#Japan #Tokyo #Chiyoda Ute #Senba Inc. #Gypsum Boards

Partnership Overview

Senba Inc. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Jun Odagiri) has joined forces with Chiyoda Ute Co., Ltd. (based in Mie Prefecture, President: Yoshihisa Hirata) to commence a collaboration starting July 1, 2025. This partnership is focused on integrating Chiyoda Ute’s 100% recycled gypsum boards, known as “Chiyoda Circular Gypsum Board,” into various spaces designed and constructed by Senba, including commercial venues and offices. In return, Senba will supply used gypsum boards generated from construction sites back to Chiyoda Ute, reinforcing a circular material supply chain. This collaboration aims to advance the recycling processes of gypsum boards through all stages, including design, construction, dismantling, and production, to foster a circular economy within the industry.

Background and Objectives of the Partnership

Gypsum boards are commonly used in the interiors of shops and residential buildings. However, significant amounts of used gypsum boards are discarded during demolition and renovations, with an anticipated disposal volume of around 2 million tons by 2032, rising to over 3 million tons by 2047. This escalation raises concerns about the strain on final disposal sites. Additionally, the availability of gypsum raw materials produced as by-products in domestic thermal power plants is dwindling, leading Japan to import over 2 million tons annually from abroad. To ensure a stable resource supply and reduce dependence on natural gypsum, the reuse of waste gypsum boards has become increasingly urgent.

Both Senba and Chiyoda Ute have previously engaged in initiatives focused on “horizontal recycling,” which involves the collection, re-resourcing, and reuse of waste gypsum boards. Through this partnership, they aspire to build a more effective model for circular economy practices.

Key Initiatives of the Partnership

1. Promotion of Social Implementation
By adopting the “Chiyoda Circular Gypsum Board” across various construction sites, Senba aims to establish a tangible cycle of resource circulation. Notable implementations include projects at ALLU SHINJUKU, Gran Hammer, and several office construction contracts.

2. Expansion of Recycled Gypsum Board Supply
Senba will meticulously collect and supply used gypsum boards from their construction sites to Chiyoda Ute for utilization as raw materials in the “Chiyoda Circular Gypsum Board.” To increase the recycling of gypsum boards, the processes of dismantling and sorting must prioritize re-resource utilization. This enhancement of the production system will facilitate stable product supply.

3. Information Dissemination and Industry Ripple Effects
By actively communicating the efforts and outcomes of this collaboration, both companies aim to elevate awareness of the social challenges surrounding gypsum boards and inspire transformative action, leading the industry towards a more robust circular economy.

Looking ahead, Senba and Chiyoda Ute are committed to transforming technology, distribution, and awareness within the architectural and spatial design sectors to collaboratively pave the way for a sustainable future.

Past Initiatives

For more details on previous initiatives between Senba and Chiyoda Ute, please refer to the following:

• - Launch of the industry’s first joint demonstration experiment for horizontal recycling of waste gypsum boards.
• - Challenges and future goals for achieving horizontal recycling of gypsum boards produced 100% from recycled materials.

About Senba

Operating under the corporate philosophy of “Success Partner,” Senba provides comprehensive support for various spatial creations, encompassing commercial facilities, offices, education, healthcare, and recreational spaces. With a vision established in 2021 of being a “Good Ethical Company” and a mission to create “future-friendly spaces,” Senba engages in ethical design practices with a focus on compassion for individuals, local communities, and the natural environment. They strive for co-creation of future-friendly spaces across the entire supply chain.

Company Details

• - Name: Senba Inc. (Kabushiki Kaisha Senba)
• - Location: 1-2-3 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 9th Floor, Shibans S Building
• - Listed: Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market (Code Number: 6540)
• - Major Projects: Suntory Natural Water Northern Alps Shinanomori Factory (Design & Construction), ISUMI Glamping Resort & Spa SOLAS (Master Planning, Design, Construction), Tokyo Share Office Sumida (Production, Design, Construction), Mitsui Shopping Park Lalaport Kadoma & Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma (Research & Planning, Master Planning, Design, Environmental Design, Construction).