Climate change

Ahlstrom strives to be the leading specialty materials company, co-innovating safe and sustainable solutions, including low-carbon products. Identifying the most cost-effective methods for successful emission reduction and commercialization of decarbonization efforts is crucial, driving the company’s future growth and competitiveness. By collaborating with customers and suppliers to create solutions that address global trends, Ahlstrom aims to contribute to climate change mitigation.

Ahlstrom has screened its major emissions sources and identified that we generate greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire value chain. Nearly two-thirds of Ahlstrom’s total carbon footprint occur upstream and downstream in the value chain from activities like purchasing and manufacturing raw materials, processing products by customers, and transporting materials and end products. Most of these emissions occur upstream from the procurement of pulp, synthetic fibers, and chemicals. In many cases, the emissions depend on the energy used to produce these raw materials, as is often the case with pulp, or on the inherently energy-intensive nature of the raw materials themselves, which is often the case with chemicals. The remaining one-third of Ahlstrom’s total carbon footprint is attributed to its own operations using fossil fuel-based energy, either directly from manufacturing or indirectly through energy purchases.

Ambition

Ahlstrom’s climate ambitions align with the Paris Agreement and have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Near-Term Target

Ahlstrom has committed to reducing absolute direct Scope 1 and indirect Scope 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2021 base year, aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory.*

Additionally, Ahlstrom has committed to reduce absolute supply chain Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel- and energy-related activities, and upstream transportation and distribution by 25% within the same timeframe.*

Long-Term Target

Ahlstrom commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2021 base year.*

Ahlstrom also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, processing of sold products and end of life treatment of sold products 90% within the same timeframe.*

*The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

Key reduction efforts

Own operations

Key levers of Ahlstrom’s emission reduction plan include transitioning to less carbon-intensive energy sources, increasing the use of renewable electricity, and improving energy efficiency in its own operations. Specifically, fuel switching involves transitioning from coal to natural gas boilers and from natural gas-fired boilers to biomass, as well as growing hydropower capacity.

Ahlstrom is also reviewing opportunities for expanding purchase agreements for renewable power. In terms of energy consumption, the planned measures include modernizing process technology for improved energy efficiency and lower waste generation, and taking steps in preventive maintenance for better operation. The aim is to increase awareness of energy consumption at local facilities through campaigns and education.

Value chain

To reduce value chain emissions, Ahlstrom has identified three main strategies:

  • developing offerings towards products with low carbon dioxide emissions
  • R&D-driven raw material substitution in product recipes
  • engaging suppliers to enhance their environmental performance. 
Read more about supplier engagement and sustainable sourcing practices