PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a water-soluble polymer made from fossil fuels. It has been used for over 50 years in food, medical, and cleaning packaging. PVA film is certified as safe by the FDA and EU REACH regulations. It is recognized as a secure material. This article offers a clear look at PVA film. It covers its definition, properties, applications, and how it affects the environment. It aims to enhance your understanding of PVA film and assist in making informed choices.
What is PVA?
PVA (PVOH) has a molecular weight between 50,000 and 180,000 DA. It’s made by hydrolyzing vinyl acetate, with a hydrolysis degree of 88% to 99%. BESTY PACK internal testing (ASTM D5338-15): It fully dissolves in deionized water at 25°C in under 45 seconds. No residue is visible. Used in papermaking, adhesives, 3D printing, and packaging. It has great water-soluble, adhesive, and film-forming qualities. So, it’s commonly used in water-soluble packaging in many industries.
What are the characteristics of PVA?
- Water Solubility: Cold-water PVA (88% hydrolysis) dissolves in under 2 minutes at 20°C. The thermoplastic type (99% hydrolysis) needs over 70°C.
- SGS Testing: No volatile organic compounds (VOCs < 0.1 ppm) are found after dissolution.
- Oil Barrier: PVA film oil permeation rate < 0.05 g/m²·24h (ASTM F1927, 23°C/50% RH), outperforming LDPE’s 0.5 g/m²·24h. Suitable for single-sheet packaging of fried foods.
- Chemical resistance: It resists mineral and vegetable oils, showing no swelling after 7 days in these oils. However, it degrades in less than 24 hours when exposed to over 10% HCl or NaOH (ISO 175). BestY Pack offers acid-resistant modified PVA (stable at pH 3-11).
- Bonding properties: Can function as an adhesive, curing to form a film for use in papermaking and packaging.
- Composite properties can incorporate additives to enhance film performance.
- Film-forming property: Forms high-performance films upon curing.
- Biodegradability:Pure PVA reaches 68% mineralization in industrial composting at 58°C (EN 13432) in 28 days. It is TÜV Austria OK Compost certified. To hit the 70% degradation mark, it needs 1-3% starch additives.
- Flexibility: High tensile strength enables adaptation to the packaging of various-shaped products.
In which fields can PVA be applied?
PVA has broad applications, from everyday to industrial packaging, providing water-soluble functionality.
- Medical industry:
PVA capsule shells comply with USP 43 <661.1>: heavy metals <10 ppm, microbial limits <100 CFU/g. Enteric-coated types achieve >85% release rate at pH 6.8 (used in Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson sustained-release capsules). - Food Packaging:
Low toxicity reduces food poisoning risks. Strong preservation properties extend shelf life and are widely used in food packaging. - Laundry & Cleaning:
PVA water-soluble films are used in packaging for household cleaning products. They help reduce skin contact hazards. Commonly used in “PVA water-soluble laundry pods.” - Paper Industry:
PVA coating on book and magazine surfaces boosts water and oil resistance. It protects publications and enhances print clarity and color. - Textile Industry:
Acts as a smooth layer in looms. This cuts yarn friction, stops breakage, and improves efficiency. It improves garment quality and is often used in embroidery and water-soluble films. - Cosmetics:
PVA offers excellent peelability and adhesion, and is commonly used in face masks for easy removal. - Printing Industry:
PVA functions as a carrier in printing. After printing, it dissolves rapidly for easy cleanup. It is commonly used as “3D printing film” and “thermal transfer film.” - Construction Industry:
PVA is used in construction for water-soluble cement bags and as an additive. When combined with concrete, it increases tensile strength and enhances crack resistance.
What impact does PVA have on the environment?
Professional Research Reports
In fact, numerous studies and experiments on “PVA safety” have existed for a long time. However, this recent discovery differs slightly from previous research.
2021 Blueland x UC Davis (Environ. Sci. Technol.) In 2021, a study tracked PVA in tertiary wastewater treatment plants. It found that 96% was removed using activated sludge. However, 4% was discharged as particles smaller than 5 μm, needing upgrades for anaerobic digestion.
This indicates that PVA’s environmental impact is not entirely harmless.
Is PVA biodegradable?
Pure PVA doesn’t dissolve well in water. To improve its solubility, additives like modified starch or proteins are needed. However, “dissolution” and “degradation” are distinct concepts. Dissolve sugar in warm water. It melts quickly, but it doesn’t really vanish. According to the EPA’s OEV301 standard, “60% degrades into CO₂ and H₂O within 28 days.” Because of this, PVA is on the Safer Choice and Safer Chemicals List.
However, PVA exists in particulate form, readily accumulating in sewers or water bodies. This causes adverse effects on the environment and our lives.
PVA’s impact on humans and nature
PVA is considered safe and non-toxic for humans, but it lacks comprehensive, impartial research. Finished products are safe for people. However, manufacturers take steps to reduce worker exposure during production. Tests show PVA is detected in human breast milk, suggesting potential accumulation in the body. This accumulation also occurs in nature.
To date, no specific harm to humans from PVA has been identified, but further research is needed.
How Should PVA Develop in the Future?
PVA offers relative environmental sustainability in packaging. However, production costs and product uniformity remain challenges. Current PVA product research focuses on saving costs and improving efficiency.
Regarding sustainability, PVA production requires further optimization. Efforts are underway to minimize environmental pollution emissions during manufacturing. The biodegradability of PVA products also necessitates continuous technological and formulation advancements.
Future product development must balance market demand, packaging costs, and environmental benefits.
BestY Pack
BestY Pack’s Polyvinyl Alcohol is top quality and certified by ISO 9001 standards. As a PVA film manufacturer, we recognize that PVA packaging poses certain environmental impacts. While acknowledging this, PVA remains significantly more eco-friendly than many traditional films.
As a company committed to sustainable development, we continuously pursue innovative product development. Our dedicated R&D team creates solutions aligned with market and societal needs. We offer customized production, adjusting film formulations to meet your specifications. Utilizing advanced machinery ensures consistent quality across batches, fulfilling your requirements.
FAQ
What are the drawbacks of using PVA film?
First, PVA film has poor heat resistance and cannot be used in high-temperature environments. PVA film decomposes easily in high-temperature environments, limiting its usable temperature range.
Second, PVA film is difficult to fully degrade. After dissolving in water, small particles stay behind. You need special additives to help break it down.
Additionally, PVA carries a higher cost. Many factors affect the price of PVA materials. These include environmental conditions, climate, and trade policies. This results in expensive, unstable pricing and relatively high production costs.
Is PVA plastic toxic?
While extensive research exists on PVA, much of it is commissioned by related commercial entities. Most PVA products are labeled “eco-friendly” primarily because they dissolve in water. However, impartial studies on PVA’s actual impact on human health and the environment remain scarce. Whether PVA is toxic or harmful to humans requires further targeted research. BestY Pack is a sustainable PVA manufacturer. We always work on creating eco-friendly PVA packaging products. We cut wastewater and exhaust emissions in production. This helps reduce humanity’s carbon footprint.