Discovering the Power of PVA in Tide PODS

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) plays a crucial role in making laundry efficient This synthetic polymer, found in Tide PODS, dissolves in water to release detergent at the perfect time during the wash cycle. Let's explore the benefits and science behind PVA, and how it contributes to the effectiveness of laundry pods.

Understanding Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)

PVA is a polymer used across various industries, including food and agriculture. In laundry products, PVA is engineered to dissolve completely during wash cycles, ensuring optimal detergent release. Tide PODS utilize this smart chemistry to provide a compact and highly concentrated cleaning solution that works even in cold water.

Benefits of PVA in Laundry Products

Efficient Detergent Release: PVA films dissolve in water, releasing detergent precisely when needed.
Scientifically Proven: Overwhelming science suggests that PVA used in detergent films does not lead to microplastic pollution.
Environmental Impact: By dissolving enabling cold water washing, PVA reduces the carbon footprint associated with laundry.

Why Choose Tide PODS?

Smart Design: Tide PODS are designed to be safe for your machine, dissolving quickly and completely.
Convenience and Effectiveness: Tide PODS make laundry easier by providing a single-dose solution that’s both effective and environmentally conscious.
Ingredients Tested for Safety: Safety guides the ingredient choices we make so you can confidently use Tide products. Learn more about Tide’s ingredient safety process.

FAQs

What is PVA and its role in laundry products?

PVA is a polymer used across various industries, including food and agriculture. In laundry products, PVA is engineered to dissolve completely during wash cycles, ensuring optimal detergent release.

Does the PVA film in Tide PODS contribute to microplastic pollution?

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that PVA film does not create microplastics.

Feature / Characteristic	Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Used in Detergent Films	Most Common Microplastics Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (PA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Water Solubility	Detergent-grade PVA has been scientifically confirmed to be: Water-soluble in laundry and dishwashing conditions ^{[1, 2]} Designed in a way to maximize the solubility of the PVA ^{[2, 3]} Water-soluble ^[2] at levels 50X higher than you would find in a dishwasher or laundry machine, using the international standard for polymer solubility ^[4] Detergent grade PVA is so soluble that it dissolves down to the individual molecules, which do not and cannot reform into particles. This means there is no solid surface for toxic substances in the water to adsorb onto. ^{[5, 6, 7]}	Microplastics are insoluble ^[32]. Even the smallest possible fragments are collections of multiple molecules which do not dissolve. This means they can accumulate in bodies of water. This means they have a solid surface to adsorb and transport other toxic chemicals. ^{[8, 9, 10]}
Biodegradability	Detergent-grade PVA degrades during the normal wastewater treatment process, using universally recognized standard testing methodologies (OECD 301B, 302B). ^{[11, 12, 13]} It breaks down consistently and reproducibly across a range of laboratory sites, geographical locations, and under a variety of testing conditions, even in river water. ^[14]	Microplastics are extremely persistent in the environment, with degradation timelines ranging from decades to centuries, depending on conditions ^[10].
Presence in Water Bodies	Zero evidence of detergent-grade PVA has been found in the aquatic environment, including zero presence found in drinking water ^[15].	Microplastics have been detected in oceans, rivers, lakes, fish, birds, plankton, and remote areas, and in drinking water ^{[10, 15, 16, 17, 18]}.
Accumulation in Living Species	It is not considered a risk, as it does not accumulate. Detergent-grade PVA has never been found in the human body ^{[19, 20, 21, 30, 31]}.	Microplastics will accumulate due to their solubility in cells’ fat structures and have been found in most parts of the human body ^{[10, 21]}.
Presence in the Home Environment	Detergent-grade PVA has never been found in the home environment, even in dishwasher and washing machine use or homes ^{[1, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26]}.	Microplastics have been found in numerous household products as solid particles ^{[1, 22, 23, 25, 26]}.
Toxicity	The environmental safety and human safety of detergent-grade PVA has been confirmed by the EPA, FDA, and other agencies around the world – and it is approved for use in things like detergent pods, eye drops, and the coating of medications ^{[19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31]}.	Microplastics can be harmful to marine life and pose a physical hazard to animals. They can also absorb pollutants due to their solid surface ^{[7, 8]}.
Generally Recognized as a Microplastic	No, detergent-grade PVA is not generally recognized by the scientific community as a microplastic ^{[10, 32, 33]}.	Yes, all these materials fit the generally accepted definition and categorization of a microplastic ^{[10, 32]}.

Why are laundry pods effective?

Laundry pods dissolve quickly, releasing detergent at the right moment during the wash cycle. Laundry pods are compact, highly concentrated, and designed for convenience.

Key Highlights

PVA Enhances Efficiency: Polyvinyl Alcohol dissolves in water, ensuring effective detergent release.
Environmental Safety: There is overwhelming scientific evidence that PVA film does not create microplastics.*
Cold Water Washing Enabled: PVA allows for efficient cleaning even in cold water. Washing in cold water helps save energy.

For more than 75 years, Tide has been committed to sustainability and effective cleaning solutions, backed by extensive research and regulatory support. Experience the difference with Tide PODS — a smart choice for clean laundry you can feel good about.

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