USA:Ahlstrom uses natural & synthetic fibers to create wallcover range

Ahlstrom Corporation, global leader in fiber-based materials, expands its wall cover range with a new mid-tier application in nonwovens as a response to the global growth trend in wall coverings.
Ahlstrom introduces new wall cover substrates created from a mix of natural and synthetic fibers, which enable excellent decoration, design performance and easy process ability.
The new wall cover 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 wall cover 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 wall cover business.
Ahlstrom will thus consolidate its leading position on the global wall cover market", says Claudio Ermondi, Senior Vice President of Ahlstrom's Nonvowens business.
The global market for wall coverings 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 wall cover business, there is a clear movement to higher-end wall coverings, lead by an increased designer interest in home decoration.
Additionally, these wall coverings 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 wall cover substrates in five other plants in Europe and the USA.
Nonwoven wall cover products are part of Ahlstom's Nonwovens business area. Nonwovens comprises appriximately 28% of Ahlstrom's Group net sales.