Ahlstrom, the global leader in masking and packaging tape base papers, has initiated a feasibility study for investing in tape base paper saturation and release coating capability. The feasibility study evaluates the most suitable approach to deliver these capabilities, and the final decision is expected to be made shortly after the study is completed.

The potential investment would help meet the increased customer demand, mainly in the Americas, by further enhancing Ahlstrom's existing tape product offering to include specialty base papers, especially creped base papers, that are saturated and coated. Saturated and coated tape papers can be used in end applications like automotive, aerospace, building & construction, and packaging tapes.

Ahlstrom is a key player in offering sustainable solutions to the tape industry. The potential investment would expand the offering of sustainable solutions by introducing products with improved sustainability properties like better recyclability and increased use of renewable materials.

"We are launching this study as a step to investigate the best way to access the capability that supports the needs of our customers now and in the future. With the potential investment, we will not only be a leader in offering specialty base papers for tape applications, but we can also generate more value for our customers by offering ready-to-adhesive coat papers," says Sohrab Kazemahvazi, Vice President of Ahlstrom's Tape business.

Ahlstrom's existing fiber-based masking tape backings are durable and long-lasting. The company supports its customers in becoming more sustainable by offering repulpable and recyclable fiber-based packaging tape backing alternatives to the plastic-dominant packaging tape market.