Whatman : What floorutions for filtering and preparing samples?

An iconic Cytiva brand, Whatman is the go-to for filtration and sample preparation. Born from papermaking expertise in 18th-century Britain, the portfolio today spans: filter papers, membranes, glass microfibre, syringe filters and capsules, chromatography papers, transfer supports and bench protectors. Favoured across research, quality control, environmental testing, food & beverage and pharmaceutical labs, it is recognised for lot-to-lot consistency, low extractables and exemplary traceability. Dutscher supplies the range and offers expert advice.

A story that began in 1740 – still at the cutting edge

The origins of Whatman trace back to 1740, when James Whatman founded a paper mill in Maidstone (UK) that perfected “wove paper”. From that expertise emerged, across the 19th and then 20th centuries, a unique specialisation in high-purity technical papers for laboratories. The introduction of standardised grades — which became a shared language in the lab — established the brand as an international benchmark. From the 1960s through the 1990s, polymer membranes, glass microfibres and chromatography media broadened the portfolio. In 2008, Whatman joined GE Healthcare Life Sciences, before becoming, in 2020, a Cytiva brand. Today, it blends British heritage, a global manufacturing footprint and modern quality requirements to deliver reliable, reproducible consumables to labs worldwide.

Expertise and areas of specialisation

Day in, day out, Whatman underpins the key steps in sample preparation.

- Filter papers in cellulose: general clarification, gravimetric analyses (low-ash versions), filtration of precipitates. The flagship grades — such as Grade 1 — deliver a reliable particle cut-off and controlled capillarity.

- Glass microfibre (e.g. GF/A, GF/F): high throughput, excellent loading capacity and fine retention for waters, soils, bioprocesses or as prefilters ahead of membranes.

- Membranes: PTFE for aggressive solvents, versatile nylon and PVDF, regenerated cellulose for low extractables in HPLC, alumina (Anodisc) or track-etched membranes (Nuclepore/Cyclopore) for particle analysis.

- Syringe filters and capsules (Puradisc, GD/X, Polycap): from microlitre to litre formats, sterile or non-sterile, to clarify biological samples, mobile phases and buffers, with documented chemical compatibilities.

- Chromatography and transfer supports (3MM CHR, blotting papers), plus Benchkote for bench protection: a clean, controlled workspace.

The added value lies in exemplary lot-to-lot consistency, low levels of extractables, and full traceability (lot number, COAs available). Manufacturing runs under certified quality systems, with dimensional and porosity checks. For the user, that means predictable performance, a wide choice of diameters and porosities, and seamless integration into QC, R&D, environmental and food testing workflows. Dutscher helps you choose the right material and format to optimise flow, retention and chemical compatibility — without compromising reproducibility.

Whatman products distributed by Dutscher

Frequently asked questions about the Whatman brand

How should I choose between cellulose filter paper and Whatman glass microfiber for my quality control or environmental application?
Cellulose is well suited to clarification and gravimetric analysis; glass microfiber delivers higher flow rate and loading capacity, ideal for prefiltration of high-particulate samples or for water analysis.

Are Whatman membranes and syringe filters compatible with solvents, strong acids or bases in HPLC/LC-MS?
Yes, depending on the membrane material: PTFE for aggressive solvents, nylon/PVDF as versatile options, regenerated cellulose for low extractables. Always check the material-specific chemical compatibility charts.

Are sterile versions available and do Whatman products tolerate routine autoclaving in the lab?
Many references are available sterile. Autoclavability depends on the polymer and the format; refer to the product data sheet and the manufacturer recommendations.

What traceability and compliance assurances are provided with Whatman consumables supplied by Dutscher?
Every lot is traceable; Certificates of Analysis (CoA) and regulatory documents are provided. Lot-to-lot consistency is a key focus of Whatman quality control.

Is the Whatman brand engaged in sustainability initiatives via Cytiva (eco-design, waste reduction)?
Yes, as a Cytiva brand, it is part of sustainability programmes aimed at optimising processes and packaging. See the sustainability commitments published by Cytiva.