Japan looks to Ukraine war-debris tile manufacturingーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Shikui: An eco-friendly plaster traditionally used in Japanese castle construction, made from natural materials like slate lime and hemp.
• Debris Management: Utilizing war-torn rubble as a component in building materials, specifically tiles.
• Carbon Sequestration: The process of absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, a key feature of the Shikui manufacturing process.
• Low-Carbon Footprint Manufacturing: Production methods minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, achieved through pressure-based tile formation rather than firing.
• Post-War Reconstruction: Utilizing local industry and eco-friendly technologies to rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure.

Ukraine Reconstruction: Leveraging Japanese Tile Technology for Debris Management and Sustainable Building

The video details an initiative by Yukihira Shimon, head of a Japanese company specializing in Shikui – a traditional, eco-friendly plaster – to assist Ukraine in its post-war reconstruction efforts, specifically addressing the immense challenge of debris management. Ukraine is currently facing over six million tons of rubble resulting from Russian attacks, alongside a severely strained energy infrastructure leading to widespread power shortages.

The Shikui Technology and its Advantages

Yukihira’s company manufactures Shikui, a plaster composed of natural materials including slate lime and hemp. The core proposition is to adapt Shikui techniques to create tiles utilizing plaster mixed with Ukrainian war debris. This approach offers several key advantages:

• No Firing Required: Unlike conventional tile production, Shikui tiles are formed under high pressure, eliminating the energy-intensive firing process. This is particularly crucial given Ukraine’s energy crisis.
• Carbon Dioxide Absorption: The plaster component, specifically limestone, actively absorbs CO2 during the hardening process, resulting in a low carbon footprint. The process was described as utilizing a chamber with “very high concentrated CO2” to facilitate hardening.
• Debris Utilization: The technology allows for the incorporation of up to 40% debris powder into the tile composition, directly addressing the massive rubble problem. Samples presented contained 30% and 40% debris content.
• EU Market Potential: The resulting eco-friendly tiles align with the European Union’s preference for sustainable building materials, potentially opening export opportunities for a Ukrainian-Japanese partnership.

On-the-Ground Assessment and Human Impact

Yukihira and Benji Chang, a colleague, travelled to Kev, Ukraine, to assess the situation firsthand and identify potential business partners. Their visit coincided with a large-scale drone attack, with nearly 600 drones launched against the city the day prior. The devastation witnessed – including a heavily damaged apartment complex – underscored the urgency of the reconstruction effort.

The video highlights the human cost of the war, with residents remaining in damaged buildings due to a lack of alternative housing. A local resident shared their experience, emphasizing the ongoing hardship. This direct exposure reinforced Yukihira’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Partnership and Challenges

The team inspected a major Ukrainian tile manufacturer, exploring a collaborative partnership to leverage their existing infrastructure and distribution networks. Discussions included showcasing samples incorporating actual Ukrainian debris. However, the Ukrainian company had also suffered direct damage from Russian strikes, with warehouses destroyed, though thankfully without casualties.

Yukihira’s Perspective and Future Outlook

Despite the challenges, Yukihira expressed a renewed determination to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery. He stated, “If building on small steps can contribute to post-war reconstruction and economic development, even if only a little, I want to continue believing there is meaning in what we could achieve in Ukraine.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to long-term support and a belief in the potential for positive impact, even amidst ongoing conflict.

The initiative represents a practical application of sustainable building practices, addressing both environmental concerns and the immediate needs of a nation rebuilding from war. The focus on utilizing local resources and fostering local industry is central to the proposed approach.