Ahlstrom OptiPadTM wins 2026 FiltXPOTM Filtration Award

AHLSTROM OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, OCTOBER 30, 2026, AT 12 EET

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, has won the 2026 FiltXPO™ Innovation in Water/Liquid Filtration Award with Ahlstrom OptiPad™, recognizing its contribution to advancing the performance and sustainability of hot cooking oil filtration. Presented by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with International Filtration News, the award was announced on October 28 at FiltXPO™ 2026 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Used in hot cooking oil filtration applications, OptiPad™ is an integrated filtration solution combining Ahlstrom's advanced depth filtration media with DuraFry® filtration powder from DuraFry Solutions, pre-impregnated directly into the pad. By eliminating the need to handle loose powder, the solution makes filtration faster, cleaner, and easier for operators, while helping extend cooking oil life, reduce waste, and lower operating costs.

At the heart of OptiPad™ is a proprietary fiber blend that creates a unique micro-channel structure within the filter media. This structure captures contaminants effectively while maintaining optimal oil flow throughout the filtration process, supporting consistent frying performance.

"This award recognizes OptiPad™ as a compelling example of Ahlstrom's innovation in action - combining our proprietary fiber expertise, advanced material design, and deep understanding of filtration applications to solve a real operational challenge," says Clas Läck, Head of Liquid Filtration at Ahlstrom. "With a contribution from DuraFry Solutions, we have turned Ahlstrom's technical expertise into a practical, high-performing solution designed around the needs of foodservice operators."

The FiltXPO™ Filtration Awards recognize products that demonstrate technical excellence and meaningful impact within the filtration industry, with winners selected through industry voting. The recognition further strengthens Ahlstrom's position in developing advanced fiber-based technologies for evolving filtration needs.

For further information, please contact:

Clas Läck
Head of Liquid Filtration
[email protected]

For more information about Ahlstrom OptiPad™, please visit:
Discover Ahlstrom OptiPad™

Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the leading Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three Core divisions, Filtration & Life Sciences, Food & Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more www.ahlstrom.com.