Ahlstrom consolidates R&D into a global innovation hub in France
Ahlstrom plans to strengthen its innovation capabilities by consolidating its Group Research and Innovation activities into a single global hub located in Pont-Évêque, France. The initiative provides for the integration of R&D operations currently based in Apprieu and Pont-Évêque into one expanded innovation center. The new hub will combine core innovation leadership, advanced laboratories and cross-business expertise, enabling greater scale, faster collaboration and stronger business impact, while remaining fully connected to the company’s global R&D network.
By concentrating key innovation capabilities in Pont-Évêque, Ahlstrom aims to accelerate the development of safe and sustainable solutions across its main application areas, including filtration, life sciences, food and consumer packaging, protective materials and building solutions.
“Innovation is at the heart of Ahlstrom’s strategy and growth ambition,” said Konraad Dullaert, EVP Food & Consumer Packaging and Protective Materials and Chief Innovation Officer. “Strengthening our global innovation hub and tightly connecting it with R&D teams worldwide will enhance collaboration, speed and further improve our ability to turn ideas into scalable, customer-ready solutions.”
A global hub connected to regional expertise
The Pont-Évêque site will serve as the core of Ahlstrom’s R&D and innovation ecosystem, bringing together expertise in fiber science, material chemistry, coating technologies, analytical sciences, pilot-scale production and application development. At the same time, the company will continue to operate R&D and application development centers across Europe, North America and Asia. These sites will remain closely linked to the global hub, ensuring proximity to customers and local markets while benefiting from a more centralised innovation structure.
Driving sustainable growth through innovation
The consolidation supports Ahlstrom’s broader strategy focused on sustainability-driven growth. Currently, innovation accounts for more than 30% of the company’s sales, reflecting its strong commitment to developing fiber-based solutions that replace fossil-based, hazardous or resource-intensive materials.
The planned reorganisation remains subject to the completion of the relevant information and consultation processes with employee representatives.
