Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s net sales decreased by 5.2% to €718.1 million ($778.6 million). Higher delivery volumes were more than offset by lower average selling prices, partly relating to a less favorable product mix.

The Filtration & Performance Solutions business area develops and produces engine oil, fuel and air filtration materials, as well as industrial filtration. It also produces abrasive backings, glass fiber for flooring products as well as nonwoven materials for automotive, construction, textile, hygiene and wallcovering applications. Net sales in this business area decreased by 11.2% to €166.5 million ($180.5 million). The decline was driven by lower sales volumes, particularly in the Filtration business. Selling prices were stable.

Demand slowed in filtration materials for engine applications, while it remained stable in industrial filtration applications. In construction-related markets, demand for plasterboard, flooring and wallcoverings weakened towards the end of the quarter. Meanwhile, demand strengthened in hygiene related nonwoven materials, as also in backings for abrasive products. In Filtration, the company is proceeding with investment to strengthen manufacturing of industrial filtration and energy storage applications.

Within Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s broad range of advanced fiber-based solutions, the company experiences a very strong demand in the health care and life science end-use segments, which corresponds to approximately 9%% of net sales. Solutions for personal protection equipment such as face masks, drapes and gowns, as well as diagnostics materials for rapid test kits and venting filters for devices used in the treatment of patients with respiratory disorders are particularly in strong demand. The exceptional circumstances with a large portion of the global population in lockdown has also increased demand for packaging related release liner and tape backings. Stockpiling of pharmaceuticals has strengthened demand for medical leaflets. In the consumer goods segment, of which food and beverage and packaging represent the largest share, demand has been satisfactory. However, it has varied depending on end use. Demand has clearly decreased in home building and furniture, transportation and industrial end-uses.