Stone Paper: An Overview of its Characteristics and the Impact They May Have on Forensic Document Examinations

Stone paper is comprised mainly of calcium carbonate and plasticizers. Unlike pulp paper, it is manufactured without large amounts of water and chemicals. Due to its unique composition and manufacturing process, stone paper manufacturers claim it is: more environmentally friendly than traditional pulp paper, 100% recyclable, water, grease and tear resistant, and bio-degradable. Stone paper has been commercially available for ten years, and in the past three years has become increasingly available in household consumer-use products including notebooks and inkjet photo paper. As it becomes more available, the forensic community will likely encounter stone paper in casework. This article seeks to educate the forensic document community about stone paper characteristics, evaluate some of the manufacturers’ claims outlined above, and describe special considerations that must be taken during forensic document examinations involving stone paper. Actions and associated examinations undertaken include: indented impressions, typewriting, non-destructive ink (writing instruments, toner and inkjet printing) examination, tearing, folding and stapling, water and grease interaction, and environmental exposure. Results of the current study showed that examination of stone paper can be conducted in a manner similar to traditional pulp paper, with a few exceptions regarding indented impression examinations and fracture matching.