Ukrainian Innovators Receive Support from EBRD, EU, and Greencubator

Ukrainian companies are breaking new ground in environmental innovation, from capturing harmful CO2 directly from the atmosphere to developing mobile factories for pipe manufacturing, all while facing the devastating impact of Russia’s war on the country.

Since 2017, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has been supporting Ukrainian businesses in their efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, boost energy efficiency, and combat climate change. Through initiatives like the Climate Innovation Vouchers programme, these companies are driving sustainability in their industries.

Mobile Innovation in Pipe Manufacturing

Pipes.one, a Ukrainian company, is transforming the polymer pipe production sector with its mobile pipe manufacturing units. Instead of producing pipes in centralized factories and transporting them over long distances, Pipes.one manufactures them directly on-site. This innovation significantly reduces logistics costs, storage needs, and CO2 emissions from transportation.

“We’ve reduced raw material usage by 34% and can now integrate recycled materials, making production even more sustainable,” said Serhiy Sereda, co-founder of Pipes.one. With backing from the Climate Innovation Vouchers, the company has secured certification in both Ukraine and the EU, making strides toward further growth and contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

CO2 Capture for Sustainable Farming

Carbominer, founded by Nick and Victoria Oseyko, is tackling climate change while supporting sustainable agriculture. The company developed a machine that captures CO2 from the atmosphere and supplies it to greenhouses to enhance crop growth. This eliminates farmers’ reliance on compressed CO2 cylinders, offering a reliable and eco-friendly alternative.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Carbominer continues its operations between Ukraine and Poland and has conducted two pilot tests. With additional investment, the company aims to scale up its technology for use by large-scale industrial farms.

Supporting Green Champions

The Climate Innovation Vouchers programme, one of the largest grant schemes for Ukrainian green innovators, is part of the EBRD’s broader initiative for climate action, supported by the EU. Ukrainian NGO Greencubator has played a key role in implementing the programme, empowering companies like Releaf Paper and The Good Plastic Company to turn waste materials into sustainable products.

These innovators are not only demonstrating resilience but also showing that a greener future is possible, even in the face of adversity.