What Are Water-Soluble Films?
Water-soluble films (WSFs), commonly made from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA/PVOH), are innovative, eco-friendly packaging materials designed to biodegrade safely in water. Known commercially as WaterSol™ Film, these materials combine excellent tensile strength, flexibility, and chemical compatibility, making them ideal for diverse packaging applications across industries.
This eco-friendly innovation enables safe handling of hazardous chemicals, precise product dosing, and the reduction of plastic waste — addressing rising global demand for sustainable products.
Why Water-Soluble Films Are Considered Innovative
Water-soluble films are novel for several reasons:
• Complete Biodegradability in water or waste systems.
• Customizable Solubility based on film thickness, water temperature, agitation, and contents compatibility.
• Anti-Odor Protection, offering excellent barriers against gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen while allowing moisture and ammonia permeation — preserving freshness.
• Convenient Heat-Sealing, adaptable to various temperatures and machinery types.
Types of Water-Soluble Films
• Cold-Water-Soluble Films: Dissolve in water in low temperature.
• Hot-Water-Soluble Films: Require water temperatures above 40°C for solubility.
Applications of Water-Soluble Films
Water-Soluble Laundry Bags
Widely used in hospitals, hotels, and industrial laundries for safe, hygienic handling of contaminated linens. These PVOH bags dissolve in the wash, eliminating direct handling and reducing packaging waste while being odor-resistant and biodegradable.
Embroidery Film
Ideal as an embroidery topping and backing, WaterSol™ film’s controlled tensile strength allows needles to pierce cleanly. It’s quick to remove by tearing or rinsing, unlike paper, which leaves fibers or formaldehyde residues. Special embossed WaterSol™ films are tailored for embroidery professionals.
Agriculture
Water-soluble seed tapes made with PVOH film allow for precise seed placement, promoting uniform germination. These films retain moisture, prevent wind dispersal, and deter animals. Grass or flower seeds can also be embedded in PVOH sheets for landscaping or soil stabilization.
Soap Film
Perfect for on-the-go hygiene, WaterSol™ soap strips dissolve completely in water, leaving no residue. Unlike paper-based soap films, these antimicrobial, fragranced strips are hygienic and mess-free, ideal for travel, outdoor, or emergency use.
Clothing Storage
PVA films are transparent, glossy, and anti-static, acting as air barriers to prevent clothing discoloration (e.g., nitrogen yellowing). Ideal for premium garment packaging.
Food Packaging
PVA films offer grease resistance and excellent barrier properties. They extend food freshness and can also carry flavors or seasonings directly into meat products during cooking — dissolving safely without residue.
Water Transfer Printing Film
This technology allows intricate designs to be transferred onto 3D surfaces of plastic, wood, ceramic, or metal. Decorative WaterSol™ films float on water, and an activator transfers patterns onto items — from switches to automobile parts.
Mould Release Film
WaterSol™ serves as a release film for unsaturated polyester, epoxy, and thermosetting resins. It easily separates from curing resin parts and molds, dissolving cleanly in water while being solvent-resistant — improving operational efficiency and reducing solvent use.
Conclusion
As global demand for eco-friendly, sustainable solutions accelerates, WaterSol™ water-soluble films offer a transformative, versatile, and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional plastic. With diverse applications ranging from agriculture and healthcare to textiles and manufacturing, WaterSol™ represents a breakthrough in sustainable packaging technology — shaping a cleaner, healthier future.
