AquaFlex PVOH water-soluble film: tested in water, seawater and industrial compost
It dissolves, then it biodegrades
PVOH, also written PVA, is a synthetic polymer that dissolves in water. The film is clear, prints well and blocks oxygen far better than PE.
When PVOH film meets water, it softens and breaks into a solution. That solution is then eaten by microorganisms that turn the polymer into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. The second step is the one that matters for the environment.
Fresh water, seawater and industrial compost
Independent lab tests by ARCHA S.r.l. in Pisa, Italy, under ISO and ASTM standards: valid references that most competitors on this material technology do not reach. A pass means the material fully biodegraded under the test; we state the standard and the days.
Fresh water (aerobic)
Passed in 32 days
ISO 14852
OK biodegradable WATER technical report, ARCHA S.r.l.
Natural seawater
Passed in 43 days
ASTM D6691
OK biodegradable MARINE technical report 22410332, ARCHA S.r.l., also OECD 202 ecotoxicity passed
Industrial compost
Passed in 125 days
ISO 14855-1 (EN 13432 programme)
ARCHA S.r.l. report 22311632, Feb 29, 2024: every EN 13432 item compliant
The compost report covers the full EN 13432 checklist for industrial composting: chemical characterisation, heavy metals and fluorine, biodegradation, disintegration to ISO 16929 on 30 µm and 61 µm film, final compost quality, and a plant toxicity test on barley and cress. We do not claim home compostability, because no home compost test has been run.
Our retained samples, kept in normal storage conditions, have stayed stable for more than five years. That is an observation from our own sample library rather than a formal aging study, and we are happy to show the samples to buyers who visit the factory. You can order to a sensible stock level instead of buying small batches.
Keep goods away from direct water
The trade-off is its main advantage: it is water-soluble, which means your goods can't be exposed to water. Humidity and high heat, however, are not an issue, but direct water contact is a no-go. We advise customers on proper carton liners if water contact is a risk.
Made to your specification
- Formats
- Single web roll, tube on roll, finished bags
- Width
- 200 to 2200 mm
- Thickness
- 15 to 150 µm
- Dissolution grades
- Cold, warm and hot water
- Printing
- Up to 4 colours
- Look
- Transparent, colouring possible
- Customisation
- Size, thickness, colour and print to your specification, minimum order 500 kg
Added properties
Anti-static
Mold resistant
UV resistant
Anti-corrosion (VCI)
What happens after use
If a bag reaches a river or the sea, the water and marine results apply.
If it goes to an industrial composting plant, the EN 13432 report applies. No home compost claim.
If it is dissolved in a washing machine, the solution goes to wastewater treatment, where PVOH is broken down by microorganisms, provided the plant runs aerobic biological treatment.
Ask for the report that fits your use
- SGS REACH test on AquaFlex PVA bag
- SGS food contact test on AquaFlex B-CWS film
- PFAS-free declaration by PVA PRO, based on a third-party lab in Italy
Need a compostable bag that can touch water? Our sister factory GPS PLAS makes CompoFlex. The long guide to PVOH film lives on turngreen.world.
AquaFlex film questions
Is PVA film biodegradable in seawater?
Yes. AquaFlex passed ASTM D6691 in 43 days in natural seawater. That is why we describe it as fully degradable in seawater.
How long does AquaFlex take to biodegrade?
It passed ISO 14852 in 32 days in water. In seawater it passed ASTM D6691 in 43 days, and in industrial composting it passed ISO 14855-1 in 125 days.
Does PVOH film dissolve in cold water or only hot water?
It depends on the grade and thickness. Tell us the water temperature in your process and we will send the data sheet for the grade that fits.
Can water-soluble bags be used to ship garments through humid climates?
Yes. Humidity and high heat are not an issue for AquaFlex. The only thing to avoid is direct water contact, so we recommend proper carton liners if goods could get wet in transit.
What happens to PVA film in a wastewater treatment plant?
Dissolved PVOH is broken down by microorganisms in aerobic biological treatment. Our ISO 14852 pass in 32 days measures this aerobic breakdown in water.
Is PVOH film safe for food contact?
SGS food contact and REACH reports exist for specific AquaFlex grades. Ask us for the report that matches the grade and use you have in mind before relying on it.
Who makes PVOH film in Vietnam?
PVA PRO, a TURN GREEN member, is the first company in Vietnam to produce PVOH film and packaging, and Vietnam's first modified PVA (PVOH) manufacturer.
