Ahlstrom, a global supplier of fiber-based specialty materials, has presented an expanded range of release and label papers for pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) applications at Labelexpo Europe 2025.

The comprehensive product range includes low-impact super-calendered release papers that help lower environmental impact and improve circularity. The range also maintains the benefits of Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V technology. This is a highly efficient silicone coating and curing process, with opportunities to reduce the consumption of energy, catalysts, and silicone. 

The Acti-V RF liners, based on a carefully selected blend of cellulose materials, support circularity by using 15% post-consumer recycled (PCR) fibers in manufacturing. They are available in light yellow and white shade versions. 

Acti-V RF Natural liners include a blend of at least 50% unbleached fibers, at least 15% post-consumer recycled (PCR) fibers, and do not contain any dyes. The composition supports circularity and reduces the overall carbon footprint. It also gives a distinctive natural look to the liner and the PSA laminate. At the same time, unbleached fibers make the liner even stronger and safer, even at a lighter basis weight. 

Stevens Point acquisition

The recent acquisition of Stevens Point facility in Wisconsin further broadens Ahlstrom’s manufacturing platform. The move has added complementary product capabilities, offering PSA customers worldwide a larger number of high-quality, sustainable choices. 

The new PSA labeling portfolio includes UniTherm label papers for enhanced thermal transfer barcode printing, OptiPrime semi-gloss papers for prime label UV inkjet printing and digital printing, and sustainable OptiPrime semi-gloss label options that support circularity due to up to 30% PCR fibers content. 

“Identifying better material solutions is our ongoing commitment. Ahlstrom’s recent innovations in release and label papers have raised the standards of performance, process efficiency, and environmental impact. Building on that, our teams in Europe, US and Brazil continue to collaborate with customers and suppliers, striving to make the pressure-sensitive industry more sustainable and resilient”, says Marco Troglia, vice president, Release Liners.  

Beyond PSA labeling applications, Ahlstrom also supports customers worldwide with a wide offering of high-performance Glassine, SCK and CCK liners for use in specialty tape, industrial, fiber-composites, graphics, food and medical applications, with multiple production plants for release and label papers in Europe, North America, and South America.