Ahlstrom expands fire protection technology in building materials
Iain Hoey
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Ahlstrom introduces new facer with fire protection technology
Ahlstrom has announced the release of a new facer using its Flame-Gard technology for the building and construction sector.
According to Ahlstrom, the facer is designed to improve fire protection by charring rather than supporting combustion, and by self-extinguishing once the flame source is removed.
The company said the material also strengthens insulation boards, helping them remain flat during manufacturing and use.
It added that the facer balances high flame resistance with low water absorption, two features it noted are often difficult to achieve together.
Ahlstrom explained that the technology was developed in response to rising regulatory requirements and market demand for flame-retardant materials.
Mechanical and thermal performance
Ahlstrom reported that the facer enhances mechanical strength, ensuring insulation boards maintain their shape through production and service life.
The organisation stated that the facer reduces the risk of deformation, creasing, or cracks during lamination.
It added that the facer can be laminated with aluminium foil or insulation foam to support different construction applications.
The company confirmed the facer is available in a natural, unbleached version intended to align with sustainability targets.
It explained that the product is free from halogens, bromine, and chlorine-based compounds.
Moisture resistance and durability
Ahlstrom advised that the facer can be surface-sized to reduce water absorption.
It reported that this treatment lowers the risk of delamination if boards are exposed to moisture during use.
The organisation added that the material’s in-plane structure supports durability during handling and installation.
According to the company, this combination of resistance and strength was intended to meet long-term building performance needs.
It indicated that the design aimed to address the dual challenges of fire safety and moisture control in insulation materials.
Regulatory context and market demand
Ahlstrom stated that the Flame-Gard technology addresses increasing awareness of fire safety and tighter building codes worldwide.
The group explained that stricter standards have increased demand for materials that can both resist flames and remain durable in construction environments.
It reported that the facer was developed to help manufacturers meet current compliance obligations and anticipate future regulatory changes.
The company added that by aligning with these standards, the facer supports safer building design and material selection.
It commented that the development reflects broader sector changes in fire safety requirements for insulation products.
Production process and material supply
Ahlstrom explained that the facer is manufactured in an integrated mill, where both pulp and paper are produced.
The organisation reported that this process enables efficiency and control across the production chain.
It said that the integration of pulp and paper production helps ensure quality consistency in each batch.
The company added that the controlled process allows greater oversight of sustainability and performance outcomes.
It stated that this approach is intended to ensure the product meets both operational and environmental expectations.
Industry perspective
Eva Thunholm, Vice President of Technical Materials at Ahlstrom, said: “With Ahlstrom’s Flame-Gard technology, customers can enhance the fire performance of their final products and meet the required regulatory standards.
“With Ahlstrom’s Flame-Gard technology, customers can enhance the fire performance of their final products and meet the required regulatory standards.
“The technology can be applied to various substrates making it a flexible solution.”
Thunholm added that the product’s adaptability supported different applications in insulation and construction.
She explained that its flexibility allowed manufacturers to incorporate fire-resistant features across multiple substrate types.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire and safety professionals, Ahlstrom’s new facer highlights the increasing integration of fire protection into construction materials.
The development illustrates how manufacturers are aligning material design with stricter building codes.
It provides insight into the technical methods being used to meet compliance, including balancing fire resistance with water control.
The product also reflects a trend toward sustainability in fire-resistant materials, as the natural, unbleached version responds to both performance and environmental considerations.
Ahlstrom expands fire protection technology in building materials: Summary
Ahlstrom has released a new facer with Flame-Gard technology for the construction sector.
According to Ahlstrom, the facer chars during fire exposure but does not sustain combustion and will self-extinguish when the flame source is removed.
The company said the facer strengthens insulation boards, improves fire resistance, and controls water absorption.
It added that the facer reduces deformation and can be laminated with aluminium foil or insulation foam.
Ahlstrom stated that the product avoids halogens, bromine, and chlorine-based compounds and is available in a natural, unbleached version.
The organisation confirmed the facer can be surface-sized to lower water absorption and limit delamination.
It reported that the facer is produced in an integrated mill for efficiency and control.
Eva Thunholm, Vice President of Technical Materials, said the technology enhances fire performance and supports regulatory compliance.
Ahlstrom noted that the facer addresses rising building code requirements for flame-retardant materials.
It stated that the product combines fire resistance, moisture durability, and sustainability in one design.