Polyacrylate, the synthetic crystal used in modern disposable diapers, is derived from petroleum and does not decompose, persisting for centuries and releasing microplastics into soil and groundwater. The hygiene industry views it as crucial, given its unmatched absorption capabilities. Elea & Lili, a deep-tech startup from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, offers a different approach. They have created a Cellulose Super Absorbent (CSA) that rivals fossil-based polymers in performance and is fully biodegradable and free of microplastics.
Today, the company announced a €2.5 million seed funding round led by Lifeline Ventures to transition CSA from the lab to mass production. While small for deep-tech ventures, the potential is significant, considering the global superabsorbent polymer market’s reliance on fossil-based materials for baby diapers and agricultural purposes, valued at tens of billions of euros annually. This reliance, they argue, is unsustainable as plastic regulations tighten globally.
CSA is made from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. VTT has a history of developing functional materials from cellulose, with Elea & Lili focusing on a specific superabsorbent formulation that is allegedly ready for industrial deployment. The company claims CSA is compatible with existing diaper manufacturing lines, avoiding the need for factory retooling.
While CSA matches conventional synthetic polymers in lab absorption tests, independent large-scale validation is pending. The seed funding will facilitate this, as well as agricultural field trials and team growth. Lifeline Ventures, a Helsinki-based fund known for backing companies like Wolt, led the funding round.
The timing coincides with the EU’s plastics regulations, heightening the urgency for alternatives. Major diaper manufacturers have pledged to reduce plastic usage yet lack viable substitutes for polyacrylate. In agriculture, superabsorbent polymers help retain soil moisture, a necessity as water shortages increase in regions like southern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. A biodegradable option could reduce ecological impacts and avoid regulatory challenges.
However, scaling CSA from pilot to commercial production at competitive costs remains uncertain. Deep-tech firms often excel in laboratories but face economic hurdles at manufacturing levels. Elea & Lili now have €2.5 million and aligning regulations to discover if CSA can succeed on a large scale.