Cleanroom paper was created to eliminate contamination contributedd by papers.
Compare that to Paperless, which is the more optimal means of contamination control?
In the realm of contamination control, is cleanroom paper a wash-out? Is there a new form of paper that can challenge the paperless tide?

WS:
Greetings. This is Howard Siegerman Cleanroom Forum Moderator.
Given the choice between paperless and cleanroom paper, my choice would always be the paperless route – one less thing to buy and track.
But the path to paperless may not be simple and straightforward, in that it likely requires buy-in at all levels – users, supervisors, management, etc., along with extensive logistical support – software to capture, distribute and archive the information, replication activities so that all devices – computers, handhelds, etc. all have the current information, etc.
Then there’s the convenience factor to consider. You can quickly write down critical information on cleanroom paper or in a cleanroom notebook, if access to a computer or handheld is not immediately available.

As you are probably aware, cleanroom paper was originally developed to incorporate latex binder to hold the cellulose fibers in place and prevent shedding and particulation into the cleanroom. This approach works reasonably well, since the product is ubiquitous throughout the world’s cleanrooms. However, it’s an imperfect product at best and if you can move, however slowly, toward paperless, that is the best approach. The product does release particles and fibers – you should test your paper along other competitive candidates to gauge which has minimum particle and fiber release – and if you’re working in the data storage industry, there are ESD considerations as well. Latex paper is not dissipative by nature.

Some years ago, a synthetic paper was introduced to the market with reported reductions in releasable particles and fibers and dissipative ESD characteristics. You may wish to investigate that product as an alternative.

Hope this helps

Regards

Howard Siegerman, Ph.D.
Cleanroom Forum Moderator

Hi Howard,
Thank you for sharing your views.
Implementing paperless is just as what u said, there are many initial obstacles (some pretty major) to overcome. Hence moving towards paperlss gotta be ‘phasal”. Meanwhile, I am looking for areas of exceptions in the process whereby Cleanroom paper is an acceptable alternative. AND, if my customer is unyielding, I’ve to assimilate a lot more knowledge and data on GOOD Cleanroom Paper or alternative “paper contamination containment” methodologies, for review.
Rgds,
WS

Hi, WS,
I can imagine scenarios where paperless may not be acceptable and Cleanroom paper must be used. Consider an area where operating procedures or protocols must be maintained at several locations in the cleanroom and electronic (i.e. “paperless”) options at those locations are just not feasible from cost, logistic, or maintenance considerations. Imagine binders housing procedures around the fab.
One way to address the contamination issue is to consider laminating cleanroom paper outside the fab, then wiping it down prior to introduction into the cleanroom. Time-consuming? Yes. Costly? Yes. Requires additional manpower? Yes. But it may be worth it from a contamintion perspective. Anyway, more things to consider.

Hi Howard,
a) Lamination will also hold ESD concerns.
b) Given the practical considerations, it seems impossible for NO paper but instead go for less (least) paper.
Hence, my question will be:
Are there anybody in the cleanroom paper world, developing the next generation of cleanroom paper that can further reduce particulates & fibres and also address the static dissipative issue?
Given that laminations and cleaning will add on to material cost and manpower cost vs the continued need to have some papers, it may be cost-competitive to develop a SUPER HIGH GRADE clean room paper.
Rgds/ WS