Earlier this week, Plastic Pollution Coalition and other nonprofit groups joined cleaning products company Blueland to petition the U.S. EPA to urgently study and regulate a type of plastic called polyvinyl alcohol (which is also referred to as 'PVA' or 'PVOH').
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PVA/PVOH has been produced industrially since the s and is used for a wide variety of applications, including fibers for construction supplies; fishing gear; papermaking; cosmetics; industrial sprays, paints, and sealants; textile (clothing) sizing; packaging materials; food additives; pharmaceutical and medical products; and'quite commonly'film-coated detergent pods and sheets. In light of our petition, corporations that make and sell PVA/PVOH products have doubled down on asserting their material is safe and suggesting there is a 'debate' over the safety of PVA/PVOH. But in reality, enough evidence exists to merit further investigation of the impacts of PVA/PVOH on human and ecological health.
To set the record straight, we've put together this FAQ backed by science and common sense. Read on to learn the truth about PVA/PVOH.
Conflicting information about PVA/PVOH exists today for two key reasons. Corporations: 1) use greenwashing as a marketing tactic to sell potentially harmful products that we might not otherwise buy, and 2) have control of a scientific environment in which they both shape commonly accepted information and are largely protected from scientific and regulatory scrutiny.
Many highly visible scientific studies that appear favorable of PVA/PVOH, especially those demonstrating apparent 'degradability,' are commonly commissioned by plastic and related industry trade groups seeking to sell PVA/PVOH products. Many cleaning products made with PVA/PVOH are marketed as 'eco-friendly' because they appear to readily 'dissolve' in water'seemingly bypassing issues of toxicity and persistence that other plastics face.
Such favorable research findings help corporations sell more PVA/PVOH products, and receive passes from the U.S. EPA, FDA, and other regulatory agencies tasked with protecting human and environmental health. A lack of unbiased information, poor chemical regulatory environment, and corporations' drive for profits prevent us from getting a clear picture of what PVA/PVOH is and what it actually does to the environment and our health. And, because it is everywhere, we deserve to know the truth.
2. Is PVA/PVOH biodegradable?
Even with decades of research, there is currently no definitive proof that PVA/PVOH is truly biodegradable. In fact, research on the textile industry in particular'a major consumer of PVA/PVOH, which is used to 'size' or coat and protect woven fibers during manufacturing'suggests that PVA/PVOH plastic does not degrade, even in water; is commonly found in textile wastewater; and due to these concerns, should be replaced in this application with more benign alternatives.
Pure PVA doesn't easily break apart and must be diluted by degradable plant starches and proteins to even appear to dissolve. Think about what happens when you mix salt with water: Just because you can't see all the tiny grains of salt in the water as they dissolve doesn't mean the salt doesn't still exist. PVA/PVOH films like those used in dishwasher and laundry pods and sheets are designed to be similarly soluble in water. PVA/PVOH can be treated in a way (by running its main ingredient, polyvinyl acetate, through a process called hydrolysis) that makes its bonded particles break apart more easily and appear to 'dissolve' in water' instead of remaining whole, visible, and separate from water.
The EPA currently lists PVA/PVOH on its Safer Choice and Safer Chemical Ingredients lists. But a close look at research on PVA/PVOH and the EPA's generous criteria for 'safe' standards shows that PVA/PVOH is not verifiably nor consistently biodegradable. According to EPA standards, if 60% of a substance has degraded into carbon dioxide and water in 28 days, it passes its OECD 301 standard, and can be called 'readily biodegradable''even though it is not necessarily clear what happens to the remaining mass and chemistry of this substance when it is diluted with water.
In the case of PVA/PVOH, the research recently cited by the American Cleaning Institute shows a wide range of performance when it comes to PVA's supposed degradation in water only. However, a close look reveals flaws in the study ACI cites: It is industry driven, small in size, brief in duration, and lastly, does not actually define what it means by 'biodegradable.'
As other research indicates, PVA/PVOH itself is not actually biodegradable by the common definition of the word. PVA/PVOH, while synthetic and made of fossil fuels, is commonly mixed with degradable additives, such as plant starches and proteins, or even nanosized clays and metals. The presence of these other substances and particles helps cleave apart intact PVA/PVOH plastic, helping it seem to disappear when it makes contact with water.
PVA/PVOH films like detergent pods and sheets are especially prone to causing pollution because they are discharged directly into your home's wastewater system. From there, polluted water is sent back into the ground through your septic, cesspool, or sewer system (and in this case, usually to a sewage treatment plant). Because tiny plastic particles are extremely hard to capture, water could thereby remain polluted by PVA/PVOH and other plastics even after treatment'endangering our planet's waterways and our health.
