to collaborate with UNIDO and UNDP to utilize LIMIX technology for the sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine. By regenerating war-generated debris into low-carbon building tiles, we aim to contribute to the promotion of a circular economy and green industrial recovery."

Furthermore, this initiative also holds the potential to develop into an export industry originating from Ukraine, targeting environmentally conscious markets, including those in Europe.

For more details on the ongoing feasibility study, please visit: Eco-friendly tiles for sustainable reconstruction | UNIDO

About UNIDO:

UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with 173 Member States, promoting industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. It assists developing and emerging countries in their path towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development by sharing and creating prosperity, enhancing economic competitiveness, protecting the environment, and strengthening knowledge and institutions.

The Government of Ukraine and UNIDO jointly developed and launched the "UNIDO Ukraine Green Industrial Recovery Programme (2024–2028)." This program is UNIDO's contribution to Ukraine's industrial development.