TS ISO 11108

TS ISO 11108 addresses archival paper for documents and publications that must be kept permanently and handled frequently. It sets requirements for unprinted papers intended to provide a high level of permanence and durability, creating a technical basis for records and publications whose value is historical, legal, or otherwise significant.

The key issue here is not simply whether paper can be stored in an archive, but whether it can retain its properties over time. In general technical terms, permanence refers to resistance to ageing and long-term chemical change, while durability refers to the paper’s ability to withstand repeated handling, folding, and practical use without undue loss of integrity. Archival paper is therefore a special-purpose paper grade chosen for long service life rather than ordinary everyday use.

How archival paper differs from paper kept in archives

A useful distinction is that not every paper preserved in an archive qualifies as archival paper. This standard identifies a high-performance category intended for special applications such as permanent records, legally important documents, and publications that must remain usable over extended periods. In the broader paper-performance landscape, ISO 9706, ISO 11108, and ISO 20494 help separate different targets for permanence, archival use, and general graphic applications.

• Applies to unprinted papers used for documents and publications.
• Targets papers intended for permanent retention and frequent use.
• Defines a special-purpose paper category, not a generic archive storage label.
• Its subject should be read alongside the broader ISO standards on paper permanence and stability.