Key Takeaways
- EF Polymer has raised JPY 1 billion (approx. USD 6.6 million) in the first close of its Series B round.
- The company develops 100% organic super absorbent polymers aimed at reducing water and fertilizer usage in agriculture.
- EF Polymer’s products are being adopted across over 20 countries, with cumulative sales exceeding 400 tons by 2025.
- The funding will support R&D, business development, and the establishment of a new overseas manufacturing facility.
- Investors in the round include Universal Materials Incubator, MTG Ventures, and others.
EF Polymer Expands International Presence with Series B Investment
Strengthening Global Operations and Manufacturing Capacity
EF Polymer (Profile), a deep-tech startup specializing in bio-based super absorbent polymers, has announced the first close of its Series B funding round, raising JPY 1 billion. The company plans to use the funds to accelerate research and development, enhance business development efforts, and set up a new international manufacturing facility to meet growing demand.
Founded with a mission to address global water challenges and improve agricultural productivity, EF Polymer’s solutions are now being applied in agriculture, horticulture, urban greening, and expanding into non-agricultural sectors such as personal care and cosmetics.
“This Series B funding marks a major step forward in scaling our solutions globally and building a truly circular, sustainable business,” said Narayan Gurjar, Founder and CEO of EF Polymer.
EF Polymer’s Market Reach and Strategic Focus
Scaling Applications Across Agriculture and New Industries
Since launching commercial operations in India in 2020, EF Polymer has expanded its footprint to include Japan, the U.S., and France, achieving over 400 tons in cumulative product sales. With commercial trials underway in over 20 countries, the company is focusing on market expansion and the diversification of its customer base amid ongoing challenges related to climate change and fertilizer costs.
In parallel, EF Polymer is advancing projects in non-agricultural sectors. These include:
- A biodegradable ice pack developed with Iwatani Corporation
- Absorbent sheets for industrial use in collaboration with Soken Chemical
These initiatives reflect the company’s effort to offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials, contributing to broader green transformation goals.
Research, Innovation, and Manufacturing Strategy
R&D and Circular Manufacturing
EF Polymer is prioritizing R&D across several strategic areas, including:
- Raw material innovation beyond traditional agricultural waste such as orange and banana peels
- Circular manufacturing models to enable sustainable, closed-loop production
- Multi-site manufacturing to scale polymer production efficiently
- Product innovation aimed at broadening polymer applications outside agriculture
The new funding will also be allocated to pilot and implement expanded manufacturing capacity, ensuring the company can scale to meet international demand.
Investor Participation and Next Steps For EF Polymer
Preparing for Second Close of Series B Round
The first close of the Series B round was backed by a group of institutional investors, including Universal Materials Incubator (UMI), MTG Ventures, Bank of the Ryukyus, Future Food Fund, and Shinryo Fund. EF Polymer plans to complete the second close of the round later this year.
With the new capital, EF Polymer aims to further its efforts in building a sustainable, bio-based supply chain and supporting global initiatives related to water conservation, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation.
