Ahlstrom collaborates with Solventum in the development of controlled-bioburden release paper for stringent healthcare applications
AHLSTROM OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, NOVEMBER 9, 2026, at 9:00 EET
Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber‑based specialty materials, announces the development of Acti‑V® BIO, a specialty paper solution designed for release liners used in demanding pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) healthcare applications where contamination control and effective sterilization practices play a critical role.
Acti‑V® BIO expands the existing portfolio of Acti‑V® release base papers, an Ahlstrom proprietary technology platform serving a broad range of release liner applications, with a new controlled-bioburden grade developed for healthcare applications that require consistent performance and high standards of microbiological control throughout the value chain.
Building on Ahlstrom’s deep expertise in fiber-based materials and processes, the new solution combines optimized material design, robust manufacturing controls, and strengthened contamination-prevention practices, to deliver consistent purity and support effective sterilization of downstream converted products. Microbial load on materials is assessed prior to sterilization using accredited procedures, providing an important measure of the effectiveness of upstream hygiene practices and supporting planned downstream sterilization processes. End uses for Acti‑V® BIO may include wound care products, transdermal patches, surgical tapes, and wearable or diagnostic devices that incorporate adhesive components protected by a peel-off liner.
During development, Ahlstrom collaborated with Solventum, a global healthcare company and downstream user of PSA technologies across a range of medical applications. Solventum contributed application expertise that helped define bioburden expectations and testing methodologies, helping Ahlstrom align the solution with the requirements of highly regulated healthcare applications.
“Acti‑V® BIO reflects our commitment to developing innovative specialty materials that help customers meet increasingly stringent healthcare requirements,” said Marco Martinez, Head of Product, Sustainability and Marketing, Release Liners. “This product is the result of a comprehensive development program focused on supporting contamination control in demanding healthcare customer applications while preserving the sustainability advantages of renewable cellulose-based materials. Throughout the development process, we greatly valued the expertise and collaboration of Solventum.”
“As healthcare applications demand the highest standards for contamination control, the quality and consistency of materials throughout the supply chain are critically important,” said David Brodersen, Sr. Director Global Sterilization and Microbiology at Solventum. “We worked with Ahlstrom to reduce bioburden variability at the material level, helping manufacturers maintain greater consistency in finished product bioburden and reduce the potential for unexpected microbial challenges to validated sterilization processes. Our collaboration demonstrates the value of bringing together material science expertise and healthcare application knowledge to address evolving industry requirements.”
Acti‑V® BIO builds on Ahlstrom’s wide expertise in innovative fiber-based solutions for the healthcare and life sciences industries. The solution reflects the company’s commitment to developing specialty materials that address evolving performance, safety, and regulatory requirements, for applications that help protect people.
For further information, please contact:
Marco Martinez
Head of Product, Sustainability and Marketing, Release Liners
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. Our vision is to be the leading Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three Core divisions, Filtration & Life Sciences, Food & Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more: www.ahlstrom.com
About Solventum
At Solventum, we enable better, smarter, safer healthcare to improve lives. As a new company with a long legacy of creating breakthrough solutions for our customers' toughest challenges, we pioneer game-changing innovations at the intersection of health, material and data science that change patients' lives for the better — while empowering healthcare professionals to perform at their best. See how at Solventum.com.