EF Polymer
EF Polymer manufactures 100% bio-based, fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymers from upcycled fruit peel biomass for agricultural water retention, alongside engineered growing media and absorbent sheet products serving farmers, greenhouse operators, and cosmetics/medical manufacturers across 12+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersOnna, Japan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What EF Polymer does
EF Polymer K.K. is a Japan-headquartered (Onna Village, Okinawa) bio-materials company that develops and manufactures a 100% plant-derived, fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymer (SAP) made by upcycling pectin extracted from crop residues such as orange and banana peels. The core polymer absorbs approximately 50 times its own weight in water, biodegrades in soil within roughly one year, and holds Organic JAS, ECOCERT INPUTS, and OMRI certifications, enabling use in certified-organic agriculture. Production is centralized at a wholly-owned subsidiary in Udaipur, Rajasthan (India) with stated monthly capacity of 500+ tons, complemented by a Delaware-incorporated US subsidiary (EF Polymer America Inc.) supporting North American market development.
The company monetizes through hardware sales of bulk polymer in powder and granular form to agricultural producers, forestry projects, greenhouse operators, and home gardeners; engineered growing media (EF Coco Peat) in bag and bale formats for controlled-environment agriculture; an absorbent sheet product line (EF Polymer Sheet) jointly developed with Soken Chemical that targets cosmetics, medical, hygiene, and packaging applications; and cosmetic-grade biodegradable thickeners. Distribution combines direct B2B sales, an e-commerce storefront (efpolymer.shop), home center retail (Makeman in Japan), and channel partnerships including a capital-and-business alliance with Suzuyo Shoji for the Japanese market, with active reach across 12+ countries and emerging pilots in the Middle East via an MOU with Saudi Arabia's NADEC.
The company is privately held, led by founder and CEO Narayan Lal Gurjar (Forbes Asia/Japan 30 Under 30), with COO Kunihiro Shimoji, CFO Hiroshi Yoshikawa, and a 51-100 employee organization that originated as a spin-out from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). Cumulative funding since 2018 totals approximately USD 22 million, most recently a USD 17.8M Series B in September 2025 led by Universal Materials Incubator (UMI) with a strategic syndicate spanning SVG Ventures, TOPPAN Holdings, Soken Chemical, Suzuyo Shoji, and government-linked vehicles including NEDO's Deep Tech Startup Support Fund and the Decarbonization Support Organization.
EF Polymer firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- EF Polymer
- Legal name
- EF Polymer株式会社
- Website
- https://efpolymer.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- EF Polymer manufactures 100% bio-based, fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymers from upcycled fruit peel biomass for agricultural water retention, alongside engineered growing media and absorbent sheet products serving farmers, greenhouse operators, and cosmetics/medical manufacturers across 12+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
EF Polymer industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Biodegradable Superabsorbent Polymers
- NAICS
- Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252)
- SIC
- Plastic Material, Synth Resin/Rubber, Cellulos (No Glass) (2820), Agricultural Chemicals (2870)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bio-based Polymers & Bioplastics (e.g., PLA, PHA, bio-PE/PP/PET, PBS) (EUAAAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Bio-based Polymers & Resins (PLA, PHA, bio-PE, bio-PET, cellulose acetate) (IMAMALAC)
Keywords
Where EF Polymer is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Onna
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
EF Polymer business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Superabsorbent Polymer Product Sales: Sale of EF Polymer superabsorbent polymer products in powder and granular forms for agricultural applications, forestry, and home gardening. Products sold directly through online store and through distribution partners.
- EF Coco Peat Growing Medium: Sale of engineered cocopeat products for greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation. Products include grow bags, open-top bags, rooftop bags, and large compressed bales (LCB) for commercial growing operations.
- EF Polymer Sheet Products: Sale of the EF Polymer Sheet developed with Soken Chemical for applications in agriculture, cosmetics, medical, and packaging industries.
- Licensing and Technology Partnerships: Partnership with Suzuyo Shoji for development and commercialization of biodegradable water-absorbent polymers for agricultural applications in Japan, potentially including licensing arrangements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | B2B agricultural products - quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
EF Polymer product offering
Product offeringCore offering
EF Polymer manufactures and sells 100% plant-derived, fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAP) produced from upcycled fruit peel biomass (orange, banana) without petroleum ingredients or chemical processing. Its core polymer absorbs approximately 50 times its own weight in water and biodegrades within roughly one year, targeting agricultural water/fertilizer retention, drought resilience, and yield improvement. The company also sells engineered cocopeat growing media (EF Coco Peat), the EF Polymer Sheet (a plant-based absorbent sheet co-developed with Soken Chemical), and cosmetic-grade polymer thickeners for personal care and other non-agricultural verticals.
