Sustainability framework
Ahlstrom is committed to sustainable development. For us, sustainability means a balance between economic social and environmental responsibility.
As a global company, we need a consistent and rigorous approach to sustainability across the world.
We manage sustainability across the business starting from product development, where Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used to make sure that the potential environmental impacts of our products are minimized over their life cycle. Our industry is capable of controlling the impacts from cradle to gate, but the end of life options need to be taken into account in the product design. We make products for purpose and always aim for a positive sustainable impact.
We source our raw materials from responsible sources. Natural fibers are by far the most important raw material in Ahlstrom's products. We want to ensure that they come from responsibly managed forests. As for other raw materials, as a priority we want to make sure that our strategic suppliers are responsible companies.
In manufacturing, the main principles of Ahlstrom's environmental responsibility are to achieve complete compliance with environmental and social regulations, to minimize the emissions to the air, water and soil, and to optimize the efficiency of operations thus saving raw materials and energy.
Our sales and marketing people interact with the customers to channel the market requirements for sustainable products back into our product development. They help customers solve their sustainability challenges and offer sustainable value propositions to the customers.
When meeting the criteria for minimized environmental impacts over the life cycle, we can talk about "green". When the product in addition has positive social and economic impacts, it can be called "sustainable". It is through our products Ahlstrom can best advance sustainability everywhere in the world.
Sustainability framework
Across the business, at every site, office or manufacturing plant, safety is our priority. We respect human rights and want to show leadership and management practices in alignment with our values everywhere we operate.