As industries search for sustainable alternatives to fossil based materials, the challenge of replacing everyday components that generate long lasting environmental impact remains significant. From disposable hygiene products to agricultural inputs, many widely used materials still rely on non biodegradable polymers that contribute to plastic waste and microplastic pollution. Finnish deeptech startup Elea & Lili is aiming to address this issue with a new class of biomaterials, and has now raised €2.5 million in seed funding to bring its technology closer to large scale industrial use.
Funding to scale biomaterials innovation
The €2.5 million seed round was led by Lifeline Ventures, with participation from Ikorni Invest Oy Ab and Baltiska Handels Sverige AB. The funding will support the company’s transition from research to industrial production, enabling pilot manufacturing, validation with partners, and early commercial launches.
The investment also reflects growing interest in sustainable materials that can replace fossil based components in high volume industries.
From research lab to commercial venture
Elea & Lili was spun out of the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, building on more than a decade of biomaterials research. The company has inherited both the technology and intellectual property developed during this period, providing a strong scientific foundation for its work.
By transitioning from a research environment to a commercial startup, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of its innovations and bring them into real world applications.
A biodegradable alternative to conventional polymers
At the core of Elea & Lili’s technology is its Cellulose Super Absorbent material. This innovation is designed to replicate the performance of traditional superabsorbent polymers while offering a biodegradable and fossil free alternative.
Superabsorbent materials are widely used in products such as diapers, where they play a critical role in absorbing and retaining moisture. However, these materials are typically derived from fossil based sources and do not break down easily, contributing to environmental challenges.
Elea & Lili’s solution aims to replace these components without compromising functionality, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Targeting hygiene and agriculture markets
The company is initially focusing on two key sectors: hygiene and agriculture. Both rely heavily on absorbent materials and represent large scale markets where sustainable alternatives are increasingly in demand.
In hygiene products, replacing non biodegradable components can significantly reduce environmental impact. In agriculture, absorbent materials can improve water retention and nutrient efficiency, supporting more sustainable farming practices.
By targeting these sectors, Elea & Lili aims to demonstrate the versatility and scalability of its technology.
Scaling through industrial partnerships
To move from pilot production to commercial scale, Elea & Lili is working closely with partners across the cellulose and biomaterials value chain. These collaborations are essential for validating the technology in industrial settings and ensuring it can be integrated into existing production systems.
The company’s approach focuses on compatibility and scalability, allowing manufacturers to adopt the new material without major changes to their processes.
Supporting a broader shift toward sustainable materials
The development of alternatives to fossil based materials is becoming increasingly important as industries respond to regulatory pressures and changing consumer expectations. Governments and organisations are placing greater emphasis on reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy solutions.
Elea & Lili’s technology aligns with these trends by offering a material that combines performance with environmental sustainability.
Expanding applications and market reach
With the new funding, the company plans to advance its pilot production capabilities, conduct industrial validation, and begin early commercial launches in Europe and the United States. It also intends to continue developing new applications for its material across different sectors.
As demand for sustainable materials continues to grow, Elea & Lili is positioning itself to play a role in transforming how essential products are manufactured.
Redefining absorbent materials for the future
By replacing one of the last non biodegradable components in widely used products, Elea & Lili is addressing a critical gap in the transition to more sustainable materials. Its approach demonstrates how scientific innovation can be applied to solve practical environmental challenges.
With strong research foundations and fresh capital to support its next phase, the company is working to bring biodegradable, high performance materials into mainstream industrial use, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for both manufacturing and agriculture.
