In a significant leap for sustainable electronics as of January 12, 2026, the Singapore-based startup Flint has officially transitioned its groundbreaking paper battery technology from the laboratory to large-scale manufacturing. Unveiled as a highlight of CES 2026, these batteries replace scarce and hazardous materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel with abundant, non-toxic alternatives: cellulose, zinc, and manganese. By utilizing a “water-based” manufacturing process at their new 8,000-square-foot facility, Flint has managed to create a power source that is not only rechargeable but also roughly 1.8 times cheaper per kilowatt-hour than traditional lithium-ion counterparts.
The innovation’s most striking feature is its safety and end-of-life cycle; the batteries are entirely non-flammable and explosion-proof, even when punctured or cut in half during live demonstrations. This makes them an ideal candidate for the next generation of “thin-tech,” such as smart wearables, medical patches, and even foldable devices. Major global brands, including Logitech and Amazon, are already piloting these cells for use in computer peripherals and Kindle devices. Perhaps most impressively, once the battery’s lifespan is over, it can be composted—biodegrading safely within six weeks—offering a true “circular economy” solution to the growing global crisis of electronic waste.
