With growing global attention to environmental sustainability, alternatives to traditional plastic products have become a research focus. PVA water-soluble laundry bags, as an innovative eco-friendly product, offer a novel solution for the cleaning industry due to their ability to fully dissolve in water. This paper explores the material properties, application scenarios, and potential environmental benefits of PVA water-soluble laundry bags, aiming to provide theoretical and practical insights for the development of sustainable technologies.

The widespread use of disposable plastic products has significantly harmed the environment, particularly in terms of microplastic pollution and waste management challenges. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble polymer, has gained attention in recent years for its biocompatibility and biodegradability. PVA water-soluble laundry bags leverage these properties, fulfilling functional needs during cleaning while substantially reducing the generation of traditional plastic waste. This study seeks to evaluate the technical feasibility and ecological benefits of this product.

The primary component of PVA water-soluble laundry bags is polyvinyl alcohol, a thermoplastic polymer prepared through specific processes. Its molecular structure enables dissolution in water, typically fully degrading into carbon dioxide and water within a temperature range of 30°C to 60°C. During production, PVA is extruded into films and subsequently processed into laundry bags of varying specifications. To ensure practicality, the product design balances dissolution rate with mechanical strength to accommodate wet or heavy loads.

PVA water-soluble laundry bags demonstrate potential across multiple applications. In the medical sector, they can be used to collect contaminated laundry, allowing direct placement into washing machines and minimizing cross-contamination risks during manual sorting. In hotels and domestic services, they streamline bulk laundry processes, enhancing operational efficiency. For household users, they serve as an alternative to single-use plastic bags, particularly appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Experiments indicate dissolution times of approximately 15 minutes in cold water (around 20°C) and 5 minutes in hot water (around 60°C), reflecting strong adaptability.

Compared to conventional polypropylene or polyethylene plastic bags, PVA water-soluble laundry bags exhibit a significantly reduced environmental footprint. Their degradation products are non-toxic and do not form microplastic particles, aligning with circular economy principles. Preliminary life cycle analysis (LCA) suggests that PVA laundry bags reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30% from production to disposal compared to traditional plastic bags. However, energy consumption and raw material sourcing in the production process require further optimization to achieve broader sustainability.