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Why are rags still used to make some types of high-quality paper?

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paper mill — papermaking Paper mill in British Columbia, Canada.

Rags, including cotton and linen fibers, remain in use for specific grades of paper because they offer superior quality compared to most wood pulp. These fibers are prized for their greater fineness, length, and purity, which impart maximum strength, durability, and permanence to the finished product.12

Beyond these structural benefits, rag fibers are selected when specific aesthetic and tactile qualities are required, such as fine formation, color, texture, and a soft feel. Because of these properties, rag papers are essential for applications where longevity and high-grade appearance are critical, including:1

Security and Legal Documents: Bank notes, security certificates, and life insurance policies where permanence is of prime importance.1
Professional Stationery: High-grade bond letterheads and fine stationery that must be impressive in appearance and texture.1
Technical and Specialty Papers: Tracing papers, vellums, and lightweight specialties like Bible or cigarette papers.1

The manufacturing process involves mechanical beating, which shortens and frays the fibers to increase their surface area, ultimately enhancing interfiber bonding and the overall coherence of the paper sheet.1