The addition of alkaline substances to neutralise acids that may be present in materials as a result of manufacture or the environment. Many chemicals can be used as alkaline buffers but the most common are magnesium or calcium carbonate. While alkaline buffering is useful to arrest paper deterioration, it can sometimes be damaging when placed in contact with other materials like leather or some types of photographs. See also Non-buffered.

A method of treating cardboard and bookbinding materials with calcium carbonate to slow down acidification.