Ahlstrom strengthens life sciences portfolio with ErtelAlsop acquisition

USA – Ahlstrom, a global leader in fibre-based speciality materials, has acquired ErtelAlsop, a New York-based manufacturer specializing in high-performance liquid depth filter media.

ErtelAlsop serves key markets, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, flavors and fragrances, and chemicals.

This acquisition significantly enhances Ahlstrom’s position in the life sciences filtration market, enabling the company to expand into the depth filtration segment.

The move aligns with Ahlstrom’s transformation strategy and vision of becoming a leading sustainable speciality materials provider.

ErtelAlsop will now be integrated into Ahlstrom’s Filtration and Life Sciences business, playing a pivotal role in advancing the company’s laboratory and life sciences filtration growth objectives.

Daniele Borlatto, Ahlstrom’s Executive Vice President for Filtration and Life Sciences, commented, “Ahlstrom’s value creation stems from sustainable innovation and product development.

“ErtelAlsop’s technology-forward approach and growth mindset perfectly align with our purpose to purify and protect with every fiber for a sustainable world.”

The acquisition brings advanced production and engineering capabilities and broadens Ahlstrom’s ability to deliver customized filtration solutions across critical end markets.

Borlatto further emphasized the synergy, stating, “ErtelAlsop’s legacy of innovation and technical expertise complements Ahlstrom’s ambitions, enabling us to serve new and existing customers worldwide while accelerating growth.”

Divestment of Aspa pulp mill advances strategic transformation

In a parallel development, Ahlstrom has agreed to sell its Aspa pulp mill in Sweden to Sweden Timber, marking another milestone in the company’s transformation journey.

The transaction, which includes the mill and its operations, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

Aspa pulp mill, with a production capacity of approximately 200,000 tonnes per year and 174 employees, produces both bleached and unbleached softwood kraft pulp. The divestment aligns with Ahlstrom’s strategy to focus on sustainable speciality materials. 

Sweden Timber CEO Mikael Arvidsson expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “We look forward to continuing business and development at Aspa alongside the mill’s experienced team. We are committed to maintaining its high-quality pulp offerings for existing customers.”

The Aspa mill produces two types of softwood pulp: elementary chlorine-free (ECF) bleached kraft pulp and unbleached kraft pulp.

ECF-bleached kraft pulp is used in hygiene products, printing and transparent papers, and packaging materials.

Meanwhile, unbleached kraft pulp serves niche markets such as electrotechnical papers and speciality applications like greaseproof paper, coffee filter paper, and carton board. 

Approximately half of Aspa’s production is sold in Europe, with the remainder distributed globally. This divestment will allow Sweden Timber, a prominent wood processing and papermaking player, to expand its portfolio further.

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