When shopping for paper and stationery that can withstand significant levels of wear and tear, you may come across the term ‘archival quality paper’. Paper that meets these standards typically guarantees high levels of durability and longevity and is the gold standard of paper suitable for a range of uses. Therefore, if you’re upgrading your military orders and stationery kit or want to improve the way you make notes on exercise or outdoors, it’s archival quality paper you should be hunting for.
Archival Quality Paper: A Definition
There is no doubt that we all want to write on the best materials possible, but what exactly is archival paper and what makes it the best? In short, archival quality paper is paper that has been manufactured to meet specific standards set out by the National Information Standards Organisation (NISO) to ensure its resistance to deterioration over time.
The relevant archival standards - ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (R2009) - cover a variety of aspects of paper construction including minimum tear resistance and paper stock requirements. They also stipulate that archival quality paper must be acid-free (with a pH level of 7 or higher) as this ensures that the paper will not become brittle or yellow over time.
These criteria are important as paper manufactured to meet NISO standards can last several hundred years under normal use and can therefore be relied upon by a range of individuals and groups (including military personnel) who may need to refer to and store important notes for long periods of time.
When To Use Archival Quality Paper
Paper that meets these clear standards can be useful in any scenario where you want to preserve your notes and documents and record important information free from worry of damage. Some of the most common uses of archival quality paper include:
Is Waterproof Paper Archival Quality?
Those looking for long-lasting paper for the uses outlined above often opt for waterproof paper due to its durability, versatility and practicality. While there is no doubt that your paper being able to repel water, dirt, oil and sweat is an incredibly useful feature, it’s important to note that waterproofing properties do not immediately make the paper archival quality. The paper must still meet the archival criteria laid out by ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (R2009).
If you want to enjoy the benefits of waterproof paper alongside the reassurance of archival quality, look no further than Rite in the Rain waterproof notebooks and copier papers. This extensive range of waterproof products utilises paper which meets the relevant criteria and can therefore survive everything from the elements, the attic, and in between.
What Makes Rite in the Rain Paper Archival Quality?
Given that Rite in the Rain paper is designed to withstand whatever you and the weather might throw at it, it should come as no surprise to learn that it meets archival quality standards. A number of patented production processes come together to make this possible, all while being incredibly environmentally friendly.
For example, whether loose or bound in a notebook, the paper is always treated with a recyclable water-based coating which enables it to become resilient against water and subsequent damage from tearing when it gets wet. The result is paper that meets the tear resistance requirements of archival quality paper but does not harm the planet when disposed of at the end of use.
Archival quality waterproof paper really is a game-changer when it comes to making notes you can rely on, but don’t just take our word for it! If you’d like to see the benefits of Rite in the Rain archival quality waterproof paper with your own eyes, browse the wide range of notebooks and paper products available online at Any Weather Paper today! Got questions? Speak to our friendly team who will be happy to help.
