Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), or PVOH, might sound like a complex term, but it's essentially a material that can dissolve in water. You might not realise it, but this versatile substance is present in many things around us, from contact lenses, food packaging, in medicines to laundry detergent pods.
What is PVA?
PVA is a type of material that dissolves in water. It’s made in a way that it can dissolve in water completely. It doesn't have any colour or smell, and it was first discovered back in 1924. One of the things about PVA is that when it's dry, it can form strong and flexible films. These films have all sorts of useful properties, like being resistant to grease and oils.
Where can you find PVA?
PVA can be found in all sorts of everyday items. You might be surprised to learn that it's used in things like contact lenses, medicine capsules, fishing lines, and even in making paper and photographs. But one of its most common recent uses is in laundry detergent products, where it helps to encapsulate the detergent and release it when it dissolves in water.
Pros and Cons of PVA
Pros:
- Biodegradability: PVA can decompose naturally, so it won't stick around in the environment forever.
- Water-Solubility: It dissolves in water easily, making it perfect for many different applications.
- Safe for Use: PVA is non-toxic, meaning it's safe for humans and the environment.
- Versatility: It can be tweaked to have different properties, making it useful in various industries.
Cons:
- Not Heat or Moisture Resistant: PVA doesn't like high temperatures or moisture, limiting its use in some situations.
- Limited Chemical Resistance: It can be sensitive to certain chemicals, affecting its durability.
- Brittleness Over Time: It might become brittle after a while, which isn't ideal for flexible applications.
- Slow Drying Time: Sometimes, PVA takes its time to dry, which can be a downside for quick projects.
Does PVA contain microplastics?
One of the burning questions surrounding PVA is whether it contributes to the microplastic pollution plaguing our environment. The good news is that PVA itself does not contain microplastics. When it dissolves in water, it breaks down into harmless molecules, leaving no traces of microplastics behind.
Is PVA safe for the environment?
Absolutely! One of the great things about PVA is that it's biodegradable. That means it can break down naturally without harming the environment. When PVA dissolves in water, it doesn't leave behind any harmful microplastics. Instead, it gets broken down by bacteria and other microbes, making it a safe choice for the environment.
Why are companies spreading misinformation?
Despite all the benefits of PVA, there's been some misinformation floating around about its safety. Some companies have spread false information about PVA to make their own products look better, but the truth is that it's a safe and eco-friendly option. At Hapiso, we're committed to transparency and only use ingredients that we know are safe and effective. It’s important to critically evaluate the sources of information and rely on credible sources when making purchasing decisions.
How does Hapiso use PVA?
Hapiso uses PVA because it's completely biodegradable and dissolves easily in water. This means no leftover residue or plastic waste to worry about. PVA helps to maintain the structure and composition of the pods. Plus, it's recognized as safe by the FDA, so you can trust that it's safe to use in our products.
Furthermore, Hapiso goes the extra mile by packaging their laundry pods in a biodegradable and fully compostable box. This commitment to sustainability ensures that your laundry routine is not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Polyvinyl Alcohol, or PVA, might sound like a fancy term, but it’s a pretty cool and safe material when used correctly. From contact lenses to laundry detergent pods, PVA is all around us, providing us with safe and effective solutions. So, the next time you’re doing your laundry with Hapiso pods, you can feel good knowing that you’re using a product that’s not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
Resources
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/newsroom/releases/2022/misinformation-campaign-valuable-chemistry