Ahlstrom-Munksjö joins Ahlström Collective Impact initiative to invest in a better future for children through a new co-operation model with UNICEF Finland

AHLSTROM-MUNKSJÖ OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, August 19, 2020 at 10:00 EEST 

Ahlström Collective Impact is a corporate social responsibility initiative by Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Ahlström Capital, Antti Ahlström Perilliset, Destia, Glaston and the Eva Ahlström Foundation. It is committed to creating change by investing in a better future for children in partnerships with UNICEF Finland.   

Initiated by the Eva Ahlström Foundation in 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact is a new kind of co-operation model between the partnering companies and UNICEF Finland designed for result in targeted strategic investments that support the realization of selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  

For Ahlstrom-Munksjö, the collaboration is an innovative and efficient way of influencing and achieving change, through opportunities to innovate around equality and sustainability to solve some of the most pressing challenges in society. 

In 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact focuses in supporting the COVID-19 crisis aid to children, the hidden victims of the pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic has both short- and long-term impacts on the health, well-being and the development of children, and UNICEF is tackling these challenges by supporting governments worldwide in their efforts to secure basic healthcare and education for every child. 

“To really change society, we need to act together. Ahlström Collective Impact is an international co-operation initiative that aims to spark change by joining forces with the joint vision of a better world for future generations. We truly feel it is time for the private sector to see the support of organizations like UNICEF as an investment – not as charity. I am therefore very proud and excited to see Ahlstrom-Munksjö and other Ahlström Network companies as forerunners in joining this great initiative,” says Maria Ahlström-Bondestam, Co-founder and Chair of the Board at Eva Ahlström Foundation. 

Tarja Takko, EVP People and Safety at Ahlstrom-Munksjö comments: “Ahlstrom-Munksjö is firmly committed to sustainability and has integrated sustainable practices throughout its value chain. It has a significant role in our business, building on sustainable and innovative fiber-based solutions, and it is a cornerstone of our company culture. The company is strongly committed to respecting the highest standards of human rights, and with Ahlström Collective Impact and UNICEF Finland we leverage our long-term and global commitment while taking Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s strategic giving and donations program further.“ 

 “We are extremely excited about this new, collective way of collaboration,” says Marja-Riitta Ketola from UNICEF Finland and continues, “private sector has a huge role in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Ahlström Collective Impact brings together Finnish companies to collaborate for sustainability and a better future for children. It is a great example of new thinking that is needed in these times. We hope this partnership will inspire others also in the global level. “ 

Read more of the Ahlström Collective Impact initiative: https://ahlstromcollectiveimpact.com/ 

Further information: 

Tarja Takko, EVP People and Safety at Ahlstrom-Munksjö, tel. +358 50 443 3682 

Johan Lindh, Vice President, Group Communications and Investor Relations at Ahlstrom-Munksjö, tel. +358 10 888 4994 

Ahlstrom-Munksjö in brief
Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Our mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Our offering include filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials and solutions for diagnostics as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. Our annual net sales is about EUR 3 billion and we employ some 8,000 people. The Ahlstrom-Munksjö share is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and Stockholm. Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com