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The Intertubes lit up earlier today with news of a new, compostable “paper battery” introduced by the Singapore-based startup Flint. The new battery aims to elevate the sustainability profile of energy storage systems for EVs, among other applications, by eliminating toxic materials and supply chain complications. That doesn’t necessarily mean your next EV will literally charge up on a stack of paper, but it should close enough for horseshoes, if the research bears out.
The Cellulose Secret Behind The New Paper Battery
“Paper battery” is shorthand for batteries based on the cellulose fibers that characterize the cell walls of plants. The idea of deploying cellulose, as well as lignin and hemicellulose, to make biodegradable, bio-based batteries has been circulating around EV circles over the years (here’s another example) without gaining much traction. However, the activity level has been ticking up as automakers seek to burnish their green cred from the supply chain end of things while improving battery performance, too.
Back in 2021, for example, researchers noted that cellulose fibers can prevent the formation of dendrites, the fernlike growths that can lead to premature degradation in lithium-ion batteries.
The leap from the laboratory to a road-worthy EV battery is a long one, but researchers have continued to make the case for cellulose. In February of 2025, for example, a multinational research team concluded that cellulose provides a viable, sustainable alternative to the petrochemicals commonly used to fabricate battery separators. “Sourced from renewable and biodegradable materials, cellulose derivatives—such as nanofibers, nanocrystals, cellulose acetate, bacterial cellulose, and regenerated cellulose—exhibit a reduced environmental footprint while enhancing battery safety and performance,” they noted.
“One of the key advantages of cellulose is its ability to act as a hybrid separator, using its unique properties to improve the performance and durability of battery systems,” they emphasized.
How The New Paper Battery Stacks Up
Even if cellulose provides for a higher-performing EV battery, the idea won’t float unless cellulose presents an economical and durable solution, too. It remains to be seen if Flint’s formula does the trick, but the company has been making some spectacular claims to that effect.
Flint has been on a fast track since the end of 2023, when it previewed its technology at a TechCrunch event in San Francisco. One year later, in December of 2024, the company announced a $2 million round of seed funding from angel investors spanning nine different countries including France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, with the AI-focused venture capital firm Hatcher+ also participating.
The seed funding was earmarked for scaling up pilot production and building up the company’s engineering and science staff, leading to a preview at CES (the high profile Consumer Electronics Show) 2025 in Las Vegas last January, where it received a “Best of CES Sustainability Award.”
Flint also notes that it has received support from the government of Singapore along with accelerator programs under the wing of Shell and the global organization OPPO Research Institute Innovation Accelerator.
One Bio-Based Battery To Rule Them All
As for cost, performance, and durability, Flint will be aiming to back up its statements with real-life demonstrations. The claims include:
“The cellulose found in paper acts as a natural medium for ion transfer between the anode and cathode, enabling our batteries to function effectively.”
“Moreover, while some “paper” batteries rely on materials like lithium or bio-enzymes, Flint’s approach eliminates these elements to remain truly sustainable.
“Beyond that, paper gives our batteries flexibility, allowing them to be made in various shapes and designs.”
“Our batteries are fire-resistant, thanks to the cellulose and proprietary electrolytes used in their construction.”
“Flint batteries are rechargeable and offer a lifespan comparable to traditional batteries.”
“Our batteries are 1.8 times cheaper per kWh compared to lithium-ion batteries, thanks to abundant, non-toxic materials.
“With further scaling, we aim to reduce costs even further, potentially achieving less than $50 per kWh.”
As for the all-important manufacturing factor, the new battery is designed to share basic structural components with conventional lithium-ion batteries, including an anode, cathode, and separator, enabling it to integrate with existing fabrication processes. “This chemistry reduces production costs and environmental impact while maintaining high performance,” Flint states.
According to the company, once the casing is removed, non-compostible materials (zinc and manganese, for example) can be extracted, and the battery will naturally biodegrade.
Next Steps For The Biodegradable Battery Of The Future
We’re about to find out how Flint’s paper battery will pan out in real life. Flint plans to unveil two iterations of the battery at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, and earlier today the company also announced that the new batteries are now being produced in volume at its new 8,000+ square foot facility in Singapore, with the aim of slotting into pilot-scale deployments.
“With production now live in Singapore, Flint is supplying manufactured battery cells that are rechargeable, non-toxic, and engineered for safer use (non-flammable, non-explosive) for customer pilots and early commercial integrations,” Flint says of itself.
“The facility is designed to reduce reliance on traditional battery materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and lead, while enabling lower-carbon manufacturing and improved end-of-life options under controlled conditions,” Flint elaborates, noting that the Singapore location was chosen intentionally in order to demonstrate the viability of battery manufacturing outside of conventional supply chains.
As for deployment in EVs, that might take a while. So far, Flint lists Logitech and Amazon as pilot customers for the new battery, focusing on hand-held devices like Kindle and Fire TV.
Or maybe sooner, as the case may be. Researchers at Michigan State University have proposed using lignin as a separator in EV batteries, replacing polyethylene and polypropylene materials to improve fire safety and stability.
Keep an eye on the US firm WH-Power, too. The startup has also emerged as an enthusiastic advocate for plant-based batteries, with a focus on quasi solid-state technology.
“The cellulose battery represents a pioneering leap in energy storage technology,” WH-Power explains. “With its quasi solid-state electrolyte, it boasts a dense, thin, and highly conductive design, ensuring stable operation even in the presence of Li anodes and cathodes.”
“Remarkably, it achieves the highest ion conductivity among polymer electrolytes, thanks to its ion-conducting fiber that facilitates rapid ion transport,” WH-Power adds, noting that the battery supports fast-charging capability.
If you have any thoughts about that, drop a note in the comment thread.
Photo: The maker of a new “paper battery” based on biodegradable cellulose fibers aims to level up the sustainability profile of EVs, among many other applications (cropped, courtesy of Flint Labs)
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