3. Is PVA/PVOH safe for people and the planet?
According to the EPA, and corporations and industries that make and sell PVA/PVOH, this plastic is currently labeled as 'safe,' largely due to its apparent biodegradability. Yet there is a serious lack of unbiased, dedicated research on the human and environmental health effects of PVA: Health-related research on PVA/PVOH has almost exclusively been conducted on nonhuman animals such as rodents and dogs by PVA/PVOH producers. What little research has been done on humans shows concerning links to inflammation and irritation, especially when PVA/PVOH exposure occurs over a prolonged period.
Despite clearly missing data on PVA/PVOH's short-term and long-term human health and environmental effects, makers of this material advise on their own safety information sheets that their employees avoid breathing in, touching, consuming, and otherwise coming into contact with PVA/PVOH. With PVA/PVOH detected in human breast milk, it appears this plastic has the potential to accumulate in the environment or at least in human bodies where it could cause adverse health effects. Bioaccumulation of PVA has also been observed in carp fish over a short-term period. To prevent potential harm, much more research must be done to understand PVA/PVOH's full range of effects on people, other animals, and the environment.
What's more, PVA/PVOH and all other plastics are disproportionately produced in facilities intentionally placed in underserved low-income, rural, and BIPOC communities. This intentional poisoning of specific communities results in widespread health and environmental injustices, which the EPA has recently agreed to double down on. Allowing for continued production of all plastics'including PVA/PVOH'undermines the EPA's initiative to seriously address injustice in the US. Producers of plastics release large quantities of greenhouse gases during manufacturing, in addition to toxic chemicals known to cause human health problems. PVA/PVOH production releases potent methanol gas, and often butyraldehyde (PVA/PVOH can be combined with this chemical to make polyvinyl butyral [PVB], another type of plastic, in the same facilities as PVA/PVOH).
4. Is there any way to find nontoxic, plastic-free detergents?
Healthy, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic PVA/PVOH pods and sheets exist.
- Make your own healthy, plastic-free laundry soap by combining 14 ounces of washing soda (sodium carbonate) with 14 ounces of borax (sodium tetraborate) or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with 4.5 ounces of natural castile soap flakes. Try to buy these ingredients in bulk, paper, or refillable containers. Mix these dry ingredients, and store in a sealed glass jar or metal tin. Use 1 tablespoon per small load, and 2-3 tablespoons per large load.
- Make your own healthy, plastic-free powdered dishwasher detergent by combining 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup food-grade citric acid powder, 1 cup kosher salt. Store in an airtight plastic-free container. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load of dirty dishes. You can turn this mixture into hardened dishwasher tabs by swapping the citric acid powder for 1 cup lemon juice, then let the mixture harden overnight in a reusable ice cube tray. Pop out and store in a plastic-free airtight container. Use 1 tablet per load of dirty dishes. PPC Notable Member Kathryn Nelson, also known as Plastic-Free Mermaid, shows you how to make a her homemade recipe in this video.
- Make your own healthy, plastic-free dish soap for washing by hand by combining 1 cup unscented castile soap flakes, 6 ounces water, ' cup baking or washing soda, and 10 drops of essential oil (optional). Store in a glass jar.
- Use soap nuts to make zero-waste soap.
- Our petition partner, Blueland, sells a laundry starter set with plastic-free laundry soap pods.
- When looking for pre-made laundry detergent, seek natural, powdered formulations without plastic ingredients and are sold in plastic-free packaging, such as those sold by PPC Members EarthHero and Meliora.
- Visit a refill shop near you where you can find natural liquid or powdered laundry detergents. Use Plastic Free Future's Reuse Map to find one near you.
5. What exactly is your petition asking?
With our petition, we are emphasizing that there is currently a lack of accurate, unbiased information on PVA/PVOH and clear reasons to be concerned about its effects on human and environmental health.
The plastics industry, and the petrochemical industry which fuels it, has long tapped into misinformation campaigns to mislead the public and regulatory bodies, enabling widespread production and pollution of plastic across our planet and in our bodies. It is ironic that the ACI has called our common-sense request to the EPA 'misinformation,' while it continues to lean on clearly biased industry-produced research to make its case for continued production (and pollution) of PVA/PVOH and other plastics.
We are calling on the EPA to take swift and urgent action to study the full ecological and health impacts of PVA/PVOH to best protect people and our planet from potential harm.
Welcome to the fun, messy world of PVA glue! It's one of the best glues for crafting and has probably been a staple in your home, past and present! Whether you're into paper crafting, upcycling or scrapbooking, PVA glue is a crafter's best friend.
