Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,100 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2008, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.

Ahlstrom’s main geographic markets in terms of net sales are Europe (56.4%), North America (24.6%), South America (10.5%), Asia Pacific (6.6%), and the rest of the world (2.0%).

Ahlstrom reports its operations in two segments: Fiber Composites and Specialty Papers. Operatively, the segments comprise six business areas: Filtration, Advanced Nonwovens, Home & Personal Nonwovens, Glass & Industrial Nonwovens, Release & Label Papers and Technical Papers.