1. Introduction
The following rules are established to control the use of the 'Archival Quality' certification trademark. Use of the trademark is governed by the National Archives of Australia.
The trademark is intended to signify that certain products have qualities that make them suitable to use for the creation and storage of archival records of enduring value. In order to satisfy this need, the products must demonstrate specific qualities of chemical stability and physical durability that will be sustained over long periods of time.
2. General
2.1 Address for applications
Applications can be made directly to the National Archives of Australia for use of the Archives registered trademark. Applicants should address written submissions to:
The Director of Preservation
National Archives of Australia
PO Box 4924
KINGSTON ACT 2604
2.2 Product types covered by the rules
The registered trademark may be applied to paper, file board and corrugated board, manufactured as described within these rules. It may also be applied to products fabricated from these materials, such as boxes, folders, wallets etc where the fabrication process does not diminish the quality of the stock material as described in section 3 of the rules.
2.3 The trademark – description
The registered trademark is a graphic device in the form of the letter 'Q' and an infinity symbol.
2.4 Where the trademark can be used
The registered trademark can only be applied to approved products.
2.5 Royalties for use of the trademark
The National Archives shall commence charging a royalty of 2.5 per cent on the value of sales of products bearing the mark commencing on 5 January 2002.
2.6 Manner of application
Once approval has been given, the registered trademark can be applied to the approved product(s) in a number of ways:
- as a watermark (applied randomly to paper)
- printed directly on a fabricated product
- printed on the packaging of a product
- in advertising or promotional material related to the product.
When applied as a watermark the entire registered trademark shall be no smaller than 50 mm high, or the capital 'Q' will be no smaller than 106 point, it should not be scaled independently in the horizontal or vertical dimensions and should have a minimum bit resolution of 300 dpi.
When applied in printed form, the registered trademark also should not be scaled independently in the horizontal or vertical dimensions and should have a minimum bit resolution of 300 dpi. It may be applied in conjunction with the words 'Archival Quality' although these words do not constitute part of the registered trademark.
The archival paper must bear an impressed watermark image of the registered trademark. This watermark may be applied randomly, but must be of such frequency that each A4 cut sheet shall have at least part of the watermark visible.
2.7 Testing for compliance
In order to attain approval to use the registered trademark, products need to demonstrate accordance with the quality specifications set out in these rules. Testing for compliance must be carried out by a reputable testing authority, such as one accredited by National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
The National Archives of Australia is a NATA approved testing authority and will undertake to test compliance of any product submitted for approval free of charge. Furthermore the National Archives reserves the right to perform any of the tests set forth in these rules, where such tests are deemed necessary to assure the compliance of any product.
The National Archives of Australia must be satisfied that the material has met the requirements of the rules before giving approval to use the registered trademark.
The National Archives of Australia reserves the right to request further samples of approved products at any time, to ensure that quality control is being maintained.
The above testing and sampling requirements apply to all entities which apply to use the registered trademark, whether manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers.
2.8 Testing standards
The requirements for paper and board quality and characteristics shall be tested for in accordance with specified test methods of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), Standards Australia (AS) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
2.9 Approval procedure – paper
2.9.1 Initial submission of sample
All manufacturers and suppliers of suitable papers are encouraged to submit samples for approval. Submission must include the following information:
- the name of the paper
- the name and address of the manufacturer and the supplier
- contact information for a suitable representative of the supplier.
The submission should also include a sample of sufficient size for testing – a minimum of 20 x A4 sheets.
Immediately on receipt, the sample will be logged into the register of products submitted for registered trademark approval and given an identification number. Testing of the paper will commence as soon as possible after receipt.
2.9.2 Quality testing
The series of tests as set out in sections 3.2.1.2 – 3.2.1.7 of these rules will then be carried out on the paper. A NATA endorsed testing report will be produced at the conclusion of testing.
2.9.3 Informing the manufacturer/supplier
If the submitted paper meets the quality requirements as set out in sections 3.2.1.2 – 3.2.1.7 of these rules, the manufacturer/supplier will be informed. In order to gain final approval to utilise the registered trademark, the manufacturer must get the paper watermarked as described in section 3.2.1.1 of these rules.
