The paper industry has undergone a major change in the way it makes paper. The way paper was produced from wood pulp to make the high-quality white paper generated acids and left the paper slightly acidified. As a result, using paper made this way led to documents that were short-lived and needed to be deacidified by conservators.

The best method of avoiding the problems generated by acidified paper is to make paper using an alkaline process. This kind of paper has the advantage of a much longer shelf life and being more opaque. The process that leads to alkaline paper has its own environmental impact. The byproduct mixed with water provides a good environment for bacteria and due to recycling of the water it provides a good environment for nematodes as well. Photo albums on the other hand need to be pH near neutral. Newspapers are not made to be long lasting.

Making paper.

Alkaline papermaking.

Paper.