Alexei Volkov
When storing paper items, it is important to consider the acidity of the storage container. Standard cardboard, PVC, and some other materials will eventually degrade and become acidic, which can cause the paper to deteriorate. Plastic storage boxes are often marketed as a solution, but not all plastics are acid-free. Poly boxes, for example, can retain acidity and do not protect their contents from its harmful effects. However, plastics such as polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene are considered archivally safe and are recommended for storing photographs and documents. It is also worth noting that some paper products labelled as archival may not stay acid-free and can absorb acids from other items. Therefore, when choosing a storage container for paper, it is crucial to select a material that is truly acid-free and inert to ensure the long-term preservation of the paper items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic boxes that are acidic to paper | Poly boxes, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or any plastics containing PVC |
| Plastic boxes that are not acidic to paper | Polyester, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene |
| Plastic boxes that are not recommended for paper storage | LDPE Plastic #4 |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic boxes with PP and PE plastic are safe for paper storage
- Acid-free paper is required for archival storage
- Plastic boxes with PVC are not suitable for archival storage
- Polyester, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene are archivally safe materials
- Buffered acid-free tissue paper can help protect books from acid damage
Plastic boxes with PP and PE plastic are safe for paper storage
Plastic boxes are often used for the storage of paper items, especially for archival purposes. Archival boxes are those that are suitable for long-term storage without causing damage to the contents. They should be acid-free and remain so, as paper can absorb acids from other items and become acidic.
Some plastic boxes are archival and acid-free, but not all. Poly boxes, for example, can retain acidity and do not protect the contents from its harmful effects. However, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) plastics have passed the Oddy test, meaning they are safe and will not produce hazardous gases or cause harm. PP plastic is also used for food storage and medication bottles, and its high heat tolerance means it will not leak toxins when breaking down. It is also microwave and dishwasher safe.
PE plastic is also used for food storage and is known for its excellent chemical resistance. Both PP and PE plastics are inert, meaning they will not react with acids, and are therefore ideal for storing paper items.
When choosing a plastic box for paper storage, it is important to look for those that are archival and acid-free. PP and PE plastic boxes are safe options that will not cause damage to the paper items stored within them.
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Acid-free paper is required for archival storage
Archival paper is a term that was defined by standards established by the Library of Congress. Archival paper should not deteriorate or change chemically or cause anything else to deteriorate or change. In the 1930s, it was discovered that acidic papers deteriorate rapidly and are not suitable for archival purposes. Paper production then changed to use different additives to try and prevent the chemical reactions that were causing the paper to break down quickly. This is what the term "acid-free" refers to—paper that has been produced in a way that prevents or reduces the likelihood of acidic byproducts forming.
Acid-free papers are made using alkaline paper-making technology. This means the pH of the pulp that is used to form the paper is above 7 (neutral). The paper is also buffered with an alkaline reserve, such as calcium carbonate, to neutralize acid compounds absorbed from the atmosphere or formed through natural aging. Acid-free paper is perfect for photo storage and is an essential addition to archival supplies. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) recommends buffered, acid-free paper stock for the storage of all photographic materials (except cyanotypes and dye-transfer images).
Buffered paper adds another level of protection against acidification. Black & white and color photography, traditional and digital, should have mounts, enclosures, and interleaving made from buffered paper. Acids in paper cause yellowing and embrittlement. The acids are a byproduct of the breakdown of impurities and unstable products in the paper. One of those unstable products is lignin, which is added for the mass production process. Paper products that are made acid-free do not always stay acid-free and can absorb acids from other items and therefore become acidic. For the best archival paper products, ensure they are also "buffered" besides being acid-free so that they will remain archival.
Archival boxes should be suitable for long-term storage of an object or collection. The term "archival" is widely used and abused by suppliers, perhaps without them realizing. In the truest sense of the word, "archival" means that the box is suitable for long-term storage without causing damage to its contents. Unfortunately, as there are no specific standards, the term "archival" is often used wrongly, and, in some instances, has become meaningless.
