Embossable EasyLife in China

Ahlstrom’s latest EasyLife nonwoven wallcoverings are continually being developed to minimise their environmental impact, and now new embossable materials offer the opportunity to create 3D design effects.

EasyLife materials employ certified pulp, and conform to the CE and RAL industry standards and recycled polyester is now used in several new products. The use of chemical binders is being reduced through substitution with natural alternatives.

The latest EasyLife range will be showcased at China Wallcovering Expo 2012 from March 2-5 in Beijing, at which Ahlstrom and the China Wallcovering Association will stage a special catwalk show.

In addition, Ahlstrom and its Chinese partner, Shanghai East Star Environmental Inks, a supplier of water-based inks, will introduce a Certificate of Authenticity which will enable customer wallcover collection books to be clearly identified as exclusively containing the Ahlstrom materials.

China is the biggest and fastest-growing market for premium wallcovering products, the company reports. According to Strategic Analysis, the demand for nonwoven-based premium wallcoverings will increase by an annual rate of 39% (CAGR) from 2010 to 2015.

Ahlstrom is one of the leading suppliers of nonwoven substrates to China and recently announced plans to invest €30 million in a new wallcover substrates production line at its Binzhou plant.