Ahlstrom acquires EBF expanding its life science capabilities in specimen collection cards
AHLSTROM OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, OCTOBER 2, 2025 at 15:00 CEST
Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, has acquired EBF, based in Greenville, South Carolina (US). EBF is recognized for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality, natural fiber-based medical devices for the efficient collection and preservation of biological samples. With decades of experience, EBF is the leading provider of newborn screening devices, including 903 diagnostic cards and procedure packs.
As a global leader in specialty materials for lab and life sciences applications, this acquisition strengthens Ahlstrom’s position in the life science market and enables the company to supply high-quality materials for the rapidly growing blood and urine testing segments, including newborn screening. With EBF’s expertise in advanced printing, sequential numbering, and custom packaging, Ahlstrom can now deliver specialty materials and converting solutions that are essential for a wide range of diagnostic tests. This marks a key milestone on Ahlstrom’s growth transformation journey and supports its vision to be the sustainable specialty materials company.
EBF will become part of Ahlstrom's Filtration and Life Sciences business and will be key to the company’s lab and life sciences growth strategy.
“EBF’s high-quality business, and technical capabilities are a perfect fit for our growth ambitions. This acquisition represents a step forward in the value chain for Ahlstrom, significantly adding to our converting capabilities and expanding our expertise in card manufacturing. By integrating EBF, Ahlstrom can offer more comprehensive solutions to our customers and further strengthen our position in the diagnostic testing market,” says Daniele Borlatto, EVP for Filtration and Life Sciences at Ahlstrom.
“We are thrilled to join Ahlstrom, a global leader whose resources and worldwide presence will enable us to expand our product portfolio and reach new markets,” says Brad Nelson, CEO at EBF.
For further information, please contact: Annemiek Voorzee – VP Communications, annemiek.voorzee@ahlstrom.com
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com.
EBF in brief
EBF is a specialty manufacturer of 903 media-based devices used to collect and transport blood samples from newborns to test for over twenty different disorders. Founded in 1964, EBF is the leading provider of 903 diagnostic devices and procedure packs. EBF’s corporate office and manufacturing facility are located in Greenville, South Carolina. For more information, visit www.ebf-inc.com.