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What is "Acid Free" paper?
"Acid free" is the term used to describe those papers which have a pH of between 7.5 and 9.
Paper with a pH value lower than 7 generally contains higher levels of acids which can in time cause the paper to become brittle and consequently disintegrate.
What are the standards governing "Acid Free" paper?
Papers of a pH value of between 7.5 and 9 are what the ISO (International Standards Organisation) and Australian Standards call "Permanent" according to the ISO9706 standard. This standard primarily covers machine milled papers.
Currently, there is no such standard either published or in draft form, governing handmade recycled paper. but we are confident that our papers would meet published standards regarding paper permanence in handmade recycled paper if such a standard existed.
Where does this acid come from?
Acid in paper comes from two sources, firstly acid occurring naturally in the raw materials used to create the pulp and secondly some pulp preparation methods use chlorine to assist in the breakdown of fibres.
Is our paper "Acid Free" ?
Our paper typically has a pH value of 7.5 . There may be slight variations in the pH due to the handmade paper making process and the difference in raw materials used in making different batches of paper. Our paper making process is chlorine-free. However, as we are not able to test our paper to any standard published by the ISO or AS, thus claiming it to be "acid free", we prefer to describe our products as "photo friendly."
Our "photo friendly" papers are low in acid which is a desirable quality for those looking to use our products for most forms of craft work including scrap booking and stationery.
We would also like to make our customers aware that we cannot guarantee the long term (100 years plus) stability (chemical and light fastness) of our papers unless they are stored in a climate controlled environment.
If you have any questions about our papers with their regards to suitability for a particular purpose, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer any queries you may have.
20.07.06
Sources: International Standards Organisation, Australian Standards, SAI Global, National Library of Australia, NATA. |
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