STOCKHOLM - Ahlstrom has launched a new range of renewable, lignin-based filter media for automotive applications.
Ahlstrom Eco is described as a technology that supports the increasing sustainability demands of the global transportation market and offers a new choice for filter manufacturers.
Using a significant amount of bio-based, renewable lignin rather than fossil-based resin, the mechanical properties and the durability of the filter media, even in challenging environments, are said to be maintained.
According to Ahlstrom’s initial estimates, the new lignin-based impregnated filter media displays a lower carbon footprint than a standard fossil-based resin media. Additionally, the lignin-based impregnation recipe brings a significant reduction, between 50-70%, of formaldehyde emissions during the curing process.
Ahlstrom is partnering with Tecfil, a major automotive filter manufacturer in Latin America, which is incorporating Ahlstrom Eco into a final filter design. The new product will be launched at the Automec exhibition in Sao Paolo, Brazil on April 25-29.
"Ahlstrom Eco is a perfect example of how we are living up to our purpose to Purify and Protect with every fibre for a sustainable world, and our commitment to innovate fibre-based specialty solutions to our customer’s needs and to help them solve some of the global challenges," said Tamara Quatrano, VP, R&D, and Product Development Filtration. “We are pleased with the joint activities with Tecfil and proud to be able to offer this new, renewable solution to the market.:
Flavio Montanari, Industrial Director Tecfil, added: "An outstanding collaboration between our two teams – Ahlstrom and Tecfil – resulted in a new, environmentally friendly filter solution. We are proud to say that the combined efforts, especially from our engineering and testing group, have made it possible to bring this sustainable solution to the global market. Not only is the product eco-friendly, but also performs on the same high standard as all our product lines."
