Ahlstrom’s OptiPad™ has won the 2026 FiltXPO™ Innovation in Water/Liquid Filtration Award for its integrated approach to hot cooking oil filtration.
The award was announced on October 28 at FiltXPO 2026, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota. Presented by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with International Filtration News, the awards recognise filtration technologies through industry voting.
Integrated Pad Eliminates Loose Powder Handling
OptiPad combines Ahlstrom’s depth filtration media with DuraFry® filtration powder from DuraFry Solutions, incorporated directly into the pad.
The integrated construction removes the need for operators to handle loose powder separately. According to Ahlstrom, this simplifies filtration operations while helping extend cooking oil life, reduce waste and lower operating costs.
The product is designed for foodservice applications where oil quality and ease of handling are important to daily operations.
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Fibre Structure Supports Contaminant Capture
OptiPad uses a proprietary fibre blend that forms a micro-channel structure within the filter medium. Ahlstrom says this structure captures contaminants while maintaining oil flow during filtration, supporting consistent frying performance.
Clas Läck, Head of Liquid Filtration at Ahlstrom, said the product combines the company’s fibre expertise and material design with an understanding of practical filtration requirements.
“With a contribution from DuraFry Solutions, we have turned Ahlstrom’s technical expertise into a practical, high-performing solution designed around the needs of foodservice operators,” he said.
The recognition highlights an application of engineered fibre-based media that combines filtration performance with simpler material handling.
