THE NEXT ERA
OF LIGNIN
Advanced chemistry inspired by the forest industry.
LignoSphere Company Oy is a Finnish biomaterials company that converts kraft lignin, a side stream of pulp production, into colloidal lignin particles. These replace synthetic phenolic compounds and other fossil-derived raw materials in coatings and adhesives. Founded in 2022 as an Aalto University spin-off, the company’s technology originates from research at Aalto University and Häme University of Applied Sciences and is protected by seven patents.
the team enabling
the Lignin transformation
.png)
Eero Knuutila
CEO
Eero Knuutila is CEO of LignoSphere. He has more than ten years of growth company leadership experience, with commercial roles in six start-ups, including two successful exits. Before joining LignoSphere in 2024 he held senior positions in the forest industry. Eero holds an M.Sc. in Industrial Management from Aalto University.
Kalle Lintinen
CTO
Dr. Kalle Lintinen has been working with experimental chemistry for over two decades in fields ranging from protection against chemical warfare agents, building next generation organic solar cells and functional coatings for the electronics industry. The skills learned in these fields helped Kalle to come up with a completely different way of using lignin. Kalle jumped into studying lignin nanospheres just as they were first found, and has made several inventions that convert them from a scientific curiosity into a powerful tool for replacing petrochemical products.
Alexander Henn
Head of R&D
Dr. Alexander Henn started researching colloidal lignin particles already during his Bachelor's studies in Prof. Österberg's research group at Aalto University in 2017. His experience and creativeness have been a significant part in developing the new applications for colloidal lignin particles that LignoSphere is offering.
Pekka Oinas
Head of Engineering
Professor (emeritus) Pekka Oinas has over 30 years of experience in research and development in the chemical industry, especially in process development and plant design. His areas of expertise include technical and economic evaluation of processes, chemical reaction technology, process modeling, plant start-up and management. Prof. Oinas has authored more than 80 scientific publications and patents (H-index 22). He has been responsible for numerous R&D and commercialization projects through Aalto University and companies.
Backed by investors who understand the industry
Kiilto Ventures is the venture capital arm of Kiilto. Kiilto is a Finnish family-owned company with over a century of history, developing, manufacturing, and selling chemical industry solutions across four business areas: construction, industrial adhesives and fire protection, professional hygiene, and consumer products. Kiilto operates in nine countries and employs nearly 800 people in total. In 2025, the group's revenue was €217 million.
Stephen Industries is a Finnish family-owned investment company that primarily invests in startup and scaleup companies operating in Finland and across Europe. At the core of the company’s investment strategy are innovative greentech, deeptech, and healthtech companies that contribute to sustainable development and help build a better future.
TekVentures is the corporate venture and innovation arm of Teknor Apex Company. Established in 2023, it invests in founders rethinking the discovery, sourcing, manufacturing and reuse of materials that move society forward sustainably. TekVentures draws on the perspective of a global materials manufacturer as it invests in and supports early-stage companies navigating the realities of building and scaling industrial technologies.
LignoSphere's investors bring more than capital. Together, they contribute deep industry expertise, networks, market access, and an understanding of the requirements of the chemical industry.
