A long-standing partnership built on sustainable baking paper
For many years, Ahlstrom has been supplying baking paper to Wewalka, supporting the brand with fiber-based materials designed for performance, safety, and sustainability. At the heart of this long-standing collaboration is a shared commitment to responsible sourcing, product safety, and continuous improvement. We spoke with Christina Blank, Key Account Manager at Ahlstrom and Eveline Freil, Marketing Director and Press Relations at Wewalka about what makes this partnership work and how sustainability actively guides their collaboration.
What defines the partnership between Ahlstrom and Wewalka today?
Christina Blank, Ahlstrom:
Our relationship with Wewalka is built on continuity, trust, and a deep understanding of each other’s expectations. Over time, we’ve developed baking paper solutions that meet demanding performance requirements while aligning with Wewalka’s sustainability ambitions. This long-term view allows us to move beyond transactional discussions and focus on continuous improvement.
Eveline Freil, Wewalka:
Ahlstrom is a reliable long-term partner that understands both our products and our markets. This consistency is essential for us, as it supports stable production, reliable supply, and the consistent quality our customers expect.
How do the specific sustainability features of your baking papers support Wewalka’s product and brand commitments?
Christina Blank, Ahlstrom:
Our baking papers are designed to perform at every stage, from fridge to oven, while integrating key sustainability characteristics. They are made from responsibly sourced wood pulp with FSC® and PEFC™ certification, free from any intentionally added PFAS, and are certified compostable under regional standards including home and industrial compostability. These attributes support Wewalka’s goals for safer, more transparent and environmentally sound materials without compromising on performance, such as release properties and heat resistance.
Eveline Freil, Wewalka:
From our perspective, knowing that the baking paper is both high-performing and backed by independent certifications gives us confidence for a sustainable partnership built on trust. It also
aligns with our brand promise of quality and responsibility, reinforcing trust with consumers who are increasingly looking for eco-certified and safe food contact materials.
Image: Wewalka
How does sustainability shape your day-to-day collaboration?
Eveline Freil, Wewalka:
With sustainability being integrated in Wewalka´s company strategy, naturally we are also putting an emphasis on our suppliers in that context. Working with a supplier like Ahlstrom, with a Platinum EcoVadis rating, gives us confidence that sustainability is managed systematically and transparently across the value chain.
Christina Blank, Ahlstrom:
At Ahlstrom, we apply our Safe and Sustainable by Design approach to baking papers, meaning that sustainability is considered from the very beginning, from fiber sourcing and chemical management to product safety and end-of-life considerations. With Wewalka, sustainability is not a one-off topic; it’s an ongoing dialogue that evolves alongside regulations, customer expectations, and technological progress.
Image: Wewalka
What role do EcoVadis ratings play in your partnership?
Christina Blank, Ahlstrom:
EcoVadis provides a shared framework and common language for sustainability. Our Platinum rating reflects a company-wide commitment, supported by clear targets, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement across environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
Eveline Freil, Wewalka:
Our Silver EcoVadis rating reflects both the progress made and our ambition to go further. Partnering with highly rated suppliers like Ahlstrom supports our own journey and helps ensure alignment on sustainability expectations throughout our supply chain.
What additional actions is Wewalka taking to strengthen responsible business practices across its operations?
Eveline Freil, Wewalka:
In addition to our sustainability work with partners like Ahlstrom, we continue to strengthen our internal management systems and governance frameworks. We have achieved Sedex certification, which supports transparency and responsible practices across our supply chain. Furthermore, the ISO-certifications 14001, 27001 and 45001 help ensure that sustainability, data protection, and employee well-being are systematically managed and continuously improved across our organization.
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