Despite PVA glue being a staple in our homes, most of us know very little about it. However, Gathered is here to change that! Our guide covers everything you need to know, including why it's called PVA glue and even a recipe for making your own!
Grab your apron, it's time to get stuck in!
What is PVA glue and what is it made of?
PVA glue is a vinyl polymer and is a type of thermoplastic. It has a rubbery consistency and is an adhesive, meaning it can stick to porous materials like wood and paper. It's often white and dries transparent, but coloured PVA glues are available.
As to what PVA is made of? This is where it gets technical. PVA glue is made up of a combination of different chemical elements. Its chemical formula is (C4H6O2)n
but don't worry, it isn't toxic or harmful.
What does PVA glue stand for?
PVA glue stands for Polyvinyl Acetate. This is the name of the substance all those chemicals create!
What is the difference between aliphatic and PVA glue?
Aliphatic glue is made from aliphatic compounds whereas PVA glue is made of polyvinyl acetate. They're both adhesives and commonly used in the DIY and crafting world.
There's two main differences between aliphatic and PVA glue. Aliphatic glue is heat and water-resistant. PVA is neither of these things. Thanks to this, aliphatic glue is much stronger and is mostly used for woodworking and construction.
Aliphatic glue looks different too, it has a yellowy colour and a creamy consistency as opposed to PVA's rubbery one.
Most crafters won't need aliphatic glue. PVA works brilliantly on crafting projects and is much more suitable for home use.
Aliphatic glue should be used with care and proper protection as it can be toxic. It's certainly not suitable for children!
Is Elmer's glue PVA?
Yes, Elmer's Glue All is a PVA-based glue.
Most of Elmer's glues use PVA as the main ingredient. They also contain a variety of other ingredients like ethanol and acetate.
They sell a range of PVA-based glues each designed for specific purposes. There's glue suited for schools, woodworking and even special glues which are used in making DIY slime!
What is PVA glue used for?
Simply put PVA is used to stick things together! It's an incredible substance which is used everywhere and in everyday life.
PVA glue can be used for fixing broken items, layering, creating crafts and home improvements. It's used in many workplaces including carpentry, design and construction.
But we know and love PVA glue because it's one of the best glues for crafting. It's easy to use and easy to clean but also strong, allowing projects to hold together with ease. It's used not only in the most obvious crafts (papercraft, bookbinding) but also in needlework, fibre crafts and textiles.
Where can I buy PVA glue?
You can buy PVA glue from a huge number of in-store and online retailers. Both independent craft stores and high-street giants sell PVA glue, commonly in their materials or stationary section.
You can pick up PVA glue from:
- Supermarkets (ASDA, Sainsbury's, Walmart, Target)
- Craft stores (Hobbycraft, Joanns, Craft Warehouse)
- All-purpose stores (Wilkinsons, The Works, B&M)
- Hardware shops (B&Q, Robert Dyas, Hartville Hardware)
- Corner or convenience stores
- Online retailers (Amazon, eBay)
Since PVA glue is used so widely you really can find it anywhere. Brands will often sell their own versions as well as the PVA brands we all know and love.
If you're looking for specific PVA glue brands, here's some you can look out for or purchase online:
- Elmer's glue
- Gorilla glue
- Mod Podge
- Unibond
4 of the best PVA glues on the market
Now you know all about the world of PVA glue, it's time to buy some! We've rounded up four of the best PVA glues, at a range of price points, so you can find the right one for you.
1. Mod Podge
Great for: Multi-purpose crafters
For more information, please visit pva chemical.
Mod Podge is a name we all know and trust. They sell a range of different craft glues, most of which are PVA based.
Their Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish is a brilliant all-round glue. It can be used on a variety of surfaces (wood, ceramic, plastic) and is both durable and secure. Mod Podge can be used for decoupage, and paper crafts and is suitable for kids.
If you already have Mod Podge in your stash but are unsure what you can make with it you're in luck! Check out our collection of Mod Podge ideas which are full of fun, creative projects.
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2. Craft Planet PVA glue
Great for: Kids
Craft Planet is the go-to brand for children's crafts and they also sell some fantastic PVA glues. Sticky and non-toxic, their glues are perfect for little crafters or school classrooms. Of course, they can be used by adults too!
All their PVA glues are super affordable and one of the cheapest per litre we've found. This white PVA glue is just £3.80 for 500ml and can be even cheaper when bought in bulk.
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3. Elmer's PVA glue
Great for: Everyday use
Household name Elmers is known for their reliable, no-fuss glue. They have a range of glues, some suitable for woodworking and others ideal for crafting.
