Developed by Ahlstrom, the new renewable and sustainable filter media uses lignin-based impregnation, replacing fossil-based resin. The resin contains a significant amount of bio-based, renewable lignin, whilst the mechanical properties and the durability of the filter media, even in challenging environments, are maintained.
Lignin is a raw material from trees and is produced as a side stream of pulp production.
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 50–70% reduction of formaldehyde emissions during the curing process.
Ahlstrom is partnering with Latin American automotive filter manufacturer Tecfil, who is incorporating the Ahlstrom Eco solution into a final filter design. The new product is being launched at the Automec exhibition in Sao Paolo, Brazil 25–29 April 2023.
“We are pleased with the joint activities with Tecfil and proud to be able to offer this new, renewable solution to the market,” says Tamara Quatrano, Ahlstrom VP, R&D, and Product Development Filtration.
“An outstanding collaboration between our two teams – Ahlstrom and Tecfil – resulted in a new, environmentally friendly filter solution,” says Flavio Montanari, Industrial Director at Tecfil. “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.”
