Ahlstrom's investment includes the plant facility, production line and required infrastructure, and amounts to approximately €42 million. The nonwovens production facility produces a broad range of single-use protective fabrics specifically developed for the medical market. These materials are used in hospitals in items such as surgical drapes and gowns to protect patients and staff from infections. Being singe-use products, they are also more hygienic and more sustainable than washable garments, as laundering is a greater burden to the environment.
 

Jan Lång, Ahlstrom’s president and CEO, said: “Ahlstrom has a strong footprint in Europe and the Americas and is starting to establish a solid manufacturing platform in Asia. This plant, with its state-of-the-art technology, competent personnel and an optimal location in the Special Economic Zone and in the vicinity of one of Asia's biggest ports, will have a key role in our growth strategy in India and Asia. As India is among the world's fastest growing economies today and the healthcare industry is growing at an annual rate of over 20%, the market for disposable hygiene products is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.”