Estonian UP Catalyst converts CO₂ emissions into materials for paints for Finnish Teknos

Estonian company UP Catalyst has signed a partnership agreement with Finnish paint manufacturer Teknos. UP Catalyst will use its technology to convert industrial CO₂ emissions into high-quality carbon materials for paints and coatings.

UP Catalyst, an Estonian company, produces environmentally friendly carbon nanomaterials and catalysts synthesized from CO2. The company converts carbon dioxide CO2 into graphite for lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones, electric cars and other devices. The startup's solutions can be used in construction, manufacturing, medical and space applications. UP Catalyst is founded in 2019. Founded by scientists Ivar Kruusberg, Sander Ratso and Kätlin Kaare from the University of Tartu.

In April 2025 UP Catalyst received an €18M loan from European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand its carbon materials production. 

Teknos is a Finnish manufacturer of industrial coatings. The company was founded in 1948 as a family business. Production takes place in seven countries: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Russia, and China. The company has branches in 15 countries and exports to more than 20 countries.