Ahlstrom launches breathable ChemoGard BVB fabric to enhance protection and comfort in chemotherapy handling

AHLSTROM OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, JULY 1, 2026 at 10  EEST 

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, announces today the launch of ChemoGard BVB, a breathable protective apparel fabric designed for chemotherapy drug handling in clinical, laboratory, and operating room environments. 

ChemoGard BVB expands Ahlstrom’s portfolio of protective apparel fabrics by combining breathable comfort, AAMI Level 4 viral barrier protection, and chemotherapy drug resistance in a lightweight tri-laminate construction. The material is designed to support healthcare professionals who require reliable protection while maintaining wearer comfort in demanding clinical environments. 

Tested in accordance with ASTM D6978 chemotherapy permeation standards, ChemoGard BVB provides up to 240 minutes of protection against hazardous chemotherapy drugs such as Carmustine. The fabric also features low lint construction for clinical environments and construction without intentionally added PFAS to support evolving product requirements. 

By combining breathable performance with viral barrier protection and chemotherapy drug resistance, ChemoGard BVB provides a new protective fabric option for customers developing apparel for healthcare professionals handling chemotherapy drugs. The solution reflects Ahlstrom’s continued focus on advancing material performance for medical and life science environments where protection, comfort, and reliability are essential. 

“ChemoGard BVB represents the type of applied innovation our teams focus on every day: turning material science into solutions that meet real challenges in healthcare,” said Ilona Weart, Head of Product Development. “By combining Ahlstrom’s expertise in fiber-based specialty materials, barrier technologies, and applied R&D, our teams created a breathable tri-laminate fabric designed to deliver protection without sacrificing comfort.” 

“As the demands on healthcare environments continue to evolve, the market needs protective apparel materials that help support both safety and comfort,” said Kimberly Anders, Vice President, Medical. “ChemoGard BVB strengthens our portfolio with a solution designed to help protect clinicians handling chemotherapy drugs while supporting safer care environments for patients and healthcare professionals.” 

Read more: ChemoGard BVB Brochure

For further information, please contact:  medical@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. 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