Ahlstrom has introduced SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) technology into its Ahlstrom Reliance Tandem interleaved Sterile Barrier System (SBS) offer. The move comes as the company aims to better meet customers' needs and provide unique SBS solutions.

Ahlstrom Reliance Tandem or interleaving is the concept of combining two layers of SBS sheets, each offering specialized performance for sequential wrapping. The two layers are used together to offer a high degree of flexibility in terms of performance, technology and cost for different applications.

“Ahlstrom's sterile barrier systems are a trusted and an integral part of the central sterilization department in hospitals. Previously, our interleaved offering consisted of crepe and wet laid technologies,” Ahlstrom said in a statement.

“To help our customers stay ahead, Ahlstrom now offers a complete interleaved portfolio with the introduction of SMS into our Ahlstrom Reliance Tandem portfolio. Ahlstrom Reliance Tandem utilizes our newest technology, SMS, in combination with our existing technologies to provide the optimal combination of sterile barrier system sheets for sequential wrapping.”

Ahlstrom is a high performance fibre based materials company, partnering with leading businesses around the world to help them stay ahead. Its products are used in a wide variety of everyday applications, such as filters, medical gowns and drapes, diagnostics, wallcoverings, flooring and food packaging.

The company has a leading market position in the businesses in which it operates and in 2012, Ahlstrom's net sales from the continuing operations (excluding Label and Processing business) amounted to EUR 1 billion. Its 3800 employees serve customers in 28 countries on six continents. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.

www.ahlstrom.com/tandem