Faktor-Print: A Symbol of Ukrainian Resilience at EXPO 2025
At EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Ukraine’s national pavilion has unveiled a powerful symbol of resilience — a publication from the Kharkiv-based printing house Factor-Druk, reborn after suffering a devastating missile strike by Russian forces in May 2024.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the Ministry of economy of Ukraine.
The publication features 20 compelling stories of Ukrainian entrepreneurs who continue to build businesses and create jobs amid the chaos of war. These accounts include companies from cities like Kramatorsk, Pokrovsk, Nikopol, Huliaipole, and other regions, each a testament to unyielding perseverance.
“This book, much like our pavilion, represents the strength and values of our nation,” emphasized Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy. “Despite unimaginable challenges, Ukrainian businesses are forging ahead. Factor-Druk itself embodies that spirit of resilience, and we are proud to share these inspiring stories with the world — a global audience of over 23 million is expected to visit EXPO 2025.”
This edition marks one of the first full-scale productions by Factor-Druk since the partial destruction of its facilities. The expanded version, created specifically for the EXPO, was developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine. The debut version was originally presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Factor-Druk, once among the largest printing operations in Ukraine, used to produce up to 40% of all school textbooks nationwide. Following the missile attack, the company operated at limited capacity but managed a full recovery by early 2025, thanks in part to support from American philanthropist Howard Buffett.
The featured businesses span various sectors, from heavy industry to artisanal craftsmanship. For instance, Nikopol’s Interpipe Niko Tube continues production under constant threat. Kharkiv firms D Light and UBC Group successfully relocated and resumed operations. Ecosoft and Delta Food also revived activity after serious damage or displacement. Companies like Ancientsmithy and Vitrage Art Souvenirs, having resumed production in Kyiv and Sumy regions, have increased their exclusive product shipments worldwide.
Factor-Druk continues to rebuild its full production capabilities. Once responsible for printing every third book in Ukraine, the company is on a determined path to reclaim its vital role in the country’s publishing industry.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Japan provided Ukraine with a loan of about $3 billion using frozen Russian assets.