Ahlstrom reinforces supplier engagement through an Open Innovation Day with OrganoClick
"Collaboration with our chemical suppliers has never been more important," explained Laia Guarro, Head of Open Innovation and event organizer. "Not only is their cooperation essential to achieving our Scope 3 emission reduction targets, but they're also a great resource for new ideas, technologies and expertise that can support the growth of safe and sustainable innovation at Ahlstrom. OrganoClick is a great example."
Based in Sweden OrganoClick specializes in biobased binders, barrier technologies and additives derived from waste food, like orange peels and shrimp shells, and used in materials like paper, wood, textiles and nonwoven. An existing supplier, OrganoClick partnered with Ahlstrom's Nonwoven team and plant propagation product maker, Ellepot, in 2022, to create a 100% biobased and biodegradable paper pot for the horticulture market.
Ahlstrom’s Open Innovation Day was designed to introduce this innovative supplier to multiple business units at once and to drive focus on sustainability. Our team members were able to attend the event in-person in Pont-L'Eveque, France or virtually via Teams.
Following an introductory overview of OrganoClick's business, technology platform and biobased solutions, the first part of the day focused on sustainability topics of interest for all Ahlstrom stakeholders. Through a workshop and in-depth discussion, both OrganoClick and Ahlstrom had a great opportunity to share their capabilities related to sustainability and specific challenges, ask questions and brainstorm together.
Overall, feedback and impressions from the event were positive, especially regarding OrganoClick's binders and additives and the company's sustainability value proposition and expertise. A number of follow-up actions are in process.
"We need to find new ways to connect with suppliers and expand our conversations and collaboration with them. The updated format for Open Innovation Day can help us do that," said Guarro.
As the global leader in sustainable specialty materials, innovation is at the core of Ahlstrom's values. We believe that every challenge requires a unique solution. Engaging in open innovation with partners throughout the value chain allows us to execute ideas more quickly and find the best solutions together, thereby accelerating growth and creating tailor-made value for customers.