Flint Powers Up Paper Battery Production, Challenging Lithium's Reign

Singapore's Flint begins manufacturing its eco-friendly paper batteries, partnering with Logitech and Amazon to disrupt the global battery supply chain.

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Flint Ignites Paper Battery Production, Positioning Singapore as a Hub for Sustainable Energy

SINGAPORE – January 02, 2026 – Singapore-based deep tech firm Flint has officially launched production of its innovative cellulose-based paper batteries, a landmark move that transitions its sustainable energy technology from the laboratory to the factory floor. The company is now manufacturing its rechargeable, non-toxic cells in a new purpose-built facility, supplying them for pilot programs with major global brands ahead of a full commercial unveiling scheduled for CES 2026. This milestone signals a potentially significant shift in the energy storage landscape, offering a safer, lower-carbon alternative to the world's dependence on traditional lithium-ion batteries.

From Lab-Scale Prototypes to Manufactured Reality

The transition to mass production is a critical validation point for any deep tech company, and for Flint, it represents the culmination of years of research and development. The company's new 8,000+ square foot facility in Singapore is the heart of this new phase, housing a production line specifically designed around its proprietary battery architecture. Flint employs water-based manufacturing methods, a process engineered not only for scalability but also for enhanced safety and a reduced environmental footprint.

This approach is a deliberate departure from the complex, resource-intensive processes common in traditional battery manufacturing. "Reinventing batteries isn't only about chemistry, it's about building something you can manufacture," said Carlo Charles, Founder and CEO of Flint, who was recently named to Forbes' "30 under 30 Asia 2025" list. "Entering production is a turning point because it means our paper batteries can move beyond prototypes and into real devices, at real volumes, with quality controls that customers can validate."

These first manufactured cells are rechargeable, non-toxic, and engineered to be non-flammable and non-explosive—addressing key safety concerns that have long plagued the battery industry. With production now live, the company is focused on fulfilling orders for customer pilots and early commercial integrations, paving the way for broader market adoption.

A Greener Alternative in a Growing Market

Flint's technology enters a market hungry for sustainable alternatives. The global eco-friendly battery market is projected by industry analysts to expand rapidly, with some estimates predicting a market size of over $40 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by mounting pressure to address the environmental and ethical issues tied to conventional batteries, which rely heavily on materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt—often sourced from conflict regions and requiring carbon-intensive mining and processing.

Flint's cellulose-based batteries offer a compelling solution. By using abundant, biodegradable materials and eliminating harmful PFAS chemicals, the company aims to drastically reduce the environmental impact of energy storage. The "lower-carbon" water-based manufacturing process further strengthens these claims. While the company's assertions of biodegradability and non-toxicity are central to its value proposition, the next step for industry watchers will be the publication of independent, third-party lifecycle assessments and environmental certifications to formally validate these benefits.

The competitive landscape for sustainable energy is diversifying, with companies exploring everything from sodium-ion to advanced solid-state chemistries. However, Flint’s unique focus on a paper-based, non-flammable architecture gives it a distinct advantage, particularly in consumer electronics and other applications where safety and environmental responsibility are paramount.

Securing Validation Through Strategic Partnerships

A novel technology's success often hinges on its adoption by established market leaders. Flint has made significant inroads here, building a powerful ecosystem of partners who are now piloting its paper batteries. In 2025, the company was named a winner in the Logitech Future Positive Technology Challenge, leading to an active pilot to integrate its technology into select Logitech devices.

Further validation comes from its selection into the Climate Tech Accelerator, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which facilitates collaboration with Amazon Devices. This program focuses on decarbonization initiatives, with potential applications in globally recognized products like the Kindle and Fire TV. Flint also gained access to advanced simulation and manufacturing scale-up tools through its inclusion in Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE Lab Ecosystem.

This commercial traction is built on a foundation of early recognition, including a Best of CES Sustainability Award in 2025, which significantly raised the company's global profile. The momentum was further fueled by a successful US$2 million pre-Series A funding round in 2025, led by a consortium of angel investors and the AI-driven VC firm Hatcher+. This capital is being deployed to accelerate commercial expansion and scale production capabilities, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the company's technology and market strategy.

Decentralizing the Battery Supply Chain from Singapore

Flint’s decision to establish its initial production line in Singapore is a calculated strategic move. It serves as a powerful proof-of-concept for a decentralized manufacturing model, challenging the industry's long-standing reliance on highly centralized lithium supply chains, which are often subject to geopolitical tensions and logistical bottlenecks.

"Starting production in Singapore was an intentional choice," Charles stated in the announcement. "It shows the world that there's a credible path to making batteries without relying on the same centralized lithium supply chains the industry has depended on for decades. Our technology is designed to be manufactured closer to where products are used, and Singapore gives us the infrastructure to prove that at production scale."

This asset-light approach, which focuses on proprietary processes rather than heavy capital investment in resource extraction, could enable a more resilient and geographically distributed manufacturing network. Looking beyond its initial footprint, Flint is already in active discussions with one of the world's largest contract manufacturers to establish a production presence in Europe. This planned expansion would not only increase capacity but also further diversify its supply chain, bringing production closer to key European and North American markets.

The Road Ahead: CES 2026 and Solid-State Ambitions

With the production lines running, all eyes now turn to Las Vegas for CES 2026. Flint has announced it will formally unveil its first two commercial paper battery products at the event, promising live demonstrations and showcasing real-world customer integrations. This will be the first public opportunity for the industry and consumers to see the technology in action and assess its performance characteristics firsthand.

In parallel with its commercial rollout, Flint is pushing the boundaries of its core technology. The company's R&D team is actively developing a solid-state derivative of its cellulose-based chemistry. This next-generation platform is engineered for higher-density rechargeable applications, targeting markets currently dominated by heavy and environmentally hazardous lead-acid batteries. A successful solid-state paper battery could disrupt sectors ranging from industrial equipment and backup power systems to light electric vehicles.

This dual focus on immediate commercialization and next-generation research positions Flint not just as a creator of a single product, but as a platform for a new class of safer, more sustainable energy storage solutions. As the first cells roll off the Singapore production line, the company is opening its doors for collaborations, prioritizing pilot deployments that will bring its vision for a cleaner energy future into everyday use.

📝 This article is still being updated

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