Elea & Lili, a deeptech startup spun out of VTT Technical Research Centre of
Finland, has raised €2.5 million in seed funding to industrialise its
cellulose-based superabsorbent material, a fossil-free and biodegradable
alternative to conventional polymers. The round was led by Lifeline Ventures,
with participation from Ikorni Invest Oy Ab and Baltiska Handels Sverige AB.
The
company builds on over a decade of biomaterials research at VTT, with the
underlying technology and intellectual property transferred to the newly
established company. It is focused on replacing fossil-based absorbent
materials used in large-scale applications such as disposable hygiene products
and agriculture, both of which contribute to persistent plastic waste and
microplastic pollution.
At
the core of Elea & Lili’s approach is its Cellulose Super Absorbent (CSA),
a biomaterial innovation designed to match the performance of traditional
materials while being biodegradable and compatible with existing production
processes. The material is intended to replace one of the last
non-biodegradable components in products such as diapers, while also offering a
sustainable solution for water retention and nutrient efficiency in
agriculture.
Hygiene
and agriculture are equally strategic entry points for us. In both markets,
absorbent materials are mission-critical components – and today they are
fossil-based. We are replacing them with a scalable biomaterial,
said Tatu Miettinen, CEO and co-founder.
The
company is working with industrial partners across the cellulose and
biomaterials value chain to scale production from pilot to commercial levels.
Its initial go-to-market strategy focuses on hygiene and agriculture, where
absorbent materials are critical components and demand for sustainable
alternatives is increasing.
The
funding will support pilot production, industrial validation, early commercial
launches in Europe and the US, as well as continued development of applications
across both sectors. Elea & Lili is positioning itself to address a broader
shift toward sustainable materials, driven by regulatory changes and growing
demand for lower-impact industrial solutions.