
archival quality
Archival quality refers to the standards of materials and methods used to preserve documents, photographs, artworks, and other items for the long term. It means choosing supplies like storage containers, papers, and inks that resist deterioration, fading, and damage over decades or centuries. The goal is to ensure that these items remain intact, legible, and authentic for future generations. Archival-quality materials are typically acid-free, lignin-free, and stable, providing a safe environment for preservation without accelerating decay. This careful approach is essential for museums, libraries, and collectors aiming to protect valuable or historical items.