“Absorbent sheets” are widely used in everyday life, such as cosmetics, face masks, absorbent pads for food trays, medical gauze, and even bottom sheets for pets. Now that consideration for the global environment is required, “sustainable options” to replace petroleum as a raw material are attracting attention.

The startup “EF Polymer” and the long-established manufacturer “Soken Chemical” have succeeded in developing a completely new water-absorbing sheet based on the plant-derived water-absorbing material “EF Polymer.” What are the possibilities hidden in this seat, which was created by a tag of a different color? We asked the people in charge of both companies involved in development about the journey leading up to birth and future prospects.

From left, Soken Chemical Co., Ltd. New Business Planning Department Mr. Okubo, Mr. Suzuki, Mr. Konno, and Mr. Nakagawa, polymer research and development specialist in charge of EF Polymer development

QWhat led to the collaboration?

A collaboration that began because I was attracted to technology

(Soken Chemical Okubo) “The beginning was a pitch event for startups where EF Polymer took the stage. Therefore, the person in charge of our company, who came into contact with the unique technology of water-absorbing materials derived from plants, became interested and called out, “We can do something together,” and called out. At first, we didn't have a clear plan, but we held an online meeting in July 2023, and concrete discussions began.”

What they had in common was the field of “resins”

(Mr. Okubo) “While both companies have a common field called 'resins', EF Polymer has material development and Soken Chemical has applied technology and processing know-how, and the compatibility of the collaboration was also a major point. Our company also wanted to create products that reduce the impact on the environment, and while we wanted to aim for a shift from petroleum-derived materials to plant-derived materials, we were also facing difficulties on our own, and new possibilities have expanded through collaboration with EF Polymer.”

Q What is the beginning of development?

The idea of making sheets comes from the knowledge of “adhesives”

(Soken Chemical Konno) “It started about 2 years ago when we tested EF polymer granular materials. First, we actually picked it up and verified in-house to see if it really absorbs water. As a result, we were able to confirm the ability to properly absorb and retain water, and I was greatly surprised, “Can plant-derived raw materials produce such absorbency?”

Now that we know how highly absorbent it is, the next thing we examined in-house was how to make use of this material. Soken Chemical originally focused on the development of adhesives, and has a long history of being involved in designing and supplying adhesive tape materials. Therefore, naturally, the idea “if it can be made into a sheet shape, the range of uses will expand” was born.

Our business is centered around the BtoB form of providing adhesives to tape manufacturers, but we are also working on the development and manufacture of processed products in-house in part. This project was a new project we worked on while making use of such a business foundation.”

Thus was created, “EF Polymer Sheet,” a sustainable water-absorbing material that contributes to a sustainable society. It was announced on 2025/4/7, and full-scale sales began.

EF Polymer Sheet Features

• Next-generation absorbent sheet made of 100% naturally derived super absorbent polymers and biodegradable nonwovens
• It can absorb 10 to 20 times its own weight in water, and since it decomposes in a natural environment after use, the environmental impact is greatly reduced
• It is gentle on sensitive skin and can be used in various fields such as beauty, medicine, agriculture, food packaging, pets, and amenities

More details here:https://efpolymer.jp/news/efp-sheet-soken-chemicals

Q What are the possibilities of EF polymer sheets?

Okubo and Nakagawa talk about the future of EF polymer sheets

Because it is a recyclable material, it can be used at agricultural sites

(Soken Chemical Okubo) “What we feel is particularly valuable is that we have a circular economy (circular economy) structure where everything from raw materials to disposal is completed in a natural cycle. In the future, I would like to take advantage of these characteristics and first focus on developing EF polymer sheets for beauty and as agricultural materials. For agriculture, for example, we aim to create products that were “unlikely” until now, such as water retention sheets that increase soil water retention and prevent dryness by laying them at the base of plants. I would like to expand it as a highly practical tool so that farmers can support plant cultivation.”

The option not to burn

(EF Polymer Nakagawa-san) “When it comes to using it as an agricultural water retention sheet, do you know a black sheet called a 'multi sheet' that is placed on the ground of a field to prevent moisture from evaporating? Conventional multi-sheets are derived from petroleum and need to be collected and incinerated after use. Especially for older farmers, the process of laying it out, removing it, carrying it away, and throwing it away is quite burdensome. Therefore, if there is a material that returns directly to the soil after use, such as EF polymer sheets, labor and costs can be greatly reduced.”

The possibilities of EF Polymers don't end there. Absorbent sheets and disposable underlays used in medical settings, product labels and packaging materials, mud absorbent mats used for camping and music festivals, etc., floor materials for raising insects (beetles, stag beetles, etc.), etc.

In both cases, “burn when you're done using it” was commonplace in the past. With EF polymer sheets, we can present a new option of “not burning and returning to the soil.” In this day and age where environmentally friendly products are required, materials in various fields can be replaced depending on the idea.

For example,

1. Special agricultural applications

As a special material with both water retention and degradability.

2. Medical and hygiene fields

As a gauze or wound pad to absorb blood and body fluids.

3. Beauty/Health Care

Applications for penetrating toner, such as facial sheets.

4. Product packaging

As a sustainable packaging material that does not require incineration for wrapping materials and labels that return to soil.

5. Disposable sheets for drone pesticide spraying

As a sheet for spraying pesticides with a drone.

6. Naturally degradable toilet mats/floor mats for outdoor festivals and campgrounds

As a toilet mat or mudguard sheet that returns to the soil in consideration of environmental considerations, the hassle of cleaning up, and the reduction of disposal costs

7. Hygienic disposable rugs for use during disasters and shelters

As a sheet that realizes a clean environment without incineration.

