Ahlstrom Strengthens Decarbonization Strategy with Renewable Gas Agreements Covering Seven Biomethane Plants in Italy

Ahlstrom Strengthens Decarbonization Strategy with Renewable Gas Agreements Covering Seven Biomethane Plants in Italy

(IN BRIEF) Ahlstrom has signed multiyear biomethane supply agreements with two energy producers in Italy, covering seven biomethane production plants and representing the largest biomethane volume signed in the country to date. The agreements will allow Ahlstrom to partially replace fossil natural gas with renewable biomethane at its Italian industrial sites, using existing infrastructure without major asset modifications. The biomethane will be certified with guarantees of renewable origin and used as a drop-in fuel, helping reduce fossil gas consumption in combustion processes. The transition is expected to cut carbon emissions across Ahlstrom’s Italian industrial operations by approximately 44%, equivalent to about 65,000 tonnes of CO2e annually. The agreements form part of Ahlstrom’s broader industrial energy transition strategy and highlight the growing importance of biomethane as a practical decarbonization solution for energy-intensive manufacturing in Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 5-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, has signed multiyear biomethane supply agreements with two energy producers in Italy, marking a significant step in the company’s transition toward lower-carbon industrial energy use.

The agreements cover seven biomethane production plants and represent the largest biomethane volume signed in Italy to date. They will allow Ahlstrom to partially replace fossil natural gas with renewable biomethane across its Italian operations, supporting the company’s wider strategy to reduce emissions from its industrial processes.

Italy plays an important role in Ahlstrom’s global industrial network, accounting for approximately 13% of the company’s asset base and 9% of its total workforce. The new agreements therefore represent a meaningful contribution to Ahlstrom’s broader operational decarbonization programme.

Under the multiyear arrangements, the two energy producers will supply biomethane generated from renewable sources and certified with guarantees of renewable origin under recognised certification schemes. The renewable gas will be used as a drop-in fuel in Ahlstrom’s existing infrastructure, enabling the company to reduce fossil gas consumption without requiring major modifications to its industrial assets.

The agreements are expected to directly reduce Ahlstrom’s Scope 1 carbon emissions by replacing fossil natural gas used in combustion processes at its Italian sites. Across Ahlstrom’s industrial operations in Italy, the shift to biomethane is projected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 44%. Based on the volume of natural gas being replaced, the agreements are expected to reduce emissions by around 65,000 tonnes of CO2e per year.

Juan García-Marquina Prieto, Vice President Energy Procurement and Energy Transition at Ahlstrom, said the agreements represent a concrete step in carrying out the company’s industrial energy transition strategy. He noted that replacing part of Ahlstrom’s natural gas consumption with biomethane enables immediate and scalable carbon dioxide reductions while making use of existing assets and infrastructure.

Marco Bellezza, Head of Special Projects, FLS & Technical Manager at Ahlstrom, said the transition to biomethane turns climate ambition into practical action at site level. He said integrating biomethane into daily operations in Italy will help reduce fossil fuel use while maintaining reliability and operational efficiency, supporting both local production needs and Ahlstrom’s wider climate targets.

The agreements also demonstrate the growing role of biomethane as a practical renewable energy solution for energy-intensive industries. From the partners’ perspective, the cooperation shows how industrial companies and renewable energy producers can work together to support long-term decarbonization, particularly where strong policy signals help accelerate the shift toward lower-carbon energy systems in Europe.

By securing renewable gas supply through multiyear agreements, Ahlstrom is strengthening its ability to reduce industrial emissions while preserving operational continuity. The initiative supports the company’s climate goals and highlights biomethane’s potential as an immediate, infrastructure-compatible pathway for reducing fossil fuel dependence in manufacturing.

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. Our vision is to be the leading Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three Core divisions, Filtration & Life Sciences, Food & Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more www.ahlstrom.com.

Media Contact:

Annemiek Voorzee
VP, Communications and Marketing
annemiek.voorzee@ahlstrom.com

SOURCE: Ahlstrom