The water-soluble plastics industry is growing rapidly, and with good reason. This type of packaging can completely transform the way we use, buy and dispose of products. From single-use detergent packets that dissolve in the washing machine to controlled-release fertilisers, there is a huge potential for this new technology to make a real difference. However, there is a danger that some companies are using the term “water-soluble” incorrectly. They are suggesting that their PVA-based hot water soluble polybags are an alternative to traditional single-use plastics when in reality, they are just another plastic bag with a different coating.
The PVA in the polybags is a form of polyvinyl alcohol. This material has a low MWT and is soluble in cold and hot water at varying temperatures. The problem is that it also has a high CO2 impact when compared to Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), the main material used in plastic bags. This is why most of the major producers of PVA for hot water soluble polybags are careful not to claim that their polybags are an alternative to single-use plastics.
Rather, they suggest that the bags are an environmentally friendly replacement for soiled hospital linen and garment bags. They are also hygienic as they reduce the need to handle contaminated laundry directly, as they can be placed in the laundry without having to open them.
In addition, the bags are fully recyclable. They can be dissolved and flushed away with the wash waste, or disposed of in a normal landfill. They are also free of phthalates, BPA and styrene, making them suitable for all environments including hospitals, schools and workplaces.
A further benefit of these bags is that they can be used in the same fashion as traditional soiled laundry bags, which means that no special equipment or training is needed to use them. This helps to cut down on staff costs and minimises the need for employees to touch contaminated laundry manually. This is particularly important in the case of hospital laundry, where infection control is vital. The bags also allow for the easy disposal of soiled linen and garments, making them ideal for use in healthcare & hazardous waste facilities, laundries, nursing homes and hotels. The soiled linen and garments can be stored, isolated, transported and cleaned in the bags until they are ready to be processed for re-use or sent to a landfill. This can help to prevent contamination of other areas and reduce the amount of washing required. This can lead to savings on water & electricity bills, and a reduced carbon footprint. These benefits mean that the water-soluble bags can offer significant cost and environmental savings over conventional laundry bags. A wide range of sizes and colours are available to suit all needs, from 380 mm x 500 mm to 914 mm x 990 mm. A retail handle is also included, along with a BIOHAZARD symbol printed in black and clear or red polyvinyl alcohol film. water soluble bag manufacturers
