Japanese firm launches pilot project to turn debris into road materials in Ukraine

The initiative involves collecting debris waste (concrete, bricks and asphalt), sorting and processing it for use as secondary raw materials in road repair and construction, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture said.

The pilot project was presented during a meeting between Deputy Minister Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi, the management of IKEE Group Ltd and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“Using debris waste as secondary raw materials is an important step toward building a circular economy in Ukraine. Such projects make it possible to combine environmental responsibility with practical solutions for infrastructure recovery,” Krasnolutskyi said.

The parties also discussed state policy in waste management, key results of the project’s implementation, barriers to investment and possible mechanisms for further support of Japanese businesses in Ukraine.

IKEE will facilitate the transfer of technology for producing all-weather road repair materials using recycled aggregates from debris waste, as well as the commercialization of related products and technologies. This is expected to improve damaged road sections, strengthen logistics capacity and accelerate the restoration of critical infrastructure.

Under the JICA framework, the company is testing the material on Ukrainian roads and conducting pilot production. The material can be used in various weather conditions, does not require complex preparation or specialized equipment, allows for rapid reopening of road sections and offers high durability under heavy loads.

“The IKEE solution demonstrates the potential to combine waste recycling and modern construction technologies, in line with European approaches to sustainable development and recovery,” the ministry said.

Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers allocated 300 million hryvnias for the restoration of frontline roads in Kharkiv Oblast.