A cellulose-based superabsorbent material could reshape the market for absorbent products.
Developed by Finnish startup Elea & Lili, a spinout from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the material—marketed as CSA™—is designed to replace fossil-based polymers used in disposable diapers and certain agricultural applications.
Made from cellulose, the material is biodegradable and free of microplastics. It remains compatible with existing production lines and delivers absorption performance comparable to conventional superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).
In modern diapers, superabsorbent polymers play a central role by retaining liquids. However, they are derived from petrochemicals and do not degrade.
Globally, around 170 billion diapers are produced each year, generating nearly 40 million tonnes of waste, according to the World Economic Forum.
CSA™ specifically replaces this non-biodegradable component while maintaining the performance required by manufacturers.
The company is also targeting agriculture, where superabsorbent polymers are used to retain water and improve nutrient efficiency. These materials can accumulate in soil over time.
From 2028, EU Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 will restrict the use of certain persistent plastic materials in soil. CSA™ offers an alternative capable of improving water retention, reducing irrigation needs, and supporting nutrient delivery without leaving plastic residues.
To support its development, Elea & Lili has raised €2.5 million in seed funding led by Lifeline Ventures. The capital will help scale pilot production and prepare initial commercial applications in Europe and the United States.
The material builds on more than a decade of biomaterials research conducted at VTT, with the technology now transferred to the startup for industrialisation.
The targeted markets are already well established. The global diaper market is projected to reach $141 billion by 2030, while the superabsorbent polymer market is expected to exceed $13 billion.
“We are replacing a critical fossil-based material with a scalable biomaterial,” said Tatu Miettinen, CEO and co-founder of Elea & Lili.
Elea & Lili is a Finnish startup originating from VTT, focused on developing cellulose-based superabsorbents for hygiene and agricultural applications. Its CSA™ technology is designed for industrial-scale production.
VTT is a Finnish research organization dedicated to technological innovation, supporting industries in developing sustainable solutions through applied research.
Source: VTT
