Elea & Lili, a biomaterials startup spun out of the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has secured €2.5 million in seed funding to advance the industrialisation of its cellulose-based superabsorbent material.
The round was led by Lifeline Ventures, with participation from Ikorni Invest Oy Ab and Baltiska Handels Sverige AB. The company is developing a biodegradable alternative to fossil-based absorbent polymers, targeting large-scale applications in hygiene and agriculture.
What The Company Does
Elea & Lili is focused on commercialising Cellulose Super Absorbent (CSA), a biomaterial designed to replace conventional petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers. These materials are widely used in products such as diapers and agricultural solutions for water retention, but they contribute significantly to plastic waste and microplastic pollution.
CSA is engineered to deliver comparable performance to existing absorbent materials while remaining biodegradable. It is also designed to integrate into existing manufacturing processes, allowing industrial adoption without requiring major infrastructure changes.
The technology is based on more than a decade of research conducted at VTT, with the underlying intellectual property transferred to the company. By leveraging cellulose chemistry, Elea & Lili aims to offer a scalable material solution that reduces reliance on fossil-based inputs while maintaining functional performance.
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Market Context / Industry Background
Superabsorbent polymers are a critical component in hygiene products and agricultural applications, but they are typically derived from petrochemicals and are not biodegradable. As a result, they contribute to long-term environmental challenges, particularly in the form of persistent waste and microplastics.
Regulatory pressure across Europe and other regions is increasing the focus on sustainable materials, especially in consumer goods and agriculture. At the same time, manufacturers are seeking alternatives that can meet performance requirements without disrupting established production systems.
This creates a market opportunity for biomaterial-based solutions that combine environmental benefits with industrial compatibility. In both hygiene and agriculture, demand for absorbent materials remains high, making these sectors key entry points for innovation in sustainable materials.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Tatu Miettinen, CEO and co-founder of Elea & Lili, highlighted the strategic importance of targeting applications where absorbent materials are essential. He noted that both hygiene and agriculture rely heavily on fossil-based components that can be replaced with more sustainable alternatives.
“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,” he said.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The newly raised funding will be used to scale production from pilot to industrial levels and to validate the material in real-world applications. Elea & Lili is working with partners across the cellulose and biomaterials value chain to support this transition.
The company plans to initiate early commercial launches in Europe and the United States, focusing initially on hygiene and agricultural use cases. At the same time, it will continue to expand the range of applications for CSA across both sectors.
Further development efforts will focus on improving production efficiency and ensuring the material meets the technical and regulatory requirements of large-scale manufacturers.
About Elea & Lili
Elea & Lili is a biomaterials company developing cellulose-based alternatives to fossil-derived superabsorbent polymers. Founded in Finland and headquartered in Espoo, the company commercialises Cellulose Super Absorbent (CSA), a biodegradable material designed for use in hygiene products and agricultural applications. Its mission is to enable high-performance materials while reducing environmental impact and supporting more sustainable production systems.
