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, No. 33-99848, and No. 333-74634 of
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 of our
report dated January 25, 2002 (January 31, 2002 as to Note 5), appearing in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and
subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2001.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 7, 2002