2.9.4 Final approval
Once the manufacturer or supplier has demonstrated that their paper has been appropriately watermarked, the National Archives will issue a final letter of approval for use of the registered trademark. Approval lasts for a period of 2 years. The National Archives reserves the right to withdraw consent though at any time during that period if it comes to our attention that the supplier is no longer compliant with the terms of the approval.
2.10 Approval procedure – products other than paper
2.10.1 Initial submission of sample
All manufacturers and suppliers of suitable products are encouraged to submit samples for approval. Submission must include the following information:
- the name of the product
- the name and address of the manufacturer and the supplier
- contact information for a suitable representative of the supplier
The submission should also include a sample suitable for testing. In the case of folder board, a minimum of two square metres. In the case of corrugated board, samples of both the liner medium and the fabricated board are required for the full range of testing. Again, two square metres of both the liner medium and the fabricated board would suffice for this.
Immediately on receipt, the sample will be logged into the register of products submitted for registered trademark approval and given an identification number. Testing of the product will commence as soon as possible after receipt.
2.10.2 Quality testing
The series of tests as set out in either section 3.2.2 or section 3.2.3 of these rules will then be carried out on the product. An approved testing report will be produced at the conclusion of testing.
2.10.3 Approval to use the registered Archives trademark
If the submitted product meets the quality requirements set out in either section 3.2.2 or section 3.2.3 of these rules a letter will be sent to the submitting body giving approval to utilise the registered trademark, but only in accordance with the rules at sections 2.4 and 2.5.
2.11 Form of approval
Approval for use of the registered trademark will be given in writing by the Assistant Director, Preservation on behalf of the National Archives of Australia. Approval will apply only to specified products and only in accordance with the rules specified in this website.
2.12 Re-Approval
Approval for products to bear the National Archives archival quality paper registered trademark is valid for 2 years (unless it comes to our attention that the supplier no longer meets our stringent requirements). We reserve the right to withdraw our permission at any time. Suppliers are required to submit current product samples for testing at least 3 months before the expiry of the 2 years if they wish to continue to have their products approved to bear the National Archives archival quality paper registered trademark. The submission must be in accordance with 2.9.1. Suppliers will be issued with a new letter of approval for use of the registered trademark if their products continue to satisfy the above requirements.
2.13 Refusal procedure
Refusal to approve the use of the registered trademark will be only on the basis of a failure to meet the requirements set out in the rules. Withdrawal of approval may occur on similar grounds. In either case, a statement of reasons will accompany the notification. The applicant may then seek to rectify the problem and resubmit the product for approval.
3. Technical specifications
3.1 Introduction
The following specifications cover the physical and chemical requirements for archival paper, file board and corrugated board. The specifications define products that will remain chemically stable for long periods, will have no adverse effects on material stored adjacent and will withstand continued use without significant strength loss over long periods.
It is understood that there are many other qualities, not covered here, which a paper or board product is required to possess in order to fulfil its intended function. They are not included here because they do not relate to permanence and are thus left to the discretion of the manufacturer. An example of such a property is the need for a copy paper to be suitable for use in high speed copiers.
3.2 Composition and physical qualities of the product types
To qualify for use of the registered trademark a product must possess a range of qualities. These vary somewhat between the three product types: paper, folder board and corrugated board. Each is therefore discussed separately below.
3.2.1 Copy paper
3.2.1.1 Watermark
So that the paper is readily identifiable as archival throughout its life it is necessary that it be watermarked. The watermark is to consist of an image of the registered trademark. It may be applied randomly, but must be of such frequency that each A4 cut sheet shall have at least part of the watermark visible.
3.2.1.2 Fibre furnish
The paper shall be made only from high quality pulp with no recycled* content. The pulp shall be of sufficient quality to meet the strength and stability requirements set out elsewhere in these rules. Typical sources of pulp would take in fully bleached chemical wood, cotton or linen, although other sources are not excluded. The fibre furnish shall also be free of particles of metal, waxes, plasticisers (i.e. wet strength additives) and plastics.
