ISO 18902:2013

Overview

ISO 18902:2013 - Imaging materials - Processed imaging materials - Albums, framing and storage materials sets chemical and physical requirements for materials used to store and display photographic and digitally printed images. It defines what makes enclosure, album, mat, frame and glazing materials photo-safe so they will not accelerate deterioration of black‑and‑white or colour silver‑halide prints and negatives, dye‑ and pigment‑based inkjet prints, dye‑sublimation and electrophotographic (toner) prints.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of materials: paper and paperboard, plastics, metals, adhesives, tapes, labelling inks and pads, framing and glazing materials.
• Chemical stability tests: compliance with the Photographic Activity Test (ISO 18916) for interaction with imaging materials.
• Paper requirements: acid‑free paper (cold extraction pH ≥ reference water − 0.5 and < 10.0), alkali reserve ≥ 2.0% CaCO3 (ISO 10716), low lignin (Kappa number ≤ 7, ISO 302), no post‑consumer recycled fiber.
• Plastics guidance: avoid chlorinated, nitrated or acetate films (e.g., PVC, cellulose nitrate/acetate); do not use plasticized sheets or materials with residual solvents/plasticizers. Recommended inert plastics include polyester (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.
• Metals: non‑corrodible, non‑reactive finishes (anodized aluminium, stainless steel) and finishes that pass ISO 18916.
• Adhesives & labelling: adhesives must be acid‑free and pass photographic activity testing; rubber cements and solvent‑rich adhesives are prohibited; specific sampling/pH methods are given.
• Special notes: printed/coloured papers must show no dye bleeding; coated/laminated constructions have dual requirements (paper + plastic); bindings not in direct contact have relaxed rules.

Practical applications

• Use ISO 18902:2013 when specifying or selecting archival‑quality albums, storage boxes, sleeves, mats, glazing and framing components for photographic collections.
• Apply this standard to test and qualify product lines for museums, archives, libraries, conservation labs, photographic print labs, custom framers and manufacturers of storage materials.
• Helps prevent image staining, fading, transfer, embrittlement or chemical attack by guiding material selection (acid‑free papers, suitable plastics, non‑reactive metals, photo‑safe adhesives).

Who should use it

• Conservators, archivists and collections managers
• Museum and library procurement teams
• Photographers and print labs specifying long‑term housing for prints
• Manufacturers of albums, sleeves, frames, mounting boards and glazing
• Custom framers and preservation suppliers

Related standards

• ISO 18916 (Photographic activity test)
• ISO 10716 (Alkali reserve)
• ISO 302 (Kappa number / lignin)
• Related storage environment standards: ISO 18911, ISO 18918, ISO 18920, ISO 18934

Keywords: ISO 18902:2013, imaging materials, albums framing storage materials, photo‑safe, photographic activity test, acid‑free paper, alkali reserve, plastic enclosures, archival storage.