8. Biodegradable protective sheets for aquaculture (seaweed and shellfish)

As a biodegradable sheet to protect seaweed and shellfish underwater.

9. Naturally degradable sheets for funerals and tree burials

As a burial sheet to return to nature.

10. Bed sheets for insect food and insect breeding

As a bedding material for insect food and insect breeding that meets breeding needs based on natural materials.

11. Release sheet for cutting at manufacturing sites

As a process material with low environmental impact, such as biodegradable release sheets for cutting.

EF polymer sheets with various possibilities.

Were there any difficulties during development?

QWhat were some of the challenges?

Konno and Suzuki-san discuss their struggles

The most difficult “seated” wall

(Soken Chemical Konno) “The biggest hurdle was the process of converting to sheets. Since it was originally a material that was difficult to turn into sheets, the process of how to process it into a uniform, flat sheet was more difficult than I had imagined.

I first tried it with granular EF polymer, but even when I tried to make a sheet, it didn't work very well. The coating process was particularly difficult. It was extremely difficult to mold EF polymers into uniform, flat sheets, and the days of trial and error continued.

So we started again by testing with EF polymer raw materials. As a result of repeated prototyping by utilizing Soken Chemical's blending technology and know-how, we were finally able to arrive at the sheet in the shape we were aiming for.”

It is said that the most difficult process was the process of uniformly flattening the EF polymer

QWhy were you able to overcome the hardships?

The first “challenge” is the driving force

(Mr. Suzuki, Soken Chemical) “I was in charge of this project just when I had just been transferred to a new department. The environment around me has changed, and it's only my first time working on a theme. Under such circumstances, the development of this EF polymer sheet was the first one I created in this department. That's why the feeling of “I really want to shape it” naturally sprang up, and I was able to work on it with a high level of motivation.”

Confidence in plant-derived materials

(Mr. Konno, Soken Chemical) “I was strongly attracted to this project because I felt the potential of 100% plant-derived materials. Now that sustainability has become a concern for society as a whole, I felt that there is great value in being able to present options with low environmental impact to water-absorbent sheets that are mainly derived from petroleum.

The thought “If we could bring this material out into the world, it would surely stick to someone's heart” became a major motivation for continuing development.

Also, the fact that there are almost no products made into sheets made of plant-derived materials was another point that made me want to take on the challenge. It's difficult because no one else is doing it. But that's why I thought it made sense to try it.”

QPlease tell us about your future prospects

Technological innovation born from fusion with different fields

(Soken Chemical Okubo) “Until now, Soken Chemical has developed a business centered on industrial and high-performance materials such as display products and automobile parts. It is the type of company that has been pursuing accuracy and performance in the BtoB manufacturing world, so to speak.

Cooperation with fields such as agriculture and cosmetics was a new challenge for us. By teaming up with industries we don't usually get involved in, our perspectives on applying our own technology will expand, and new discoveries will also be born. It's an opportunity for growth as a business, and technology can absorb new perspectives, and I think it's an initiative to create something truly good. Going forward, we will continue to utilize our technology in areas that have never been seen before. I want to accelerate this trend more and more. I'm looking forward to the future, both as a company and as an individual.”

Consideration for people and the planet, starting from the agricultural field

(EF Polymer Nakagawa) “Since its establishment, EF Polymer has wanted to deliver sustainable products that are kind to both the earth and people. We are particularly focusing on the agricultural sector. To eat is to live. Agriculture is an essential industry for our lives, and many petroleum-derived materials have been used in these fields for many years. As a result, there is no denying the possibility that it will be a burden on the soil.

Therefore, I feel that if plant-derived materials such as EF polymer sheets become popular, they will improve soil properties and lead to the creation of a better environment. First, I would like to thoroughly deliver this sheet, which was developed by Soken Chemical Co., Ltd., to farmers and local people. From there, little by little, I hope we can expand the cycle for the future.”

We want to create the future of sustainable water-absorbing products

As a next-generation material that implements sustainable value

EF polymer sheets are currently undergoing application development and verification in various fields such as agricultural materials, medical and health, packaging, cosmetics, etc., and preparations are underway for future commercialization and development. The shift away from petroleum-derived materials and the transition to environmentally friendly products will become increasingly important themes in future market selection. EF polymer sheets are materials that can contribute to creating new added value for products and promoting green transformation (GX) while balancing functionality and sustainability.

If you are interested,Please contact EF Polymer Co., Ltd.

Company introduction

Soken Chemical Co., Ltd.: Soken Chemical, which was founded in 1948 as an aid to post-war reconstruction, has supported people's lives with the power of chemistry. In addition to chemical businesses such as adhesives and fine powders, we are also developing equipment systems businesses such as plant engineering and maintenance. It is such an entity that is expanding overseas, mainly in Asia, and supports every “commonplace” of everyday life in an invisible place.

EF polymer: It is a startup that challenges global environmental issues such as water shortages and waste issues with unique technology derived from nature. Discarded fruits (oranges, bananas, etc.) were upcycled, and the world's first fully biodegradable water-absorbing polymer was developed. We are advocating a “recycling-oriented ecosystem,” and we aim to fundamentally change the way agriculture works. It is attracting attention as a natural material to replace mainly water-absorbing polymers derived from petroleum, and we are working to realize a sustainable future by cooperating not only in the agricultural sector but also with various industries promoting GX (green transformation).

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