Storing Old Photos in Ziploc® Plastic Bags Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)

June 03,2024

Dear Donia, Can old photos be stored in Ziploc® plastic bags? Q. Dear Donia, What would be wrong with putting old photos in Ziploc® plastic bags? They would be kept dry and free of all elements. Is there acid in those plastic bags? Thanks, Kent A. Dear Kent, While it seems like Ziploc® bags would be a great idea for storing photographs and protecting them from the elements, there are drawbacks. First, there are plasticizers in the plastic that are released over time and will damage the photographs.

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Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)

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