By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
Okinawa, Japan-based agtech innovator EF Polymer has wrapped up the second close of its Series B fundraising, buoying its combined tally from this round to $17.8 million, propelling its mission to transform agricultural water management through bio-based super absorbent polymers. The fresh capital injection, drawn from a diverse pool of industry investors, builds on the company’s first close earlier this year and highlights growing confidence in its sustainable solutions designed to combat drought and boost farmer resilience in resource-strapped regions around the world. Since inception in 2018, EF Polymer has raised a total of $22 million from investors.
The funding will strengthen EF Polymer’s R&D efforts to refine raw materials and circular manufacturing, alongside bolstering global sales teams for deeper market penetration. EF Polymer also eyes synergies with its new corporate backers to expand beyond agriculture into other markets in an attempt to diversify its impact on sustainability across sectors.
The Series B investor lineup includes Impact Capital I Limited Partnership, AgVenture Lab, Amami Okinawa Investment Limited Partnership, EMA Enterprise, Hokuyo SDGs Promotion No. 3 Investment Limited Partnership, Japan Green Investment Corp. for Carbon Neutrality, Kyoritsu Holdings, Melissa Estate International, OLtV Opportunity Fund, Soken Chemical & Engineering, SVG Ventures Sunrise Agri Fund GP, Okinawa Development Finance Corporation, TOPPAN Holdings and Toyoda Gosei.
EF Polymer converts agricultural waste, like citrus and banana peels, into fully biodegradable super-absorbent polymers that help farmers conserve water and nutrients. The hydrogels, derived from fruit byproducts, can hold up to 50 times their weight in water and release it gradually to plant roots, reducing irrigation needs and preventing fertilizer from leaching into waterways. By rejuvenating soil with micronutrients, the products also support organic farming and have demonstrated yield improvements alongside cost savings on labor and farming inputs.
The technology has reached over 40,000 farmers globally, with commercial trials active in roughly two-dozen countries amid challenges such as intensifying droughts and rising costs. To date, EF Polymer has upcycled over 5,000 metric tons of bio-waste that might otherwise end up in landfills, transforming it into soil enhancers that have saved more than 80 metric tons of water in field applications.
Since breaking into the market with sales in India, EF Polymer has steadily woven its bio-based polymers into farming operations across Japan, the U.S., France and a growing roster of nations. Commercial trials are currently underway, from vineyards to vast croplands. To capitalize on this momentum, the company is strengthening its presence in established markets while branching into promising frontiers like horticulture, landscaping and urban greening projects.
EF Polymer Founder and CEO Narayan Lal Gurjar stated, “Our mission is to tackle water scarcity and environmental challenges while improving the livelihoods of farmers and communities. With the support of partners who share our vision, this Series B financing will further accelerate our efforts toward building a sustainable future.”
EF Polymer’s Rajasthan, India plant holds key certifications, while OMRI organic approval unlocks key U.S. market access. As climate pressures intensify on global food systems, EF Polymer’s method of converting crop residues into moisture-retaining products offers a solution to improving on-farm water use.
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