Given how pollution has become a growing part of the collective consciousness, businesses are searching for alternatives in product manufacturing — cold water soluble is that alternative.

Cold water soluble film is the solution to reducing white pollution because, much like plastic, this polyvinyl alcohol film can be used in dozens of applications, given it can dissolve in water.

What is Water Soluble Film?

Water soluble film is made from polyvinyl resins and can be called PVOH or PVA, which refers to polyvinyl alcohol.

PVA was first introduced in the 1920s and has since undergone an evolution that allows it to dissolve in 10 seconds and be safe for use in the manufacture of general household products. It's the most sustainable and versatile of  the polyvinyl resins and can be used in dozens of use cases because its colorless, odorless, water-soluble, and fully biodegradable.

7 Use Cases for Cold Water Soluble Film

There are dozens of domestic and commercial uses for water-soluble film, making it the perfect introduction to commercial production.

Laundry and Dishwasher Detergents

Premeasured laundry detergents have become a go-to for modern consumers who don't want to consider whether they're using the correct measurements. But detergent tablets don't dissolve quickly and can leave an unpleasant residue on clothes or dishes.

PVA is useful in this regard, allowing manufacturers to create zero-waste products that won't affect the machines' performance.

Unit-Dose Pharmaceuticals

To simplify dosing medications, polyvinyl alcohol film can be most beneficial in making it easier for patients to take the correct dosage.

Beyond being used to dose pharmaceuticals, polyvinyl alcohol film can also be used in the medical field to avoid contamination through Medical PVA laundry bags — like the ones developed by POLYVA.

These laundry bags limit contamination between their handlers and the medical waste inside the bag.

Embroidery

For commercial or domestic embroidery projects, polyvinyl alcohol is the best option to replace typical embroidery backings.

PVA enables you to expand the materials that can be embroidered to include delicate, rough, or fluffy textiles and fabrics.

The material doesn't cause needle jumping or skewing or discolor the fabric or the embroidered design.

Food Packaging

Food packaging is typically considered one of the largest contributors to pollution and waste.

Polyvinyl Alcohol film has the potential to change that trajectory, even for single-use items.

Given that PVA is biodegradable and water-soluble, it means that products using this material won't harm the planet, even as the product becomes widely used.

Water Treatments

Given that PVA is entirely water soluble, the polyvinyl alcohol film can be used to hold water treatments. Insert the solution you're using to treat water into the water-soluble film or bags and then let loose in the water, where the bag will disintegrate and allow the treatment to be set free.

Transfer Printing

Improve your transfer printing practices on ceramics, nylon, wood, fiber, acrylic, and FRP. PVA expedites transfer printing because the excess material disintegrates in under five seconds and dissolves within 25 seconds.

Garment Bags

Give your garment bags the biodegradable status they need to appeal to a growing consumer base. These bags are transparent and durable while protecting clothes from yellowing and any and all discoloration.

Polyvinyl Alcohol Film: An Innovative Solution for Sustainable Packaging

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film manufacturing requires significant investment and technical expertise to produce resins demonstrating the desired characteristics. However, in recent years, there has been a substantial increase in new patent applications for PVA resins and films.

Some patents describe combining PVA with biodegradable materials, such as molded pulp, to provide entirely biodegradable barrier packaging. Others focus on harnessing the unique thermoforming characteristics of PVA to combine with other plastic materials, creating a multifunctional package that facilitates the recycling process.

The packaging industry is a significant user of plastic polymers, spending more than $1 billion annually. While it has resisted change, public attention and pressure to tackle global packaging pollution levels from materials such as single-use plastics have pushed brand owners to look for innovative materials, delivery systems, and commercial models.

Like most traditional polymers, PVA is fossil-based. However, bio-based synthesis routes and options to combine them with complementary materials are available. In some instances, consumers are willing to pay premium pricing for more sustainable products. This is a prime area for research and development, where more time can be spent evaluating the exciting potential of PVA.

The current trends in sustainability and plastic pollution, along with new advances in polymer synthesis, make this an ideal time to reconsider using this versatile material for sustainable packaging solutions.

Using POLYVA's Cold Water Soluble Film in Production

POLYVA uses additives to make our water soluble and safe for use in many commercial and domestic uses. This means that the PVA dissolves quicker, leaves no residue, and is 100 percent biodegradable. Furthermore, our premium polyvinyl alcohol film is versatile and customizable.