Chain of Custody Certificate Scope Cross Checking for Paper Procurement
Verify paper chain of custody codes on public scheme registers, match invoice line-item claims to product group scopes, and audit site schedules to prevent import holds.
TAPPI T 401 Testing
Fiber Analysis
Standardized laboratory procedure for identifying the species and pulping process of the fibres within a paper sample provides a definitive material profile. The TAPPI T 401 testing method involves the use of specialized stains and microscopic examination to distinguish between hardwood, softwood, and recycled fibres. This analysis is used to verify the furnish claims of a supplier or to investigate product failures.
Forensic Utility
Stains such as Graff C or Herzberg react with the chemical components of the cell walls to produce distinct colors. When a lab performs TAPPI T 401 testing, a trained technician counts hundreds of individual fibres to determine the percentage of each type present. This provides an objective measure of the recycled content and the quality of the virgin pulp used.
The procedure can also identify the presence of non-wood fibres such as bamboo, bagasse, or straw.
Quality Assurance
Results help to confirm that a sheet meets the structural and optical requirements of the specification. If the TAPPI T 401 testing reveals a higher than expected amount of mechanical pulp, the paper may be prone to yellowing and loss of strength over time. This test is the industry standard for fibre forensic work.