Sustainable sourcing

We work to ensure that our inputs are responsibly sourced and that our natural fiber sourcing policies promote more sustainable forestry and agricultural practices. Ahlstrom expects its suppliers to uphold high standards for ethical and socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

Ahlstrom’s business model focuses on producing specialty fiber materials from purchased and further processed fibers. Renewable fibers constitute majority of our total fiber consumption. Synthetic fibers and various coatings make up a smaller portion of the total fiber volume, but they play a vital and integral part in many of Ahlstrom’s products. They are sometimes required for products to achieve the performance needed by customers. In many cases, they contribute to the efficiency and lifespan of the end product and thus help reduce their environmental impacts. Some of the synthetic fibers are plastics, for which Ahlstrom is working on finding alternatives and increasing the sustainability of its products by using biobased raw materials instead.

Targets in sustainable sourcing

  • Certified natural fibers

    100% of natural fibers to be certified by 2030

  • Supplier Code of Conduct

    All new suppliers must be signatories to Ahlstrom Supplier Code of Conduct or are considered compliant. 85% of suppliers with over 1M€ spend with Ahlstrom has to sign the COC by 2028.

  • Raw material suppliers

    Share of raw material suppliers with contracts that include clauses on environmental and social requirements to be 100%

 

 

Supplier alignment with our policies

Ahlstrom expects all new suppliers to sign its Supplier Code of Conduct or otherwise be deemed compliant. Ahlstrom employs a rigorous vetting and evaluation process for all types of suppliers. Typically, heightened risk is associated with certain geographies or a lack of transparency regarding upstream activities in the supply chain, including suppliers beyond the direct ones. Risk evaluation is conducted when the category strategy is developed, based on parameters related to the supplier's production, financial status, logistics, and important sustainability factors.

Ahlstrom's Sustainable Procurement Policy describes the principles that guide our activities with suppliers and set clear, non-negotiable minimum requirements related to compliance, human rights—including the prevention of forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking—as well as employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Supplier engagement and ESG assessment

Ahlstrom engages with supplier representatives through face-to-face meetings during the induction stage and maintains regular interactions with major and strategic suppliers. Additionally, Ahlstrom utilizes collaborative digital platforms to facilitate ongoing communication. In 2025 we aim to have regular dialogue with suppliers that cover 50% of the total spend, with the ambition to cover 80% by 2028. This comprehensive approach allows Ahlstrom to monitor and evaluate its suppliers' ESG performance, including human rights issues affecting the suppliers’ employees as well as to drive down suppliers CO2 emissions. In our most critical procurement categories, we integrate ESG criteria to award and commit our raw material volumes. With these activities, Ahlstrom ensures continuous improvements in line with its Supplier Code of Conduct.

Wood due diligence

Ahlstrom monitors wood originating from forests for pulp and paper making via its Due Diligence System (DDS) for Wood Legality. This system is implemented across Ahlstrom’s global operations and safeguards the company from controversial practices regarding environmental, ethical, and social impacts within the forest-related industries. It also helps ensure that all wood and wood-based materials entering Ahlstrom’s production process originate from FSC®, PEFC, or SFI®-certified sources, or from certified chains of custody for the cascading of FSC-controlled wood through the value chain. This system also safeguards indigenous people’s rights of land ownership and usage of forest resources.

Traceable and sustainable fiber use

Ahlstrom is committed to monitoring its supply chain activities, aligning with the European Commission’s goal of halting and reversing EU-driven global deforestation. The regulation aims, among other things, to improve the traceability of forest origin in wood-based products. It is expected to become effective in December 2025.

As part of its plan to move towards circular economy, Ahlstrom has identified opportunities and tested synthetic fibers sourced from recycling processes. Additionally, we have piloted the use of recycled renewable fibers.