Ahlstrom introduces environmentally friendly embroidery backings for clothing industry
Ahlstrom Corporation PRESS RELEASE 2.12.2008
Ahlstrom, a global leader in the development and manufacture of high performance fiber-based materials, announced today it will launch a new line of environmentally friendly nonwoven apparel fabrics. These fabrics have been specially engineered for use as embroidery backings. The products, available starting in the first quarter of 2009, will further broaden the Ahlstrom range for the clothing industry and reinforce its position as the leading supplier of wet laid embroidery backings in North America and Europe.
A nonwoven backing is used on the back of fabrics to stabilize the sewing process when a logo or emblem is embroidered on a garment. Ahlstrom embroidery backings will now meet the most stringent international requirements concerning formaldehyde, which are the Japanese Ministry Ordinance Legislation JMO 112 (absorbency <0.05) and its European equivalent EDANA Method for Free Formaldehyde I 210.1-99 (<20ppm). The new materials will be APE-free (alkyl phenol ethoxylate free). Additionally, Ahlstrom will increase their sustainability by using a significant percentage of post consumer recycled fibers when manufacturing these as well as other apparel fabrics.
The launch of these new eco-friendly materials responds to the growing market demand for sustainable backings. These products will meet the needs of environmentally conscious customers and add on to the acknowledged best line of wet laid embroidery backings in the industry.
As a group policy Ahlstrom has adopted and endorsed the sustainability guidelines developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). These guidelines recognize and define corporate sustainability in terms of economic, environmental and social responsibility. The Company aims at offering sustainable products throughout its product lines and at monitoring and reducing the impact of its operations on the environment.
Ahlstrom embroidery backings are part of the Company's Industrial Nonwovens product line and are sold through a select group of distributors on a global basis. The Industrial Nonwovens product line serves a wide range of niche applications in various industries.
Contact:
Ed Hart, Sales Manger - Americas, Industrial Nonwovens - Phone: +1 508 868 5528
Rui Ferreira, General Manager - Americas, Industrial Nonwovens - Phone: +1 860 654 8388
Thierry Kums, Business Manager - Europe, Technical Nonwovens - Phone +33 4 7645 3515
Thierry Kums, Business Manager - Europe, Technical Nonwovens - Phone +33 4 7645 3515
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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 NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.