The PVA Argument
At ECOKAPS, we understand that there is a significant amount of concern about microplastics leaching into our waterways. One of the ingredients we use in our laundry sheets (Polyvinyl Alcohol - PVA) has come under scrutiny in this respect.
We have preformed a considerable amount of research on this topic. We wanted to ensure that introducing a product to market with PVA in it was not harmful to our environment; or at the very least significantly reduced harm in comparison to current mainstream competing products. We quickly discovered that the PVA argument is a fascinating one, and as one might expect in this modern world of truth bending information, not shy of controversy.
There are many 'types' of PVA that are ingredients in so many everyday items, from the glue used in schools to food packaging, eye drops and even pill capsules. It is important that we understand, as best we can, what type of PVA is used in what products. For example, the PVA used to bind liquid in laundry pods is different to that which is used in ECOKAPS sheets.
PVA has been used in various forms for over one hundred years, in which time many studies have been engaged.
The Washington Post states in their research article by Michael J Coren in January 2024 on PVA (via Joe Zagorski, a toxicologist for the Center of Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University) that;
"So far, few scientists have changed their stance on PVA. Zagorski, at Michigan State University, says the findings raise provocative questions, but there's not enough evidence to be alarmed. "PVA has been used for decades" without conclusive evidence of health or environmental harms, said the toxicologist. If there were profound issues with it, I would wager we would have detected it. With the evidence currently available, I don't really have concerns."
We have the utmost respect for the academic scientific community, and therefore place our faith in their testing. We do not place our faith in organisations selling competing products that attempt to influence public opinion for their own financial benefit.
There are many studies published far and wide that look to provide clarity on the PVA debate. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) 'Myth vs Fact' is a great start for where current scientific thought sits. More links to other studies at the bottom of this page. The sources for these studies in their bibliographies are also a good way to dive deeper.
We understand that the seeds of influenced opinion are hard to change once they are engrained in public psyche. We also understand, that knowledge and understanding is always evolving too. As a company, we have no intention of 'greenwashing' as some accuse us and others in our industry of doing.
We are driven to encourage a rapid reduction in single-use plastic waste and transport emissions that are the result of current mainstream / water based product lines.
Even though we have no reason to believe that the PVA we are using is in any way toxic or producing microplastics, we do understand that public opinion is hard to sway once moving in a particular direction. We are therefore working hard to remove PVA from our products over time as the science of formula development improves and we are able to safely do so.
Most laundry / dishwasher sheets in the market are currently made up of between 25-40% PVA. We have now developed a plant-based alternative that only requires 3% PVA in our sheet products.
We always welcome more information and scientifically backed evidence to increase our knowledge. If you have information you would like to share with us please do via our contact form.
Articles
Biomaterials of PVA and Natural Polymers
Biodegradability of Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Film Used for Liquid Detergent Capsules