Ahlstrom-Munksjö continues to focus on the growth segment of electrification, enhancing its latest product offering, totally dedicated to filtration media solutions for electric vehicles. The new solutions complement the products launched in May which included filtration solutions for cabin air, transmission and cooling systems. “I am very pleased to introduce our enhanced and expanded range of products from the FiltEV® platform,” said Cedric Vallet, Head of Business Development, Industrial Filtration & New Vehicles. “Through the enhancement of our cabin air portfolio, we are offering new filtration solutions delivering better protection for passengers. Better protection against fine particulates, thanks to HEPA media particulate efficiency, and against harmful gases and odours, thanks to increased absorption of a wide range of molecules.”

Ahlstrom-Munksjö invests in a new post-screening system at its Aspa pulp mill, in Sweden, in order to produce even cleaner ECF (Elementary Chlorine Free) and UKP (Unbleached Kraft Pulp) specialty pulp. The new post-screening is expected to be fully commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2021. In addition to facilitating even cleaner and purer pulp, the new post-screening system will increase the production capacity and allow expansion to new customers and market segments with high demand for clean pulp world-wide. “I am very happy for this investment which is strategically important for us going forward to further establish us as a market leader in pure and clean bleached and unbleached Kraft Pulp”, says Anders Jansson, Head of Sales Specialty Pulp. The post-screening system will be installed during the planned annual autumn maintenance stop.

The packaging and manufacturing industries are navigating a period of significant disruption, driven by persistent workforce challenges, according to a report entitled “2025: Inside the Workforce Gap” from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. From high turnover and an aging labor force to evolving technology and rising difficulty in talent acquisition and retention, companies are being forced to adapt. Studies from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that an additional 3.1 million jobs in maintenance and repair occupations will be added by 2031. This is a disconcerting possibility, as many manufacturers report that attracting and retaining a quality workforce already ranks among their most critical hurdles. Workforce challenges are placing increased strain on both consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as evidenced by CPG personnel interviewed for the PMMI report, who cited retirements of experienced staff (especially since COVID), high turnover among new hires, and intense competition for technicians, which leave many companies unsure how the labor pool will improve.