Their School Glue is non-run, making it easy to clean. It's also washable and child-friendly ' a great all-rounder for a family home. Not only will it come in handy when crafting but it's also useful for fixing broken items around the house!
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4. Fast Tack PVA glue
Great for: Cardmaking and paper crafting
Fast Tack is the go-to choice for crafters who have deadlines. Claiming to dry in 2-3 minutes, Fast Tack allows you to continue working on projects without getting sticky fingers.
It's ideal for crafts like quilling or cardmaking as they require you to layer lots of intricate details, glueing as you go. It dries clear so is perfect for securing items like sequins, beads and gems.
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How to make PVA glue at home
Although buying PVA glue is easier, you can make it yourself. It can be made with some simple ingredients you probably already have lying around your home!
You will need:
- 300g of sugar
-190g of plain white flour
- 3 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tbsp of baking soda
- 1l of room temperature water
- 1 tbsp of mouthwash (like Listerine)
Method
- Refrigerate 56ml of water until it's chilled
- Mix your flour into the water until smooth
- Boil your remaining water
- Pour your cold water/flour mixture into your boiling water slowly, stirring all the time
- Keep stirring until you get a thick, tacky consistency
- Once you've reached this consistency, stir in the sugar
- Refrigerate until cool
- Your PVA glue is now ready to use!
If you'd like a video tutorial to help you, watch MommyOf3xo's YouTube video. She tests out this recipe and shows you that it really does work!
How long does PVA glue take to dry?
PVA glue tends to be dry after 30 minutes.
Remember, this may differ depending on the brand of PVA glue and thickness of the layer you put down.
How to remove PVA glue
You've bought or made your PVA and now you're crafting! PVA glue is fab but it's also messy. It can easily get on your clothes, surfaces and even carpet. But never fear ' we're here to help you get squeaky clean.
Here's how you can get PVA glue out of the most common surfaces.
How to remove PVA glue from clothes
In order to remove glue from your clothes your first step is to be patient! It's tempting to scrub at the wet stain but this will make it worse. Wait till it has dried, and then you can begin scraping the glue off.
Make sure you scrape gently with a blunt object (the back of a spoon works well). You should be able to get off most of the PVA glue with this.
In order to get the remaining glue out of the fibres, scrub carefully with an old toothbrush. You can use warm water and a little washing powder or washing up liquid.
Give the item a quick soak and wash as normal! The PVA glue should have disappeared and your clothing is as good as new.
How to remove PVA glue from wood
Spilt PVA glue on your lovely wooden dining table? Don't worry, it's easy to clean.
You can either wipe the wet glue off with a damp cloth and warm water, or you can wait for it to dry and peel it off.
If the warm water isn't doing the trick, try wiping a small amount of white spirit on the glue. If it's stubborn, leave a dab of the white spirit on the glue and wait. It should dissolve the PVA glue easily! Then you can wipe the leftover residue with warm water.
How to remove PVA glue from carpet
If you've split PVA glue on your carpet all you need are two things ' a cloth and some nail varnish remover.
Firstly you need to absorb as much of the PVA glue as possible. You can use paper towels, a cloth or a sponge to do this.
Then you can use nail varnish remover to get rid of the PVA left in the fibres. Just press a small amount onto your cloth or towels and press over the stain. This should lift the glue from your carpet.
Once the PVA glue has lifted and the area has dried you can clean it with any carpet cleaner you have handy. Clean with a small amount, leave to dry again, then vacuum over the space.
How to remove PVA glue from walls
Removing PVA glue from your walls is tricky. The process is very simple but be warned that it's likely you'll be left with either a stain on your walls or damage to the paintwork. Despite this, there's a few different approaches you can take when trying to remove PVA glue from your walls.
Firstly, you can wait for it to dry, then peel it away from your walls. This is the easiest way of removing it but there is a risk that your paint may be damaged.
Alternatively, you can use a tiny amount of washing-up liquid diluted in water to wipe away the mark. Remember to use a very small amount or you may end up with water marks on your wall instead of the glue mark!
You can also try the nail varnish or white spirit method (above). Just use tiny amounts at a time and hopefully, this will break down the PVA enough for you to wipe clean.
Make PVA glue a staple in your craft kit
PVA glue really is a great all-rounder. Practical and free of harmful toxins, it's a glue you can keep in your home and craft with easily. It's simple to use, simple to clean and family-friendly!
Finding an affordable PVA glue will help you complete your craft kit of essentials and we guarantee you'll find yourself reaching for it more than you think.
All that's left to do now is find some projects to use it on!
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Put your PVA glue to good use with Gathered
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