Finland-headquartered Ahlstrom has further broadened its range of release papers by introducing new products that support the design of more sustainable double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes.

With many everyday uses, double-sided PSA tapes are hidden components inside many common products. They join different parts or materials with strength, durability, and versatility. While they often directly perform a sustainable function by replacing heavier and more impactful elements, they can also be manufactured with increasingly sustainable materials.

An extension of Ahlstrom’s Acti-V Industrial dedicated range of high-performance release liners, the new products offer novel options to support environmentally conscious tape producers, thanks to the use of post-consumer recycled fibre and unbleached cellulose fibres. Acti-V Industrial RF Brown is a supercalendered release paper including 30 per cent post-consumer recycled fibre, and featuring the typical brown colour used in double-sided adhesive tape liners. Acti-V Industrial RF Natural is a supercalendered release paper featuring a natural kraft colour, based on a combination of post-consumer recycled cellulose fibre (at least 15 per cent) and unbleached cellulose fibres, the company said in a press release.

Both products offer improved circularity by replacing a portion of virgin fibers with post-consumer recycled fibres. The new Acti-V Industrial RF Natural additionally eliminates the use of any dye, and is based on a raw materials mix that - according to Ahlstrom’s initial estimates - could allow an overall reduction of 17 per cent to 20 per cent in carbon footprint compared to that of standard Acti-V Industrial liners. It can thus play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of the final PSA tape.

The new products are designed for double side silicone coating and maintain the outstanding performance delivered by Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V technology, which allows a highly efficient silicone coating and converting process, showing potential reductions in consumption of energy, catalysts, and silicone.   

With manufacturing in Europe and the Americas, a proven track record of its Acti-V and trulyNatural technologies as well as its expertise in the use of post-consumer recycled fibres, Ahlstrom continues its pioneering innovation journey in release liners and is well positioned to bring to the market increasingly sustainable products, working side by side with the specialty tape industry and other technically demanding sectors worldwide.