News
September 30, 2025
Toyoda Gosei Invests in EF Polymer, a Startup Developing Super-Absorbent Polymers Derived from Nature
Kiyosu, Japan, September 30, 2025: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. has invested* in EF Polymer K.K., a startup developing super-absorbent polymers that are made using orange and banana peels.
EF Polymer uses inedible agricultural waste in making these 100% nature-based, environmentally friendly super-absorbent polymers. By mixing them into soil to raise the soil’s water retention characteristics, the amount of water used in growing crops can be greatly reduced. As droughts and water shortages worsen worldwide, EF Polymer will contribute to sustainable agriculture through the supply of this product.
Toyoda Gosei utilizes its knowledge of polymers in working toward resource recycling of petroleum-derived plastic and rubber materials. With this investment in EF Polymer, Toyoda Gosei is supporting the spread of super-absorbent polymers that have a low environmental impact. The company is also considering technical tie-ups with EF Polymer in the future.
* Investment made in August 2025, through Toyoda Gosei's Corporate Venture Capital Dept., an internal organization dedicated to these investments.
Outline of EF Polymer
| Company name | EF Polymer K.K. |
| Location | Innovation Square Incubator 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan |
| CEO | Narayan Lal Gurjar |
| Established | March 30, 2020 |
| Capital | JPY 570 million (as of March 31, 2025) |
Nature-derived, super-absorbent
polymers developed by EF Polymer
In addition to agricultural uses, applications are targeted in a wide range of fields, including cosmetics, cold packs, and water absorbing sheets