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UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Showcases Sustainability and Legacy Through Circular Design 

12 November 2025

The UK Government is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, with the UK Pavilion standing as a powerful symbol of sustainability, innovation, and enduring UK-Japan collaboration. 

More than a showcase, the UK Pavilion was a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to sustainable development and circular design. Built with a modular structure, the Pavilion was designed from the outset to be reused, not discarded. As Expo 2025 closes, the Pavilion’s structure will live on – redeployed for future use rather than becoming waste. 

The UK Government is working closely with its build and operational partners to ensure the Pavilion is decommissioned as sustainably as possible. ES Global (ESG), a British company and our build partner, is leading the decommissioning. Their modular system, designed for reuse, will be redeployed in future projects, exemplifying circular design in action. 

This approach reflects the UK’s broader commitment to the circular economy. Wherever feasible, equipment and materials are being returned, reused, or recycled. Many operational assets, including commercial kitchen appliances, were rented and will be returned for redeployment – reducing waste and extending product lifecycles. 

The UK Pavilion’s sustainability efforts align with shared UK-Japan values around innovation, environmental responsibility, and legacy. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games set new standards on sustainability and inspired the development of ISO 20121, the first international standard for sustainability management systems for global events. This approach has since been adopted
by other world events and we are delighted this was adopted by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. – ISO20121 Certification Ceremony Held | Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website

UK Commissioner General for Expo 2025 Carolyn Davidson said:   

“The UK Pavilion was more than a showcase – it was a statement of our values. From its modular design to its sustainable decommissioning, it reflects our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and legacy. I’m especially proud of how MUSUBI, our Expo legacy programme, continues to strengthen UK-Japan ties through meaningful collaboration and donations. The Pavilion’s journey doesn’t end here – it lives on, repurposed and redeployed, just as we intended.” 

MUSUBI Logo with Japanese

MUSUBI: A Lasting Legacy 

The UK Pavilion’s legacy will live on through MUSUBI, the UK’s Expo legacy programme. MUSUBI celebrates the enduring ties between the UK and Japan, by fostering collaboration across education, innovation, and culture. Through MUSUBI, the UK continues to contribute to Japan’s Expo legacy, by supporting and creating partnerships with Japanese and UK organisations to give opportunities to the people of both countries to learn from one another. 

Donations and Legacy Contributions 

The UK Government is actively engaging with stakeholders to rehome Pavilion assets. Donations include: 

  • Minna no Ie in Noto peninsula, received outdoor and indoor furniture and kitchen equipment.
  • demo!Expo, an Osaka-wide initiative inspired by Expo 2025, received furniture and AV tech and equipment.
  • Kansai Airport Group will display the UK Pavilion’s iconic red phone box as part of a legacy exhibition, encouraging visitors to learn about Expo 2025 and its legacy. The initiative celebrates international friendship, cultural exchange, and innovation – values shared by both the UK and Japan. By showcasing Expo legacies in public spaces, Kansai Airports aims to keep the memory of Expo 2025 alive for millions of travellers, while reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable reuse. 

A Model for Future Events 

The UK is proud to champion practical, scalable solutions that support global climate goals and resource efficiency. The UK Pavilion’s circular design and sustainable decommissioning set a benchmark for future international events. 

For further information on Minna no Ie please see: https://www.home-for-all.org/