The pulp shall be clear of residual lignin and this shall be confirmed by the Phloroglucinol test for lignin as per TAPPI standard T401 om-08, 'Fiber analysis of paper and paperboard', Appendix F: Phloroglucinol Test and Aniline Sulphate. The test shall reveal that no lignin is present.
*Recycled pulp in this definition includes mill broke, pre-consumer waste and post-consumer waste
3.2.1.3 Sizing
The paper shall be sized so that it will be suitable for accepting writing, duplicating and printing inks. The paper shall be sized with neutral or alkaline, natural or synthetic sizing material such as alkyl ketene dimer. The paper shall be alum/rosin free as determined using TAPPI method T 408 cm-97, 'Rosin in paper and paperboard', Sections 12.4.2 and 12.5.2, 'Raspail test'.
3.2.1.4 Colouring
The paper should be a 'natural' colour and shall not be dyed or coloured.
3.2.1.5 Alkali reserve
The paper shall contain an alkaline reserve of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate which shall be evenly distributed throughout the product. The minimum of alkaline reserve shall be 2 per cent calcium or magnesium carbonate, based on the conditioned weight of the finished product. The determination of carbonate filler shall be as per ASTM D4988 – 96, 'Determination of alkalinity of paper as calcium carbonate'.
3.2.1.6 Alkalinity
The product shall have a pH of 8.0–10.0 determined by the cold extraction method as per AS 1301 421s:1998, 'Determination of the pH value of aqueous extracts of paper, board and pulp-cold extraction method'.
3.2.1.7 Photographic activity test
To ensure its suitability for the storage of photographic materials, the paper must pass the ISO 18916:2007.
3.2.1.8 Tear strength
The tear index of the paper shall be determined as per AS 1301 P400 s-91, 'Internal tearing resistance of paper'. The average tear index for all weights of product, in any direction shall be not less than 6.0 mN m2/g.
When artificially aged as per TAPPI standard T453 om-89 Effect of dry heat on properties of paper for 15 days at 105C (i.e. 125 year equivalent) the paper shall lose no more than 12.5 per cent of its initial tear strength.
3.2.2 Folder board
3.2.2.1 Fibre furnish
The board shall be made only from high quality pulp with no recycled* content. The pulp shall be of sufficient quality to meet the strength and stability requirements set out elsewhere in these rules. Typical sources of pulp would take in fully bleached chemical wood, cotton or linen, although other sources are not excluded. The fibre furnish shall also be free of particles of metal, waxes, plasticisers (i.e. wet strength additives) and plastics.
The pulp shall be clear of residual lignin and this shall be confirmed by the Phloroglucinol test for lignin as per TAPPI standard T401 om-08, 'Fiber analysis of paper and paperboard', Appendix F: Phloroglucinol Test and Aniline Sulphate. The test shall reveal that no lignin is present.
*Recycled pulp in this definition includes mill broke, pre-consumer waste and post-consumer waste
3.2.2.2 Sizing
The board shall be sized so that it will be suitable for accepting writing, duplicating and printing inks. The paper shall be sized with neutral or alkaline, natural or synthetic sizing material such as alkyl ketene dimer. The paper shall be alum/rosin free as determined using TAPPI method T 408 cm-97,' Rosin in paper and paperboard', Sections 12.4.2 and 12.5.2: 'Raspail test'.
3.2.2.3 Colouring
Archival file board may be dyed. The dye shall be added only at the pulp stage. Dyes used shall be non-bleeding and must not affect chemical stability properties of the product.
3.2.2.4 Alkali reserve
The product shall contain an alkaline reserve of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate which shall be evenly distributed throughout the product. The minimum of alkaline reserve shall be 2 per cent calcium or magnesium carbonate, based on the conditioned weight of the finished product. The determination of carbonate filler shall be as per ASTM D4988-96, 'Determination of alkalinity of paper as calcium carbonate'.
