Water-Soluble PVOH Packaging: The Applications Replacing Conventional Plastic

Two ways PVOH replaces plastic

PVOH packaging works in two different ways. In the first, the bag is meant to dissolve during use: it goes into the washing machine, the mixing tank or the mold. In the second, the bag protects dry goods like a conventional plastic bag, and the water solubility matters only at the end of life. Both start from the same material, AquaFlex, chosen by grade and thickness.

Every application below comes from the PVA PRO factory deck and product photo library. Each use case gets its own grade and thickness, and we usually start with a sample run on the customer's own line before quoting volume.

Garment packaging

Clear polybags for folded garments, so labels can be scanned and goods checked by hand, without leaving a persistent plastic bag at the end of the chain. Formats: flat bags, seal tape bags, hanger bags and film on roll. The film has crystal clear transparency, and can be dustproof, anti-static and UV resistant. Humidity and heat in transit are not an issue; only direct water contact must be avoided, so we advise carton liners where needed.

Leather and accessories

High clarity bags that show leather goods, shoes and accessories, with a mold resistant option that protects leather based items from molding during storage and shipping. Formats: flat bags, seal tape bags and film on roll.

Electronics ESD bags

Anti-static AquaFlex film with customisable antistatic resistance protects sensitive electronics, keeps components dry and stays clear for inspection without unpacking. Tamper-evident closures support product integrity and traceability. Formats: flat bags, seal tape bags, tamper-proof bags and film on roll. For dry goods that need long storage, the more than five years of storage stability of retained samples is a practical advantage.

VCI anti-corrosion packaging

Vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) bags protect metal parts, from small items to large parts, against corrosion, scratches and abrasion during transport. Formats: flat bags, seal tape bags, tamper-proof bags and film on roll.

Water-soluble laundry bags

Soiled linen goes into the washing machine still inside the bag, so staff handle it less and avoid direct contact with spoiled laundry. The bag dissolves in the wash, and the solution goes to wastewater treatment, where dissolved PVOH is broken down by microorganisms in aerobic biological treatment. Formats: flat bags and bags with a perforated tie line, in various thicknesses, sizes and colours. Hot water grade B-HWS dissolves above 70°C; cold and warm grades are available for other cycles.

Detergent, chemicals and additives

Drop-and-release film for pre-dosed ingredients, additives, chemicals and detergents. It gives precise dosing, releases the agent quickly, avoids direct contact with concentrated chemicals and removes bulky containers and measuring cups. Format: film on roll, typically cold water grade B-CWS, which dissolves above 25°C.

Mold release film

A film for composite and resin molding that is washed off after curing. The factory deck lists high temperature resistance, dimensional stability, no residue or marks on molded parts, and no exposure to lubricants or solvents for workers. Format: film on roll from 15 to 150 microns.

Single-use gloves

Water-soluble single-use gloves that dissolve in water after use, with customised sizes and packaging, compatible with touch screens and other devices, and static and chemical resistant for a range of industries.

Paper: coatings, window film and AquaFlex paper

PVOH gives paper a grease and oxygen barrier that stays repulpable while being heat sealable. AquaFlex comes as liquid overprint coatings with matt or gloss finishing, heat seal coatings for automatic packing lines and form-fill-seal, insert coatings, paper coatings for water and oil resistance, and window film on roll or pre-cut sheets.

AquaFlex paper lamination on metalized kraft paper is engineered for FFS lines, with an oxygen transmission rate below 1 cc/m²/day (ASTM F1927) and a water vapour transmission rate below 1 g/m²/day at 38°C and 90% RH (ASTM F1249). It is customisable from 50 to 120 gsm, with a 500 kg minimum order and a 15 to 30 day lead time. It is also made by an established EU converter under technology transfer. Only the AquaFlex film or coating was tested for biodegradation, not the whole laminate. See AquaFlex paper.

How to roll out PVOH packaging

• Pick one product line. Start where goods stay dry and the bag is used once, such as garments or electronics parts.
• Choose grade and thickness. Match the water temperature and the strength you need; ask for the data sheet.
• Run samples on your line. Check sealing, packing speed, print and transparency.
• Plan storage. Keep goods away from liquid water and add carton liners if needed.
• Explain end of life to users. Base on-pack wording on the lab test reports, for example "dissolves in water", and keep the test references available.
• Scale. With a 500 kg minimum order and 200 tons per month of capacity, volumes can grow line by line.

Every format is available as single web roll, tube on roll or finished bags, in widths of 200 to 2200 mm and thicknesses of 15 to 150 µm, with print up to 4 colours.

Paper packaging in more detail

Paper products are made to order from 50 to 120 gsm, with a 500 kg minimum order and a lead time of 15 to 30 days. Lab results for AquaFlex apply to the film or coating, not to the whole laminate.

Examples by industry

Where a use is not listed here, it is not in our factory deck or product library yet. Tell us the job and we will say honestly whether PVOH fits.

Choosing the right application

Grades are confirmed on the data sheet for your job. Read What is modified PVOH? for how grades work, the lab tests guide for end-of-life results, and browse products or the AquaFlex film page.