Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s second quarter net sales amounted to €745.3 million ($829.7 million), showing a decrease of 2.7% from the €766 million ($852.7 million) in the second quarter of 2018. In constant currency, net sales declined by 4.3% as delivery volumes fell in all business areas. Higher selling prices had a positive impact on net sales. 

The Filtration and Performance business area develops and produces filtration materials for engine oils, fuels and air, as well as industrial filtration. It also produces glass fiber for flooring products and wind turbine blades, and makes nonwoven materials for automotive, construction, textile and hygiene applications, and wallcovering materials. In this business area, net sales decreased by 3.3% to €168.9 million ($188 million), compared with €174.7 million  ($194.5 million) in the comparison period. Lower sales volumes were partially offset by higher selling prices.

According to the company, demand for filtration products slowed down in all regions after a more stable development in the first quarter. In construction-related markets, demand for flooring and other glass fiber tissue materials remained good, whereas the wallcoverings market in Europe stabilized after a decline in 2018.