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 19,
2001, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2000.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, 2001