Glassine Envelope
Definition
A smooth, semi-transparent envelope made from supercalendered wood pulp, used to protect developed latent print lifts, photographic records, and small paper exhibits from abrasion and surface contamination during storage and transit.
- Material
- Supercalendered wood pulp paper
- Property
- Smooth, semi-transparent, low-lint
- Typical use
- Storing latent print lifts, photos, small paper exhibits
- Benefit
- Reduces abrasion and contamination in transit
Common questions
Why is glassine preferred over an ordinary paper envelope for print lifts?+
Its smooth, calendered surface sheds very little lint or fibre, and its semi-transparency lets an examiner see the lift or exhibit without opening the envelope, reducing handling and the risk of smudging a developed print.
Can glassine envelopes be used for evidence needing to breathe, such as biological material?+
No, glassine suits dry physical exhibits like print lifts and photographs; biological evidence that needs airflow to prevent mould and degradation is packaged in breathable paper bags or envelopes instead.
How does glassine fit into chain-of-custody documentation?+
Each envelope is typically labelled and sealed with the collector's initials, date and exhibit number, and any opening for examination is logged, so the packaging itself becomes part of the continuity record.
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