Product overview
EF Polymer offers a portfolio of plant-based, fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymer products centered on its core technology derived from upcycled fruit peels. The core EF Polymer product serves agricultural applications for water retention and drought resilience, while EF Coco Peat provides engineered growing media for controlled-environment agriculture. The company has expanded into new form factors and verticals through the EF Polymer Sheet (absorbent sheet product developed with Soken Chemical) and cosmetic-grade thickeners for personal care formulations. The product line collectively emphasizes sustainability through complete biodegradability and circular economy principles.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- EF Cocopeat: Engineered cocopeat growing medium for consistent agricultural growth, featuring EC < 0.5 dS/m guaranteed quality and ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certification. Part of EF Polymer Group established in 2017.
- EF Polymer Sheet
Products and services
- EF Polymer (Core Superabsorbent Polymer) 100% natural-derived, fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymer made from upcycled crop residues (fruit peels such as orange and banana). Absorbs approximately 50 times its own weight in water, improves soil water and fertilizer retention, and biodegrades within approximately one year. Targeted at agricultural producers, forestry operations, and home gardeners.
- EF Coco Peat Engineered cocopeat growing medium offered in multiple formats: cocopeat global bags (for greenhouse and hydroponics), cocopeat large compressed bales (LCB) for soil-mix manufacturers and nurseries, open-top global bags, and rooftop global bags. EC < 0.5 dS/m guaranteed, with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification and monthly production capacity of 500+ tons from the India facility.
- EF Polymer Sheet Next-generation absorbent sheet made from 100% plant-based superabsorbent polymer combined with biodegradable non-woven fabric, jointly developed with Soken Chemical. Absorbs 10–20 times its own weight in water and breaks down naturally. Targeted at agriculture (moisture-retention ground covers), medical/hygiene (absorbent pads, wound dressings), cosmetics (facial masks), packaging, and disaster relief applications.
- EF Polymer Cosmetic-Grade Thickeners Fully biodegradable thickening agents designed for cosmetics and personal care product formulations, providing moisture-retention properties using plant-based materials as an alternative to petroleum-derived polymers. Targeted at cosmetics and personal care manufacturers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Achieved cumulative global sales of over 700 tons since founding in 2019
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use EF Polymer
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
EF Polymer technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
EF Polymer partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and notable.
- Soken Chemical Co., Ltd.coreJoint development partnership resulting in the EF Polymer Sheet - a next-generation absorbent sheet made from 100% plant-based superabsorbent polymer and biodegradable non-woven fabric. Soken Chemical contributes expertise in chemical sheet processing and adhesives. The product targets agriculture, cosmetics, medical, and packaging applications. Full-scale sales launched April 2025.
- Suzuyo Shoji Co., Ltd.coreCapital and business alliance for developing and expanding sales of EF Polymer's biodegradable 100% organic water-absorbent polymer for agricultural applications in Japan. Suzuyo Shoji provides capital investment and distribution capabilities to help commercialize the product in the Japanese market and develop alternatives to petroleum-based polymers.
- NADEC (National Agricultural Development Company)coreMOU signed for agricultural demonstration trials in Saudi Arabia targeting wheat and olive cultivation. EF Polymer provides its 100% organic soil improvement technology ('Soil Battery') while NADEC provides agricultural expertise and market access. Trials combine AI-powered irrigation systems and satellite crop monitoring for water-efficient agriculture.
- Takenaka CorporationnotableCollaboration for Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 'Forest Building' project where EF Polymer supported plant growth. After buildings complete their role, EF Polymer helps create 'future forests' rather than waste.
- Okinawa Governor's OfficenotableGovernor of Okinawa visited EF Polymer headquarters, indicating strong regional government support for the company.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
EF Polymer competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SNF Group: SNF Group is the world's largest manufacturer of superabsorbent polymers (used in hygiene, agriculture, and industrial applications). They are the dominant petrochemical-based SAP producer globally and represent the most direct competitive benchmark for EF Polymer's agricultural SAP offering, though at vastly greater scale and with petrochemical feedstock.