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Plastic boxes with PVC are not suitable for archival storage
When choosing storage boxes for books or documents, it is important to select acid-free and lignin-free options. This is because acids in paper can cause items to deteriorate and discolour. Even if the paper is initially acid-free, it can absorb acids from other items and become acidic over time. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent acid migration between items by using acid-free materials for storage.
Plastic boxes with PVC are not recommended due to the presence of PVC, which can compromise the integrity of the stored items. Instead, it is advisable to use materials like Polyester, Polyethylene, or Polypropylene, which are recognised as safe for archival purposes. These materials will not contribute to the deterioration or discolouration of the stored items.
Additionally, when selecting storage boxes, it is essential to consider the size. The box should closely match the size of the book or document to prevent excessive movement. This helps limit potential damage caused by sliding or tilting. It is also recommended to store preserved materials in a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity levels.
By following these guidelines and choosing acid-free, lignin-free, and PVC-free storage options, you can ensure the safe preservation of your books and documents.
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Polyester, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene are archivally safe materials
When storing paper items, it is important to consider the materials of the storage container to ensure the paper's longevity. Archival boxes are meant to be suitable for long-term storage without causing damage to the contents. While the term ''archival'' is often used loosely by suppliers, an archival product should not deteriorate or change chemically or cause anything else to do so.
Polyester, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene are all archivally safe materials. They are chemically stable and inert, meaning they will not react with other materials. These plastics have passed the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) and are used by museums for the storage and display of their collections. Polyethylene is a softer and less clear plastic than polyester film, and it is not as structurally sound, so it is not recommended to fully seal objects in this type of plastic. Polypropylene is similar to polyester in clarity and is also used as sleeves for storing photographs, papers, and philatelic materials.
It is important to note that while Polyester, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene are safe materials, not all plastic storage boxes are acid-free. Some plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any plastics containing PVC, should be avoided as they can break down and develop damaging acids. Standard cardboard is also not archival, as acid will eventually develop as the board ages.
When choosing a plastic storage box, look for the recycling symbol containing numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5, as these are the only plastics safe for food storage. Additionally, ensure that the plastic is inert and chemically stable to prevent any reaction with the stored items.
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Buffered acid-free tissue paper can help protect books from acid damage
Plastic boxes can be acidic to paper, depending on the type of plastic. Standard cardboard, PVC, and some other materials will eventually degrade and become acidic. In the case of standard cardboard made from low-quality unrefined pulp, acid will eventually develop as the board ages. Plastics that have degraded will become brittle and break apart, meaning the paper inside is no longer protected.
Buffered acid-free tissue paper can be used to protect books from acid damage. Acid-free tissue paper is designed to prevent unwanted chemical reactions and protect against scratches or pigment chips. It is also used to separate prints, photographs, documents, textiles, and book pages. Buffered acid-free tissue paper is especially useful for books with leather bindings, as leather is susceptible to red rot.
Buffered acid-free tissue paper is also recommended for interleaving, which involves placing a sheet of acid-free paper between each page of a book to prevent acid migration and provide support when handling the book. Bound newspapers should be stored flat and interleaved with buffered acid-free tissue paper. Loose newspaper clippings can be preservation photocopied on buffered acid-free paper, and the originals can be discarded if preserving the information is the primary concern.
When choosing buffered acid-free tissue paper, it is important to select the right product for the materials that need preservation. For example, buffered acid-free tissue paper with a calcium carbonate buffer provides safe and long-term protection for photographs. Alternatively, acid-free tissue paper made of 100% cotton is a great choice for books, magazines, and small-size prints.
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Frequently asked questions
Not all plastics are safe for long-term storage, especially if they contain PVC, which can break down and release damaging acids. Poly boxes, for example, are known to retain acidity and do not protect the contents from its harmful effects. However, plastics such as Polyester, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene are considered acid-free and archivally safe.
Acid-free cotton paper, archival manila folders, and lignin-free storage boxes are some alternatives for paper storage.
It is important to ensure that the storage box is not too big, as extra space can cause the paper to slide and get damaged. The box should also be stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled area to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and disintegration.
