Based in Charleston, USA, AstenJohnson is a global manufacturer of paper machine clothing-press fabrics, forming fabrics, dryer fabrics and other advanced filtration fabrics with manufacturing and service centers across North America, Europe, and China. In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Marco Esper, President PMC Eurasia, a division of AstenJohnson, reveals that in India, the company is ready to embrace high-performance fabrics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization. Looking ahead, the company aims to strengthen sustainability across its operations, expand R&D in Asia-Pacific, and invest in people to shape the future of sustainable, high-performance paper production.
Paper Mart: AstenJohnson is over 200 years old with a strong history and heritage in the paper industry. Can you shed light on your brand’s journey, its legacy and key milestones in the pulp and paper segment?
Marco Esper: AstenJohnson’s origins date back over 200 years to the early 1800s, when the company began crafting woven fabrics for paper machines. Through continuous innovation, mergers, and global expansion, the brand evolved into a leader in papermaking fabrics, equipment, and process solutions.
From its roots in Charleston, USA, AstenJohnson expanded into Europe, Asia, and Latin America—establishing technical centers and manufacturing hubs that support customers worldwide. Major milestones include the integration of Johnson Wire and Asten Group, the establishment of AJ University in 2003, and the founding of AJ Labs—its R&D arm dedicated to performance innovation in papermaking.
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PM: What are the key products in your portfolio and what are their applications?
ME: AstenJohnson’s product range spans the full papermaking process, including: Paper Machine Clothing (PMC) – forming fabrics, press felts, and dryer fabrics engineered for energy efficiency and durability; filtration and process belts – for tissue, board, and specialty grades; and nonwovens and engineered fabrics – applied across hygiene, filtration, and industrial uses. These products enable mills to produce higher-quality grades while reducing water and energy consumption.
PM: Can you tell us about your market footprint both in India and in international markets. Who are your key clients in India?
ME: AstenJohnson operates globally with manufacturing and service centers across North America, Europe, and China. In India, the company serves major paper producers including ITC, Tamil Nadu Newsprint & Paper, Andhra Paper Limited, amongst others. With local partners and technical experts, the company supports the Indian customers through customized clothing designs and process audits that improves machine efficiency.
PM: How do you assess the Indian paper industry in terms of technological innovation and its readiness to adopt advanced solutions for high-quality paper making? What are the challenges that the industry faces and how do you think it can overcome it?
ME: The Indian paper industry has demonstrated strong growth and increasing sophistication, particularly in packaging and tissue paper segments. However, challenges persist—such as raw material availability, energy costs, and limited automation in smaller mills. AstenJohnson believes India is ready to embrace high-performance fabrics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization. Through its regional teams, the company partners with customers to implement tailored upgrades and training that drive measurable quality gains.
PM: What are the new trends and technological advancements in paper machine clothing that helps to enhance papermaking expertise and efficiency worldwide, especially in India?
ME: Globally, papermaking is advancing through advanced press felt designs to achieve higher dryness and energy savings, sustainable manufacturing practices to reduce carbon footprint, and simulation and modeling tools that enable predictive adjustments to machine clothing.
We are excited to join our new partners Foresight Tech at Paperex 2025. AstenJohnson’s market leading products combined with Foresight Tech’s vast experience in both paper making and paper machine clothing, will ensure that we support our valued customers in the Indian market.
PM: With AJ Labs, how is the company researching and developing new ways to lower costs, improve efficiencies and advance the paper industry?
ME: AJ Labs focuses on research in fiber science, wear resistance, and process chemistry. By collaborating with customers and universities, it develops new polymers that can be used in paper machine clothing to improve machine efficiency, reduce power consumption and support sustainability.
PM: You are participating in Paperex 2025. What products and technologies will you be showcasing at the event, and what unique features set you apart from others in the industry?
ME: At Paperex 2025, AstenJohnson will showcase its latest generation of forming, press and dryer fabrics. What sets AstenJohnson apart is its integration of product, process, and technical service expertise, delivering complete solutions rather than single components.
We are excited to join our new partners Foresight Tech at Paperex 2025. AstenJohnson’s market leading products combined with Foresight Tech’s vast experience in both paper making and paper machine clothing, will ensure that we support our valued customers in the Indian market.
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PM: What are your future plans for the next 5-10 years to meet the evolving demand of the pulp and paper industry?
ME: Looking ahead, AstenJohnson aims to deepen its sustainability initiatives across manufacturing and product life cycles, expand its Asia-Pacific R&D presence, and continue to invest in people development. The company remains committed to partnering with papermakers to shape the next generation of sustainable, high-performance paper production.
Our major milestones include the integration of Johnson Wire and Asten Group, the establishment of AJ University in 2003, and the founding of AJ Labs-its R&D arm dedicated to performance innovation in papermaking.
