The papermaking process is increasingly being modified so that the sheet is formed in a neutral or alkaline aqueous environment, rather than in an acid one. Paper made in this way is normally longer lasting, because acid hydrolysis of the cellulose can no longer occur. However, the reasons for introducing the modified process are largely economic and the product may not necessarily meet specification for permanence and durability. The technicalities of the economic advantages, the factors involved in making a change to neutral/alkaline papermaking, and how all this impinges on producing a satisfactory permanent paper are described.