Elementic, a Finnish startup based in Tampere, is pioneering a transformative approach to carbon capture through its innovative construction materials. They have developed a multi-patented process that turns abandoned wood and plant-based industrial side streams into a pure carbon building material. Rather than letting the carbon in wood and plants go to waste, they extend its storage—locking it away in buildings for generations.
Unlike traditional carbon capture methods that extract CO₂ from the atmosphere, Elementic focuses on preventing emissions at their source by converting biowaste into durable building materials that lock away carbon for generations.
Turning Biowaste into Carbon-Negative Building Blocks
Elementic’s core innovation lies in its patented process that transforms industrial wood and plant-based waste into a pure carbon material. This material can be molded into various construction components such as bricks, panels, tiles, and walls. Remarkably, for every kilogram of Elementic material produced, approximately three kilograms of CO₂ are sequestered, resulting in a carbon-negative footprint unparalleled in the building industry .
The process extends the natural carbon storage capabilities of forests by stabilizing the carbon content of biowaste, preventing it from decomposing and releasing CO₂ back into the atmosphere. This approach not only mitigates emissions but also repurposes waste materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation.
Durable, Sustainable, and Versatile
Elementic’s carbon-based materials are designed for both interior and exterior applications. They are lightweight yet sturdy, fire-retardant, and resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Additionally, these materials are free from plastics and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring healthier indoor environments. Their sound-absorbing properties further enhance acoustic comfort in living and working spaces .
From a cost perspective, Elementic’s materials are competitive with traditional clay bricks, making them an economically viable option for sustainable construction. The company sources its raw materials locally, reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional economies.
A Vision for Carbon-Negative Construction
Elementic’s innovation represents a significant shift in the construction industry, offering a scalable solution to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. By integrating carbon sequestration directly into building materials, Elementic enables structures to serve as long-term carbon sinks. This approach aligns with global sustainability goals and presents a practical pathway toward carbon-negative construction practices.
The company’s manufacturing facility in Kangasala, Finland, and its showroom in Helsinki, showcase the practical applications of its materials. With plans to release interior panels and tiles in autumn 2025 and exterior bricks and walls in 2026, Elementic is poised to make a substantial impact on sustainable building practices.
Founders and Funding
The company is led by Ville Hulkko, a serial entrepreneur known for co-founding AI firms Silo AI and Valossa. The core material, developed by co-founder Tuomo Hilli and his research team originally at Valmet, transforms lignin into lightweight, durable tiles and bricks that store nearly three times their weight in CO₂.
Founded in 2017 under the name Fifth Innovation, Elementic began by offering lab services to fund early research. Hulkko joined as an advisor and later became CEO. The company is currently constructing a pilot plant in Lempäälä, with production slated to begin in 2026. Its materials are designed to replace conventional facade and interior elements in buildings, turning structures into long-term carbon sinks.
Funding has largely come from Hulkko’s entrepreneurial family. Ville’s father, Juha Hulkko—founder of Elektrobit and a key investor in Silo AI—has backed Elementic through the family investment firm Jtel. To date, Elementic has raised €10 million, including €2.3 million from Business Finland and €2.5 million from the European Innovation Council. The remainder comes from private investors, with plans for future industrial-scale expansion.
Photo: https://elementic.com
