The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) copied 423 radioactive waste information documents on 11,718 sheets, equivalent to 25 reams of archive text paper, supplied by Bedford-based Conservation by Design.

Archive Text, which is specifically designed for archival use, is made from acid-free and lignin-free (wood-free) fibre and buffered with calcium carbonate.

Managers at the Windscale (Sellafield) site opted to use paper instead of digital storage because paper can withstand the ravages of time and not deteriorate.

Due to the success of this initial trial, a UKAEA spokesman said the use of papers such as Archive Text could be spread across many UK projects, including the remainder of the 8bn project to dismantle some 26 nuclear research reactors.

Conservation By Design marketing manager Steve Joel said the firm specialises in supplying archival papers, which are made to its own specifications by two unnamed European mills in France and Holland.

"The removal of the acid prevents deterioration and the paper is tested so that it can last for anything up to 500 years," said Joel.

The paper has a neutral pH, which prevents its discolouration and retains longevity. In addition the paper has to consist of the right length fibres. The longer the fibre, the stronger the paper, and the less likely it is to crack when folded.

Story by Andy Scott