Ahlstrom Corporation, a global high performance materials company, has become a member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Sustainability forms a key pillar of the Helsinki, Finland based company's business activities and centers around environmental, social and economic responsibility within its global operations.

Björn Stigson, President, WBCSD said: "Ahlstrom has a long history as a company and also in social responsibility. Corporate responsibility has been an integral part of Ahlstrom's business and way of thinking already for 160 years. I am delighted that they have decided to join the WBCSD."

"Ahlstrom's clear commitment to sustainable development is impressive: they take care of integrating sustainable practices into product development from cradle to gate, and across all aspects of their business operations. Ahlstrom brings a valuable wealth of expertise and knowledge to our organization," Björn Stigson continued.

Ahlstrom is a member of WBCSD's Sustainable Forest Products Industry (SFPI) work program, which provides a platform for members to address issues associated with sustainable forest management, wood sourcing, energy, carbon emissions and sequestration.

As part of the SFPI work program, Ahlstrom will concentrate on two areas. It will further develop its expertise to provide business leadership in expanding sustainable forest-based solutions. Ahlstrom will also help develop policy frameworks that are responsive to business needs. By improving UNFCCC's and climate negotiators' understanding of the carbon benefits of forests and forest products, those can be better reflected in relevant policy frameworks.

"Last year, 82 % of Ahlstrom's fiber raw material came from renewable sources. Going forward, we aim to further increase our renewable and responsible sourcing," said Anna Maija Wessman, Vice President, Sustainability, Ahlstrom Corporation.