Toyoda Gosei Invests in EF Polymer, a Startup Developing Super-Absorbent Polymers Derived from Nature

KIYOSU, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 29, 2025--

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7282) has invested in EF Polymer K.K., a startup developing super-absorbent polymers that are made using orange and banana peels.

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EF Polymer uses inedible agricultural waste in making these 100% nature-based, environmentally friendly super-absorbent polymers. By mixing them into soil to raise the soil’s water retention characteristics, the amount of water used in growing crops can be greatly reduced. As droughts and water shortages worsen worldwide, EF Polymer will contribute to sustainable agriculture through the supply of this product.

Toyoda Gosei utilizes its knowledge of polymers in working toward resource recycling of petroleum-derived plastic and rubber materials. With this investment in EF Polymer, Toyoda Gosei is supporting the spread of super-absorbent polymers that have a low environmental impact. The company is also considering technical tie-ups with EF Polymer in the future.

 

Nature-derived, super-absorbent polymers developed by EF Polymer

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A gas cylinder explosion early Sunday after a wedding reception at a home in Pakistan’s capital killed at least eight people, including the bride and groom, police and officials said.

The blast occurred as guests who had gathered to celebrate the couple were sleeping at the house, causing part of the house to collapse, according to the Islamabad police. Seven people were injured.

In a statement, police said the explosion occurred in a residential area in the heart of the city. A government administrator, Sahibzada Yousaf, said authorities were alerted about the blast early Sunday and officers are still investigating. He said some nearby homes were also damaged.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families, according to a statement from his office. He directed health authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and ordered a full investigation.

Many Pakistani households rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because of low natural gas pressure, and such cylinders have been linked to deadly accidents caused by gas leaks. Police said investigations were ongoing.

Government officials survey the damage of a home caused by a gas cylinder explosion hours after a wedding reception, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Ehsan Shahzad)