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Fast Fact

Groundwood papers yellow quickly in response to light; a book produced with groundwood will begin to yellow within a matter of days. It will also yellow with exposure to heat.

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The Truth About Groundwood

Groundwood paper has gained popularity due to its lower cost. But in this case, you truly get what you are paying for—lower cost means lower quality. The question becomes, "Is the tradeoff worth it?"

Groundwood stocks do not meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for paper permanence. The current ANSI standard states that Permanent Paper must meet the following:

  • Less than 1% lignin by weight
  • pH minimum of 7.5
  • Folding Endurance
  • Tear Strength
  • Alkaline Reserve

Books made from groundwood papers contain much more than 1% lignin—sometimes up to 10%. So any book made from groundwood paper does not meet the ANSI standards for permanency. They will yellow and deteriorate, and will accelerate the aging process of the book on which it is printed. Permanent Paper, in contrast, is made under alkaline conditions and without the deteriorating effects of lignin—as a result, the paper is whiter and brighter and retains the highest optical properties, much like the day it was sold.

If you believe books should stand the test of time, as we do, CHOOSE PERMANENT PAPER.