1 EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 33-99812, No. 33-99814, No. 33-99816, and No. 33-99848 of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 of our report dated January 21, 2000, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1999. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Atlanta, Georgia March 3, 2000