3.2.2.5 Alkalinity
The product shall have a pH of 8.0–10.0 determined by the cold extraction method as per AS 1301 421s:1998, 'Determination of the pH value of aqueous extracts of paper, board and pulp-cold extraction method'.
3.2.2.6 Photographic activity test
To ensure its suitability for the storage of photographic materials, the product must pass the ISO 18916:2007.
3.2.2.7 Tear strength
The tear index of the board shall be determined as per AS 1301 P400 s-91, 'Internal tearing resistance of paper'. The average tear index for all weights of product, in any direction shall be not less than 6.0 mN m2/g.
When artificially aged as per TAPPI standard T453 om-89, 'Effect of dry heat on properties of paper' for 15 days at 105C (i.e. 125 year equivalent) the paper shall retain at least 12.5 per cent of its initial tear strength.
3.2.3 Corrugated board
3.2.3.1 Fibre furnish
The board shall be made only from high quality pulp with no recycled* content. The pulp shall be of sufficient quality to meet the strength and stability requirements set out elsewhere in these rules. Typical sources of pulp would take in fully bleached chemical wood, cotton or linen, although other sources are not excluded. The fibre furnish shall also be free of particles of metal, waxes, plasticisers (i.e. wet strength additives) and plastics.
The pulp shall be clear of residual lignin and this shall be confirmed by the Phloroglucinol test for lignin as per TAPPI standard T401 om-08, 'Fiber analysis of paper and paperboard', Appendix F: Phloroglucinol Test and Aniline Sulphate. The test shall reveal that no lignin is present.
*Recycled pulp in this definition includes mill broke, pre-consumer waste and post-consumer waste
3.2.3.2 Sizing
The board shall be sized so that it will be suitable for accepting writing, duplicating and printing inks. The paper shall be sized with neutral or alkaline, natural or synthetic sizing material such as alkyl ketene dimer. The paper shall be alum/rosin free as determined using TAPPI method T 408 cm-97 Rosin in paper and paperboard Sections 12.4.2 and 12.5.2: 'Raspail test'.
3.2.3.3 Colouring
The board may be dyed. The dye shall be added only at the pulp stage. Dyes used shall be non-bleeding and must not affect chemical stability properties of the product. Optical brighteners are not proscribed, however their use is discouraged.
3.2.3.4 Alkali reserve
The product shall contain an alkaline reserve of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate which shall be evenly distributed throughout the product. The minimum of alkaline reserve shall be 2 per cent calcium or magnesium carbonate, based on the conditioned weight of the finished product. The determination of carbonate filler shall be as per ASTM D4988 – 96, 'Determination of alkalinity of paper as calcium carbonate'.
3.2.3.5 Alkalinity
The board shall have a pH of 8.0–10.0 determined by the cold extraction method as per AS 1301 421s:1998, 'Determination of the pH value of aqueous extracts of paper, board and pulp-cold extraction method'.
3.2.3.6 Photographic activity test
To ensure its suitability for the storage of photographic materials, the board must pass the ISO 18916:2007.
3.2.3.7 Tear strength
The tear index of the liner medium shall be determined as per AS 1301 P400 s-91 Internal tearing resistance of paper. The average tear index for all weights of product, in any direction shall be not less than 6.0 mN m2/g.
When artificially aged as per TAPPI standard T453 om-89, 'Effect of dry heat on properties of paper' for 15 days at 105C (i.e. 125 year equivalent) the paper shall retain at least 12.5 per cent of its initial tear strength.
3.2.3.8 The adhesive
A high-quality water resistant adhesive shall be used when adhering layers together. The properties of the adhesive shall not detract from the properties of the liner medium (i.e. reduce the alkaline reserve, decrease the pH, or decrease the stiffness). The adhesive as applied shall not be visible through or alter the colour of the liner sheets. If it is necessary to buffer the adhesive, the same buffer as in the paper stock (i.e. calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, or a combination of both) shall be used.
3.2.3.9 Finish
The liner sheet shall be plate finished (calendered) on both sides.