A Japanese company has developed paper that it says will last 1000 years.
Most paper deteriorates because it contains traces of lignin, a complex
oxygen-rich organic substance that is the chief constituent of wood along with
cellulose. The lignin makes paper change colour and print fade, eventually
disintegrating altogether. Oji Paper has reduced the lignin content by treating
the wood pulp twice with a secret chemical, to produce paper that it says can
“record information in the 21st century until the 30th century”.
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