EXHIBIT 23.1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 of our
report dated January 27, 2003 (January 31, 2003 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, 2002.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
June 9, 2003