Completed early registration to enter the Japanese market in response to tightening global plastic regulations
Responding to changes in Japan’s environmental policies while accelerating expansion in the global eco-friendly fertilizer market
Biodegradable Coated Slow-Release Fertilizer (CRF), Hi-Cote eco+
Nousbo Co., Ltd. has completed fertilizer registration in Japan for two Biodegradable Controlled Release Fertilizers for export to the Japanese market.
Japan is one of the countries where Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRFs) are most widely used. Coated fertilizers are commonly used in Japan to address labor shortages and improve fertilizer use efficiency. However, conventional coated fertilizers based on non-biodegradable plastic resins have become an environmental concern, as residual plastic coating materials remaining after nutrient release may flow into the ocean through soil and rivers.
In response, MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) has continued to promote measures to prevent plastic-coated fertilizer films from flowing into the ocean and to develop alternative technologies. It is also strengthening related measures for local governments and agricultural organizations. In cooperation with ZEN-NOH (National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations), the Japan Compound Fertilizer Manufacturers Association, and others, MAFF has also set the goal of achieving “agriculture that does not rely on plastic-coated fertilizers by 2030” and is expanding the adoption of eco-friendly alternative technologies. As these policy changes take shape, Biodegradable CRFs are gaining attention as next-generation eco-friendly fertilizers. They maintain the advantages of conventional CRFs while naturally decomposing after use, and interest in related technologies is growing rapidly in Japan and other global markets.
Nousbo continues to advance R&D and secure patents for Biodegradable Controlled Release Fertilizers to respond to these market changes. The company has recently strengthened its technological competitiveness by registering a series of patents related to biodegradable coating technologies. The fertilizer registration in Japan was also completed as part of Nousbo’s strategy to secure an early position in the global market. Since Japan requires product-by-product registration for fertilizer sales, this registration is significant because it completes an essential step for future exports to the Japanese market.
A Nousbo representative stated, “Japan accounted for more than KRW 8 billion of Nousbo’s fertilizer exports in 2025. Building on the early registration of our Biodegradable Controlled Release Fertilizers, we plan to expand supply in line with Japan’s eco-friendly agricultural policies and evolving market demand. Biodegradable CRFs represent next-generation controlled release fertilizer technology that combines environmental sustainability with high fertilizer efficiency. Starting with Japan, we will continue expanding product registration and commercialization in major overseas markets as we strengthen our position as a global provider of eco-friendly agricultural solutions.”
Meanwhile, based on its Biodegradable Controlled Release Fertilizer technology, Nousbo became the first company in Korea to receive the Excellent Fertilizer designation. The company continues to secure patents for various biodegradable coating technologies aimed at improving cost efficiency and performance, while accelerating R&D and overseas market expansion to strengthen its leadership in the global eco-friendly fertilizer market.
