news release
Oct 16,2023
EF Polymer Co., Ltd. announced “Cycool,” a naturally derived ice pack using EF polymers in joint development with Iwatani Sangyo (Headquarters: Osaka, President: Masayoshi Masayoshi, hereafter “Iwatani Materials”) and Iwatani Material Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President: Masayoshi Masayoshi, hereinafter “Iwatani Materials”). Going forward, both companies will focus on domestic distribution and work on environmental measures for existing products.
Currently, small gel-type ice packs that are commonly distributed are widely popular, mainly for cold insulation applications in food products, and it is estimated that there is an annual distribution volume of over 1 billion units in Japan. While conventional products are low cost and highly convenient, since super absorbent polymers (SAP) based on petroleum-derived raw materials are used, high environmental impact, such as requiring a lot of energy and CO2 emissions during disposal, is an issue. In overseas countries, there is also a movement to establish regulations on products using petroleum-derived SAP, and the need for environmental measures by related companies is increasing.
About “Cycool,” an ice pack that returns to the soil
This time, EF Polymer collaborated with Iwatani Sangyo and Iwatani Material, a group company, to develop an ice pack “Cycool” based on naturally derived raw materials. It is an unprecedented ice pack created by upcycling crop residues that have been discarded conventionally, such as orange and banana peels. The contents of this product are completely biodegradable, so if it is no longer needed after using an ice pack, it can be completely returned to the soil after a certain period of time by mixing it with soil in a garden or foliage plant pot. Delivery of this product to major domestic retail stores has already been decided, and both companies will further promote it in the domestic market in the future.
Narayan Ghaljal, founder and CEO of EF PolymersIt is stated as follows. “As consumer attitudes towards the environment are changing day by day through climate change and changes in ecosystems, implementing environmental measures is one of the missions imposed on companies. This project shows a wide range of possibilities for EF polymer applications. We hope that replacing daily necessities such as ice packs that have been used casually with our organic polymers will lead to changes in consumer behavior in addition to reducing environmental impact.”
EF Polymer R&D Manager Yusuke YagisawaIt is stated as follows. “Through collaboration with the Iwatani Group, we are pleased to be able to set a path for promoting EF polymers in sectors other than agriculture for the first time. We will continue to promote research and development and collaboration with companies so that we can contribute to environmental measures in all industries, while focusing on agricultural businesses.”
About EF Polymer
Our founder and CEO Narayan Gharjahl came to Japan after being selected as an OIST Innovation Accelerator, and our head office was established in Okinawa in 2020, and we are currently promoting our business at two locations in India and Japan. We have developed a 100% organic super absorbent polymer (SAP) made by upcycling fruit residue such as orange peel, and are developing it globally as an agricultural material. Furthermore, through collaboration with companies, we are developing products using naturally derived SAP in fields other than agriculture, such as daily necessities and cosmetics, starting with ice packs. EF Polymer aims to be a solution leading to environmental problems centered on water shortages through the dissemination of our products.https://ja.efpolymer.com/
Related links (external sites)
Iwatani Sangyo Press Release: Development of “Cycool©︎,” an ice pack that can be returned to soil
https://www.iwatani.co.jp/jpn/news/files/2023/20231016_news.pdf
