Ahlstrom Launches Acti-V® RRF Natural as the First Double-Sided Silicone-Coated Release Liner Certified Recyclable with Paper

Ahlstrom Launches Acti-V® RRF Natural as the First Double-Sided Silicone-Coated Release Liner Certified Recyclable with Paper

(IN BRIEF) Ahlstrom has introduced Acti-V® RRF Natural, a next-generation sustainable release liner for double-sided PSA tapes that achieves a “Recyclable with Paper” rating under European CEPI testing standards, marking a first for silicone-coated liners on both sides. The product builds on Ahlstrom’s low-impact design by using recycled and unbleached fibers, enabling easier repulping and end-of-life recyclability compared to traditional supercalendered liners that typically fail recyclability tests. Acti-V® RRF Natural also delivers improved mechanical strength, allowing for reduced paper weight and a lower carbon footprint, while incorporating at least 15 percent post-consumer recycled fibers and Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V® coating technology to enhance efficiency and reduce resource use. The innovation is positioned as a key enabler for PSA tape producers and users seeking to meet more ambitious circularity targets, reinforcing Ahlstrom’s role as a pioneer in sustainable specialty materials across multiple global manufacturing sites.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 12-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Ahlstrom, a leading global producer of fiber-based specialty materials, has launched Acti-V® RRF Natural, a next-generation release liner designed to advance sustainability in double-sided Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) tape applications. The new product represents a significant evolution of the company’s Acti-V® Industrial RF Natural range, introducing a breakthrough level of recyclability by achieving a “Recyclable with Paper” classification under recognized European testing standards.

Building on Ahlstrom’s established low-impact material design philosophy, Acti-V® RRF Natural utilizes recycled and unbleached fibers while also enabling improved end-of-life recovery through a newly developed repulpable formulation. Unlike conventional high-density, supercalendered paper liners that are silicone-coated on both sides and typically deemed non-recyclable due to hydrophobic surfaces and high reject rates during recycling, this new liner can be effectively processed within standard paper recycling systems. This marks a notable advancement for the PSA tape industry, where release liners play a critical role in protecting adhesives while ensuring consistent performance during manufacturing and application.

Double-sided PSA tapes are widely used across numerous industries, providing strong, precise, and durable bonding solutions in products ranging from electronics to construction and packaging. Their silicone-coated paper release liners serve as protective carriers for the adhesive until use, yet their recyclability has historically been limited. Acti-V® RRF Natural directly addresses these challenges by combining technical performance with circular material design.

The product delivers several key improvements over conventional alternatives. It has been assessed using the CEPI Harmonized European Recyclability Test Method1, establishing it as the first double-sided silicone-coated supercalendered release liner to be classified as recyclable with paper. This supports tape manufacturers and end users in achieving stricter circular economy objectives. The liner also incorporates an unbleached fiber composition that enhances mechanical strength, allowing for a reduction in paper basis weight without compromising performance. This lighter structure2 contributes to a lower carbon footprint per square meter of material and per tape unit.

As with other Acti-V® RF Natural products, the new RRF formulation contains at least 15 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fibers and is free from dyes, further facilitating fiber recovery and simplified repulping. The liner also integrates Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V® technology, which supports efficient silicone coating processes while potentially reducing energy, catalyst, and silicone usage during production.

Marco Troglia, Vice President of Release Liners at Ahlstrom, emphasized that the development of more sustainable material solutions remains a core priority for the company. He noted that Acti-V® RRF Natural sets a new benchmark for double-sided tape liners by combining recyclability, reduced environmental impact, lower material weight, and proven technical performance, helping customers meet sustainability goals without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

With manufacturing facilities for paper release liners across Europe and the Americas, and a strong history of innovation in Acti-V® and truly Natural® technologies, Ahlstrom continues to expand its portfolio of sustainable solutions for specialty tape applications and other high-performance industrial sectors worldwide.

Ahlstrom in brief 
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com.

Media Contact:  

Marco Martinez
Head of Product, Sustainability and Marketing, Release Liners
Tel. +39 011 9260 271; Mob. +39 348 3958504; marco.martinez@ahlstrom.com

SOURE: Ahlstrom