PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol): What It Is & Environmental Impact

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Definition

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable and water-soluble synthetic polymer used in a wide variety of different products and processes.

Other acronyms that are commonly used to refer to polyvinyl alcohol include PVOH and PVAI.

Properties of PVA

Polyvinyl alcohol is an extremely versatile material, which is becoming more popular recently due to its many valuable properties, including:

• Water-soluble
• Biodegradable
• Bond Strength
• Flexibility
• Clear/colorless
• Odorless
• Tasteless
• Non-toxic
• Low-hazard EWG Rating (Environmental Working Group)
• FDA Approved for food packaging and pharmaceutical uses

PVA Ingredients & How It’s Made

Polyvinyl alcohol is prepared through a process called alcoholysis (also known as saponification or hydrolysis). This process involves dissolving polyvinyl acetate in methanol or ethanol with an acid catalyst and heat, which extracts the polyvinyl alcohol. [1]

What is Polyvinyl Alcohol Used For?

PVA has wide-ranging uses due to its versatile chemical composition and its ability to form strong and flexible bonds when combined with other materials.

PVA is used extensively in many everyday items such as:

• Dissolvable soap pods
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceutical capsules
• Paints
• Adhesives
• Fabrics
• Packaging
• Even food and beverage products

Its mechanical properties make it an ideal material for applications involving strength and flexibility. This, along with environmental reasons and health safety help make PVA one of the most versatile polymers used today.

Is Polyvinyl Alcohol Safe?

PVA is known for being safe for a variety of uses and non-toxic in nature. As mentioned before, it has been approved by the FDA for many uses as well as received the lowest hazard rating from the EWG.

The EWG looks specifically at common concerns such as cancer, allergies & immunotoxicity, developmental & reproductive toxicity, and other use restrictions. [2]

Overall, it can be considered a reliable and safe material with multiple useful applications.

Is PVA Bad for the Environment?

Though it is synthetically created, polyvinyl alcohol is far better for the environment than many of its alternatives.

Due to its water-solubility and ability to biodegrade quickly and completely, it is able to maintain a short lifecycle without leaving behind any harmful residues or microplastics.

According to a study by The Cleaning Institute, PVAs decompose up to 86% within the first 4 weeks (averaging 60.4%) and biodegrade completely within 90 days. [3]

Is PVA Bad for Your Health?

Polyvinyl alcohol in the products you use every day is not unhealthy. It’s not viewed as hazardous and is cleared for consumption uses for food and medications.

It is not often consumed in large quantities, but for its common uses, it can be considered safe.

Does Natural Replacements Use PVA in Products?

We do have polyvinyl alcohol as an ingredient in some products that we offer, such as our laundry detergent sheets. This helps form the sheets into their shape and keeps them easy to use.

We believe that this is a viable sustainable option and a great alternative to many common products. Due to PVA’s biodegradability, low hazard ratings, and overall safety for use, we are comfortable including these options in our product selection.

Polyvinyl Alcohol: Frequently Asked Questions

What is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)?

Polyvinyl Alcohol (also known as PVA, PVOH, or PVAI) is a biodegradable and water-soluble synthetic polymer used in a wide variety of different products and processes including cosmetics, packaging, and dissolvable pods or capsules.

Is polyvinyl alcohol bad for the environment?

No, PVA is not particularly bad for the environment. In fact, it is far better for the planet than many of its alternatives. Due to its water-solubility and ability to biodegrade quickly and completely, it is able to maintain a short lifecycle without leaving behind any harmful residues or microplastics.

Is polyvinyl alcohol plastic?

PVA is considered a plastic, or more specifically, a synthetic polymer. However, unlike more commonly thought of “plastics”, PVA is completely water-soluble and biodegradable, making it a much more eco-friendly option.

Does polyvinyl alcohol create microplastics?

No, PVA does not leave behind microplastics or harmful residues as it decomposes. It is water-soluble and biodegrades completely within 90 days.

Is polyvinyl alcohol biodegradable?

Yes, PVAs are fully biodegradable and dissolve in water.

Is polyvinyl alcohol actually alcohol?

PVA (aka PVOH or PVAI) is an alcohol created through hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. Chemically, it is considered a synthetic polymer.

What is PVA made of?

Polyvinyl alcohol is prepared through a process called alcoholysis (also known as saponification or hydrolysis). This process involves dissolving polyvinyl acetate in methanol or ethanol with an acid catalyst and heat, which extracts the polyvinyl alcohol.