Ahlstrom as an investment

We have a leading market position in all four of our business areas, Building and Energy, Filtration, Food and Medical and Label and Processing. Our products are used in a large variety of everyday applications, such as filters, wallcovers, flooring, labels and food packaging. Our 5,200 employees serve customers in 28 countries on six continents. In 2011, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.6 billion.

The total value of the fiber-based specialty materials market is close to EUR 30 billion. This market is divided into two separate markets: nonwovens and specialty papers.

The value of the global nonwoven market is close to EUR 15 billion. The overall market for nonwovens is generally growing faster than the annual GDP (gross domestic product) growth,  driven by substituting products that have traditionally been made from textiles, plastics or paper. In addition, the market for value-added businesses continues to develop as new nonwoven applications are introduced.

Specialty papers market includes all papers excluding more commodity-oriented newsprint, magazine, fine paper, tissue and sack papers. The value of the global specialty papers market is close to EUR 15 billion. The overall market growth for Ahlstrom’s specialty papers follows the GDP growth trend in different countries. For some segments, such as crepe papers and vegetable parchment, the growth potential is higher.