[ Ref. Lee Rothrock in 220917 MMDigest ]

For all of my long-term "rubber" banding needs, I use sewing elastic!
The flat kind is widely available in widths ranging from 1/8" to 2",
and an assortment of cord sizes are also available. I usually use
the 1/4" flat variety, as I tend to have it in stock for sewing and
it is a good medium strength and easy to handle. It comes in packages
of various lengths, or you can often buy it by the yard at fabric
stores.

I've never seen any labelled "acid free" or such, but it is white
rubber strands covered with fabric, so it can't stick to paper or
anything else. When I care about looks or flatness, a few stitches
make a flat loop, but usually I just tie the two ends together.

It tends to degrade over time by getting weaker, at which point you
can simply shorten the loop by tying a new knot or re-sewing the ends
together. It lasts a long time, as it is designed to handle the heat
of washing and drying, though exposure to high heat shortens its useful
life.

If that doesn't work for you, you might see if you can find some fabric
covered elastic bands for hair that are the right size for your rolls.
They are more expensive than regular rubber bands, but they do last
longer. (I have some that are on the order of 30 years old that have
_not_ degraded just sitting in a drawer.) Some kinds have a brass
connector on them; others don't. They come in a wide variety of widths
and colors, but they do tend to be round rather than flat.

Monica Jones