Ahlstrom secures the 2026 FiltXPO award with its pre-impregnated fiber filter for industrial oils

The specialty fiber sector continues to push the boundaries of industrial filtration. On October 28, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Ahlstrom claimed the 2026 FiltXPO Innovation in Water/Liquid Filtration Award for its OptiPad system. Presented by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the recognition highlights a significant technical leap in the management of hot cooking oils for the foodservice industry.

OptiPad represents a highly specialized Tier 1 cellulosic and synthetic fiber application. The core of the product relies on a proprietary fiber blend engineered to form a micro-channel structure within the depth filtration media. This architecture is designed to capture contaminants with high efficiency while maintaining the necessary flow rates for high-volume frying operations.

Integration over raw material handling

The critical operational advantage of OptiPad lies in its integration with DuraFry filtration powder, supplied by DuraFry Solutions. Instead of requiring operators to manually dose and handle loose filtration powder—a process prone to inconsistency and workplace mess—Ahlstrom pre-impregnates the powder directly into the fiber pad.

This structural integration translates directly into measurable operational efficiencies. By streamlining the filtration process, the system extends the usable life of cooking oil, reduces overall waste generation, and lowers operating costs for commercial kitchens. Clas Läck, Head of Liquid Filtration at Ahlstrom, noted that the development turns the company's technical fiber expertise into a practical solution that directly addresses the daily operational challenges of foodservice operators.

A trajectory of specialized R&D

The FiltXPO awards, which evaluate entries based on technical sophistication, novelty, and industry impact, are decided through industry voting. Ahlstrom’s victory in 2026 reinforces a clear R&D trajectory in the liquid filtration market, following their previous win in 2025 with the BioProtect material for laundry applications.

By focusing on the structural capabilities of specialty fibers rather than just basic barrier properties, Ahlstrom demonstrates how advanced web formation and material impregnation can solve highly specific industrial bottlenecks. The OptiPad system proves that the future of specialty nonwovens and cellulosic materials lies in functional integration, where the filter media itself becomes an active, multi-component tool rather than a passive substrate.