Introducing Andreja Peternelj - Our Filter Media Expert

With over a decade of experience at Filc, Andreja Peternelj has become a key figure in the company’s success, particularly in the filtration sector. Starting her career in production planning, she quickly demonstrated her versatility and leadership, eventually moving into a commercial role as Area Sales Manager. By 2020, she took on the responsibility of heading the filtration product group, where her technical expertise in textile technology engineering has driven innovation and growth.

Andreja’s academic background in textile technology, rather than economics, gives her a unique approach to the development of the Filtura business within the Filc ACS organization. Now, under the unified FILTURA brand, she plays a crucial role in presenting the company’s diverse product portfolio to customers and supporting colleagues with technical insights across Filc’s production sites. Her combination of technical knowledge and commercial acumen continues to push the boundaries of what the company can achieve in filtration technology.

About Andreja

Could you elaborate on why having an expert specifically dedicated to your field is essential for Freudenberg Performance Materials?

My knowledge and many years of experience with customers in the field of filtration enable me to efficiently present our materials and guide customers through our wide technology base. With the various performance levels of filtration media that Freudenberg Performance Materials offers, it’s important to have someone who understands the nuances of these technologies. I can help customers navigate the different options and ensure they choose the most suitable solution for their needs.

What are unique insights or skills you have, that make you an expert in this field?

Although I work in sales, my background is in textile technology. This technical foundation gives me a deeper understanding of our products, beyond just the business perspective. For me, it’s about the content and technical value first, before focusing on the numbers. I approach each customer interaction with a strong emphasis on the product’s functionality and performance, which sets me apart in this field.

How has your expertise evolved and grown over the years?

After 12 years working with filter media and in the automotive business, I’ve gained a clearer perspective on industry trends and customer needs. I can now more easily anticipate what customers are looking for, especially when it comes to high-performance materials. This experience allows me to address their needs more effectively and ensure we are always offering innovative solutions.

What trends do you see in your area of expertise in the coming years?

There are a few key trends I see emerging in filtration: higher filter performance with lower energy consumption, an increased percentage of fibers made from recycled PET content in our materials, and reducing product weight while maintaining the same efficiency. Additionally, we’re working on offering materials for different parts of the filter—like the edge and media—using the same raw materials. This will make it easier to recycle the filters after use, assuming recycling becomes more widely available in the future.?

How do you stay updated with the latest developments, research, and trends in your area of expertise?

I make it a priority to attend trade fairs where our customers and potential customers present themselves. This helps me stay in tune with the latest trends in the filtration industry. I also stay in constant contact with customers, which gives me valuable insights into their business environment. Our customers follow the trends closely, and in the future, we’ll be able to create new trends together with the technologies available to us.

How do you collaborate with other teams or experts at Freudenberg to enhance the development of Filtura? and filtration technologies?

We already have products on the market that combine various technologies under the Freudenberg Performance Materials umbrella. Some of these products couldn’t have been developed using just our technology alone. In the future, I believe that close collaboration between our sales and R&D teams will become the standard way of developing new products. This cooperation will be essential in driving innovation and meeting customer demands.

How do you ensure that the customer's needs are at the forefront of your work?

I ensure this by staying closely connected to customers through regular meetings and by working directly on R&D projects. This approach helps me understand their needs and future goals, allowing us to tailor our solutions to meet their specific requirements.

How to connect with Andreja?

Connect with Andreja Peternelj on LinkedIn and feel free to ask any questions in the comments!

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet our experts in person at Filtech in November, the leading trade fair for filtration media. Andreja and the team will be there to discuss the latest innovations and trends in the industry!

To stay updated with the latest developments and insights in the world of Freudenberg Performance Materials, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. Don't miss out on future interviews and valuable content that can help you stay at the forefront of innovation.