Innovation - facts

Ahlstrom - a uniquely innovative global leader

Our quest to innovate in technology and products differentiates us from our competitors. We have unrivalled specialized knowledge and experience, thanks to the breadth of technology platforms, partnerships, global presence in more than 20 countries and activity in multiple market sectors. By continuously developing better ways to transform fibers into high performance materials, we create better value and a more competitive edge for our customers.

In 2005, our innovation investments amounted to EUR 27.2 million. New innovative products represented 14.3% of our net sales and other innovations represented 21.1% of our sales. We currently have about 500 active patents.

We closely monitor customer needs, market potential, product feasibility and technological and environmental trends to drive our innovation projects. They involve extensive cooperation between our own researchers, technical, production and commercial teams and, outside Ahlstrom, our customers, end-users, research institutes and suppliers.