Volume 3, Number 4
Oct 1990

Permanent Papers on the Market

In June, 1990, Abbey Publications sent out a survey to the 66 U.S. paper companies making alkaline paper, requesting information about any papers that meet the ANSI, ASTM or JCP standards for paper permanence, and about recycled content, if any. Results of the survey are summarized in the following table.

Notes

1. The Joint Committee on Printing has about 75 paper "specifications", three of which call for neutral or alkaline pH; and each of ASTM's four paper permanence standards has six different levels of permanence and/or durability. Nevertheless, respondents were not pressed to be more specific when they referred to "JCP" or "ASTM." We intend to repeat the survey next year, using a more detailed survey form to elicit more precise answers.

2. Consolidated & Potlatch both make alkaline coated papers, for which there is no permanence standard at present.

3. Crane. A note on the survey says they have the capability to manufacture all bonds, ledgers, indexes and Save-A-Source recycled paper to meet the ASTM, ANSI, or other specifications as requested by customers.

4. Mohawk. Except midnight blue, navy blue, autumn red, berry, charcoal, forest green, cordovan and ironwood.

5. Papyrus Newton Falls. "Recycled Fiber used on a special making basis."

6. Union Camp replied, " At the present time all of our papers are manufactured to a level less than 7.0. Several trials have been conducted on alkaline sized paper and Union Camp's Fine Paper Division is presently making plans for a conversion to alkaline sizing in 1991."