- Sumitomo Seika Chemicals: Sumitomo Seika is a major Japanese superabsorbent polymer manufacturer (Aqua Keep brand) serving hygiene and industrial markets. As a Japanese-headquartered SAP competitor with deep domestic market presence, they directly compete with EF Polymer's Japanese agricultural ambitions.
- Nippon Shokubai: Nippon Shokubai is a leading Japanese specialty chemical manufacturer and one of the world's largest producers of superabsorbent polymers (Aqualic brand). They are a direct competitor in the SAP market with established industrial-scale production and global distribution.
- Pelemix: Pelemix is a global leader in coco peat and coco coir growing media for agriculture and horticulture, headquartered in Israel with operations across Asia. They are a direct competitor to EF Polymer's EF Coco Peat product line in the engineered growing-medium category.
- Dutch Plantin: Dutch Plantin is a major Dutch producer of coco coir and coco peat substrates for greenhouse, hydroponic, and horticultural applications worldwide. They directly compete with EF Coco Peat in the global engineered growing medium market with comparable ISO-certified production.
Broad incumbents
- Evonik Industries: Evonik is a German specialty chemicals major that produces superabsorbent polymers (FAVOR brand) as part of a broad portfolio spanning additives, coatings, and healthcare. They are a large, established competitor with petrochemical SAP at industrial scale across multiple geographies.
- BASF: BASF is the world's largest chemical company and produces superabsorbent polymers (HySorb brand) used in agriculture, hygiene, and industrial applications. They offer a broad portfolio that overlaps with EF Polymer's agricultural SAP market at massive scale with petrochemical feedstock.
- NatureWorks: NatureWorks is a leading bioplastics manufacturer (Ingeo PLA) jointly owned by Cargill and PTT Global Chemical. They produce bio-based polymers at industrial scale for packaging, food serviceware, and fiber applications, and represent a broader bio-polymer incumbent with established global channels.
- Haifa Group: Haifa Group is an Israeli global supplier of specialty fertilizers, plant nutrition solutions, and controlled-release agricultural inputs. They are a broad incumbent in the specialty agricultural input market that overlaps with EF Polymer's value proposition to farmers seeking yield and water-efficiency improvements.
Emerging players
- Danimer Scientific: Danimer Scientific is a US-based bioplastics company producing PHA-based biodegradable polymers for applications including coatings, packaging, and absorbent products. They are an emerging bio-based polymer competitor targeting similar sustainability-driven end markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
EF Polymer social profiles
Digital presenceEF Polymer compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
EF Polymer financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
EF Polymer leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
EF Polymer subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
EF Polymer funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds9 records
Investors25 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
EF Polymer M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about EF Polymer
What does EF Polymer do?
EF Polymer manufactures and sells 100% plant-derived, fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAP) produced from upcycled fruit peel biomass (orange, banana) without petroleum ingredients or chemical processing. Its core polymer absorbs approximately 50 times its own weight in water and biodegrades within roughly one year, targeting agricultural water/fertilizer retention, drought resilience, and yield improvement. The company also sells engineered cocopeat growing media (EF Coco Peat), the EF Polymer Sheet (a plant-based absorbent sheet co-developed with Soken Chemical), and cosmetic-grade polymer thickeners for personal care and other non-agricultural verticals.
Is EF Polymer a public or private company?
EF Polymer is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was EF Polymer founded?
EF Polymer was founded in 2019. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is EF Polymer based?
EF Polymer is headquartered in Onna, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does EF Polymer make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Superabsorbent Polymer Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are EF Coco Peat Growing Medium, EF Polymer Sheet Products and licensing and Technology Partnerships.
Who are EF Polymer's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SNF Group, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals, Nippon Shokubai, Pelemix and Dutch Plantin. Broad incumbents are Evonik Industries, BASF, NatureWorks and Haifa Group. Danimer Scientific is listed as an emerging player.
Does EF Polymer have an API?
No public API is recorded for EF Polymer.
What industry is EF Polymer in?
EF Polymer's product category is Agricultural Biodegradable Superabsorbent Polymers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAAAIAC, Bio-based Polymers & Bioplastics (e.g., PLA, PHA, bio-PE/PP/PET, PBS), with a secondary code of IMAMALAC, Bio-based Polymers & Resins (PLA, PHA, bio-PE, bio-PET, cellulose acetate). Its NAICS code is 3252 and its SIC code is 2820.