Mr. Masaru Shimabukuro, who is in charge of EF Polymer sales and business development, visited Naha Technical High School in June this year and gave a special class to 16 third-year social studies students. Together with the studentsThey deepened their learning about solving social problems by thinking about the possibilities of EF polymers and sharing ideas about future unused resources.

This time, Inafuku from the EF Polymer Editorial Department will be sharing the situation.

High school students are also very interested in EF polymers!

The class began with a basic explanation of EF polymers.

〈Mr. Masaru Shimabukuro, who is in charge of sales and business development at EF Polymer〉

Shimabukuro-san“We are a company born in India and raised in Okinawa. We make water-absorbing polymers that are kind to the environment and people.”I talked to him and explained the characteristics of EF polymers and why they are attracting attention around the world.

EF Polymer is a venture company from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) that upcycles inedible parts of fruit and manufactures and sells 100% organic, completely biodegradable, water-absorbent polymers for agriculture. What is the basic overview of EF polymersThis articleYou can check it out at

Mr. Shimabukuro says he also graduated from a vocational school.

While using presentations, I explained in a bright tone, with examples that are easy for high school students to understand.

After deepening their understanding of EF polymers, with the cooperation of students, they showed the characteristics of EF polymers, which are mixed by putting water into a beaker containing EF polymers, gradually absorbing water and becoming jelly.

〈EF polymer that absorbs water and gradually solidifies like jelly〉

〈Before mixing water, it is a solid substance like this〉

〈EF polymer turning into jelly〉

The students smelled the inside of the beaker, shook it, and tried mixing EF polymers.

“It's harder than I thought.” “It's amazing that something derived from nature absorbs this much water!”There was also a voice like that, and they were observing EF Polymer in an inquisitive manner.

〈Students observing EF Polymers〉

Create opportunities to think about unused resources

What is the major theme of this day business trip class“Possibility of unused resources”Something to think about.

EF polymers are alsoIt was a revolutionary use of unused resources that upcycled plant residue that had been discarded until now and absorbs many times its own weight.

Mr. Shimabukuro suggested, “Let's find resources that have not yet been used, such as EF polymers, and think about their possibilities together.” Group work has begun.

〈Naha Kogyo students discuss unused resources〉

The students came up with various ideas about the possibilities of unused resources.

“How about upcycling waste such as wood scraps and prints from school and presenting them at the industrial festival in November?”

“Can red clay be suppressed by incorporating it into Okinawan soil?”

It was a very wonderful group work, making use of the strengths of a technical high school and linking it to knowledge in the field of expertise to which I belong.

〈Students presenting about the possibilities of unused resources〉

〈Students attending class with a serious expression〉

Shimabukuro also said, “Everyone's ideas are really amazing!Regarding the red clay problem, EF Polymer is actually working in cooperation with local government people to resolve it.It would be great if we could do our own experiments together with everyone,” she looked back with admiration.

〈Mr. Shimabukuro sharing his impressions of the workshop〉

EF polymers absorb water and expand and contract, and have properties that promote soil agglomerate structuring.

The drainage is moderately good, and it can create a good environment for microorganisms. Also, by utilizing the characteristic that polymers hold moisture in the soil for a long period of time, there is a possibility that a wide range of applications can be found other than agricultural applications. In the past, demonstration tests were conducted in Onna Village, and we are actively working to resolve the red clay problem, which is a major issue in Okinawa.

Please check the latest news on EF Polymer's official website for details.

Article about EF Polymer's red clay prevention efforts

To help me think about Okinawa's issues

This business trip class was the brainchild of Professor Naka, who is in charge of the class.

They learned about EF Polymer in the media, and it seems that they wanted students thinking about social issues in Okinawa to talk about it.

Naka sensei“I am grateful for this valuable opportunity. I think it was an opportunity for me to think about the various issues facing Okinawa.”I looked back.

Mr. Shimabukuro“I think the experience of being able to study at a vocational school is strong. You can be anything, and you can do anything. We will also continue to conduct research on a daily basis for the further growth of EF Polymers.”I talked to it.

I hope this business trip class will be a good opportunity for high school students who will lead the future to think about the possibilities of EF polymers and solutions to social issues.

Related article: What are challenges that go beyond agriculture? ｜EF Polymer Research and Development Specialist Yasushi Nakagawa Interview

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