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Biodegradability of Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Film Used for Liquid Detergent Capsules
Summary
Researchers confirmed the biodegradability of polyvinyl alcohol film used in liquid detergent capsules through ready biodegradation screening tests, addressing concerns that these water-soluble capsule films might contribute to environmental microplastic accumulation.
Abstract Questions and potential misperceptions have arisen about the potential contribution of liquid detergent capsules to the environmental microplastics issue. The film of these detergents is highly water soluble, also in cold water, as it must fully dissolve during every type of washing process. Water-soluble grades of polyvinyl alcohol, the most commonly used detergent capsule film material, are recognised to be biodegradable. In the current paper, adequate biodegradability is confirmed by means of ready biodegradation screening tests, across a range of polyvinyl alcohol detergent grade films. The high water solubility in itself implies that detergent capsule films are not within the microplastic scope. Furthermore, their biodegradability ensures there is no concern for persistence or accumulation in the environment.
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