Finnish fibre-based specialty materials company Ahlstrom has committed to setting near- and long-term emission reduction targets in line with science-based net-zero with the SBTi in 2022. To achieve this, the company estimates a 38 per cent reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2021 base year.

In pursuit of the goal of achieving its emission reduction targets, Ahlstrom invested in new boilers at its Mosinee and Rhinelander plants, which will decrease the plants’ carbon footprint by an estimated 20 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively, the company said in its 2022 Sustainability Report.

In 2022, Ahlstrom has committed to setting science-based emission reduction targets in line with net-zero.
It plans to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 38 per cent by 2030 and achieve zero waste by 2030.
In 2022, the company also invested in new boilers to reduce carbon footprint and achieved a record-high net sales and comparable EBITDA.

Ahlstrom’s ambition is to reduce the consumption of water and, it has set a goal to lower the water intensity ratio to an average water intake of 60 cubic metres per ton of net production by 2030.

In 2022, renewable fibres constituted 95 per cent of the total fibre volume. The company’s certified share was 98 per cent of the total volume of natural fibre. Ahlstrom’s target is for 100 per cent to be certified by 2030.

Waste, which is defined as non-hazardous non-recoverable and hazardous, per ton of net production (paper and pulp) increased by 11.3 per cent in 2022 to 76.1 kg per ton (68.4). In 2022, a total of 133.8 thousand tons of waste was generated, compared to 123.9 thousand tons in 2021. By 2030, the company’s target is to produce zero waste.

Furthermore, Ahlstrom’s sustainability efforts were recognised by EcoVadis, which awarded the company its highest level of recognition, Platinum, for its commitment to responsible business practices.

With regards to its financial performance, Ahlstrom reported record-high net sales and comparable EBITDA in fiscal 2022 (FY22), driven by transformation initiatives in procurement, operations, and commercial capabilities. The company’s net sales reached €3.3 billion, while comparable EBITDA was €440 million, both setting new records.

Innovation was also a focus for Ahlstrom in 2022, with the launch of PurposeSeal, an innovative heat-sealed paper that guarantees quality and protection for a variety of packaging solutions. The product is certified as recyclable when applied to Ahlstrom’s Cristal transparent paper products, meeting the growing consumer demand for products with a positive end-of-life story. By achieving a strong seal with heat alone, the process removes waste and chemicals, making it an eco-friendly option.

Helen Mets, president and CEO, said: “During the year, Ahlstrom made good progress on its transformation journey. The company set more ambitious targets and increased the pace of execution. The goal is to bring Ahlstrom to its full potential with the vision of becoming the preferred sustainable specialty materials company.

“Our transformation journey started in 2021 with the assessment that Ahlstrom can do better and has a role to play in addressing the sustainability challenges facing the world. Building on its rich know-how and advanced technology, Ahlstrom has long since harnessed the versatility of fibres and put them to work in products and applications with improved sustainability performance.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)