Syrafritt

Syrafritt is a Swedish term that translates to acid-free or free of acids. It is used to describe materials and products that have little or no acidic content and are treated or manufactured to resist acidification over time. The label is most common in contexts related to archives, printing, art preservation, and storage.

In practice, syrafritt materials are designed to minimize acidity by using alkaline or neutral processing. Common examples include paper, cardboard, photo albums, frames, and storage boxes intended for long-term preservation. Achieving a syrafritt standard often involves using lignin-free pulp, chlorine-free bleaching, and buffering agents such as calcium carbonate to help maintain a stable pH.

Clarifying notes and limitations are important. The term does not, by itself, guarantee perpetual stability; environmental factors like humidity, temperature, light exposure, and handling significantly influence aging. In archival and library work, the concept is reinforced by standards and certifications—such as references to acid-free, lignin-free, and pH-neutral materials, with some products also indicating buffering systems and pH ranges. Standards such as ISO 9706 are commonly used in professional settings to define permanence and durability.

Consumers should verify claims with accompanying specifications. Look for explicit pH ranges (often around neutral to mildly alkaline) and notes about lignin-free content or buffering agents. While syrafritt labeling signals a resistance to acid degradation, appropriate storage conditions remain essential to ensure long-term preservation of paper, photos, and related materials.