why does old cardboard have a sweet smell?
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Cardboard is made primarily from paper, which itself comes from wood pulp—an organic material. Over time, as cardboard ages, the lignin (a natural polymer in wood) begins to degrade. When ligin starts to break down, it releases a compound called vanillin (similar to what’s in vanilla). This gives the cardboard that sweet smell – also ascribed to the scent that old books emit, which is often described as slightly sweet.
Also – some types of cardboard may have been treated or manufactured with starches, adhesives, or other plant-based compounds. Over time, these materials can undergo mild fermentation or chemical changes, releasing compounds that have a sweet aroma. Starch, in particular, can break down into simple sugars or other compounds that give off a sweet scent.
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