ENHANCING QUALITY ASSURANCE IN PAPER PRODUCTION: AN INTER-LABORATORY COMPARISON OF TESTING PARAMETERS FOR 80 GSM SS MAPLITHO PAPER

Inter Laboratory Comparisons (ILC) play a crucial role in ensuring accuracy, precision, and standardization of measurements across different laboratories. In this study, an ILC was conducted on 80 GSM SS Map litho paper to evaluate key physical and chemical parameters across 15 laboratories. This investigation was carried out in adherence to the Indian Standard IS 1060 guidelines, focusing on 12 critical paper testing parameters: Substance (Grammage), Thickness, Tensile Index, Tear Index, Brightness (ISO), Opacity, One Minute Cobb, Double Fold, Smoothness (Bendsten), pH, Moisture Content, and Ash Content. The purpose of this ILC was to identify variability in test outcomes across different laboratories and to assess their conformity to established standards. Each parameter measured in this program holds significant value in determining the quality and performance characteristics of the paper. For instance, grammage and thickness directly affect the handling and printing quality, while tensile and tear indices reflect the strength and durability of the paper. Additionally, properties such as brightness, opacity, and smoothness influence the visual and tactile attributes, which are essential for end-users in the printing and packaging industries. Results revealed that while most laboratories showed satisfactory agreement with the reference values, minor deviations were observed in parameters like tensile index, tear index, and Cobb test. Such deviations could stem from differences in equipment calibration, operator skill, or environmental factors like humidity during testing. By highlighting these discrepancies, the ILC underscores the need for consistent calibration procedures and harmonized testing conditions to ensure uniformity in results. This ILC also emphasizes the importance of continuous participation in such proficiency testing programs to maintain and improve laboratory performance. Regular ILCs provide valuable feedback for laboratories, helping them identify areas of improvement, adopt best practices, and ensure compliance with international testing standards. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the efficacy of ILC in benchmarking laboratory capabilities and ensuring the reliability of test results. The results obtained from this exercise contribute to the broader goal of quality assurance in the paper manufacturing and testing industries, fostering trust among stakeholders and maintaining consistency in paper quality. Future studies could focus on expanding the scope of testing to include additional paper grades and explore the integration of advanced analytical tools for even greater accuracy in parameter measurement.