Translations:Verpakkingsmaterialen/1/en

What?

Archives and collections are usually packaged in paper, cardboard or plastic materials. One important property is the acidity level (pH value) of the materials used for packaging. A distinction can be made here between:

• Acid-free: paper or cardboard that does not contain any acidic or acid-reactive substances. This means that the pH value or acidity level is greater than 7.
• Buffered: acid-free paper or cardboard to which an alkaline reserve has been added, making it harder for external acidification to penetrate.
• Inert: packaging material with a neutral pH (usually specially produced conservation plastics).

The ideal acidity level for packaging material varies according to the items in your archive and collections. It is advisable to use acid-free materials for covers and boxes for the majority of archive items.