Ahlstrom expands its wallcover range with new mid-tier application in nonwovens

Ahlstrom Corporation PRESS RELEASE 9.6.2008

 

Ahlstrom Corporation, global leader in fiber-based materials, expands its wallcover range with a new mid-tier application in nonwovens as a response to the global growth trend in wallcoverings. Ahlstrom introduces new wallcover substrates created from a mix of natural and synthetic fibers, which enable excellent decoration, design performance and easy processability.

 

The new wallcover material will be made at Ahlstrom's Turin plant in Italy, and it will be available on the market during the second quarter of 2009. As previously announced, Ahlstrom has invested EUR 10 million in state-of-the art technology in its Turin plant to convert one of its paper machines for the production of these new materials.

 

"This product complements Ahlstrom's existing wallcover product range, which comprises paper and high-tier nonwoven substrates, thus making Ahlstrom's range by far the most comprehensive on the market. The investment is in line with our strategy to further develop the product offering and to grow our global market share in the wallcover business. Ahlstrom will thus consolidate its leading position on the global wallcover market", says Claudio Ermondi, Senior Vice President of Ahlstrom's Nonvowens business.

 

The global market for wallcoverings is growing strongly, driven by increasing demand in Russia and China. Current colourful and bold design trends also boost the demand for medium and high-tier wallcoverings in Western Europe.

 

"Within the wallcover business, there is a clear movement to higher-end wallcoverings, lead by an increased designer interest in home decoration. Additionally, these wallcoverings also feature paste-the-wall and fast removability, which makes the process of decoration simpler and faster." says Jean-Marie Becker, Vice President & General Manager, Ahlstrom's Industrial Nonwovens product line.

 

In addition to Turin, Ahlstrom produces paper and nonwoven wallcover substrates in five other plants in Europe and the USA. Nonwoven wallcover products are part of Ahlstom's Nonwovens business area. Nonwovens comprises appriximately 28% of Ahlstrom's Group net sales.

Ahlstrom Corporation

 

Jean-Marie Becker

Vice President & General Manager, Industrial Nonwovens

Tel. + 33 (0) 476 45 35 01

 

Main media

 

Ahlstrom in brief 

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,500 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2007, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.