Water soluble bag manufacturers produce multi-use bags that are meant to be used as alternative to single-use plastic garment bags. These bags protect clothing, underwear and swimwear from getting damaged by washing and drying processes. They are also ideal for protecting soft homewares such as towels, quilts and comforters. The bags are made from a non-toxic, marine safe film and printed with a water based ink that is also non-toxic to humans and animals. The film is biodegradable and will decompose into carbon dioxide and water in a natural cycle.
The invention discloses a composite uniplanar water soluble film comprising a strip of cold water soluble plastic film bonded at its edge to another strip of hot water soluble plastic film, to form a bag. The hot water soluble portion of the bag is maintained out of contact with the laundry during the cold water wash and may be flushed away with sewage from the washing machine. In one embodiment, the composite film is incorporated in a laundry bag for infection-proof storage of soiled hospital linens and garments.
While the use of PVA-based polybags is certainly a step in the right direction, it is difficult to see how they can be considered a sustainable solution to single-use plastics. For one thing, it is unclear how PVA-based polybags fit into the concept of a circular economy, since most suggested end-of-life pathways involve their destruction, either by dissolution in water or industrial composting. The production of these end-of-life solutions would require new raw materials, which would add to the existing plastics burden.
A more sustainable solution may be to reduce the use of single-use plastics entirely, and this is something that most consumers are beginning to do. Thankfully, many companies are offering products that make it easier to do just that. For example, a company called EcoSol(r) Corporation has developed a line of innovative packaging that is designed to break down in water. The product combines the traditional functionality of a polybag with the advantages of a paperboard container, and can be easily shredded by hand or in a standard paper shredder.
In addition, this material has the added benefit of being completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly. It is not only water soluble, but it will also dissolve in hot water and will decompose into carbon dioxide, water, and other organic molecules. This makes it an excellent choice for packaging goods that will be used in watery environments, such as food, cosmetics, or cleaning chemicals.
Another company that offers innovative water soluble packaging is Hero Packaging. Its latest product is a garment bag that replaces single-use plastic garment bags. The bag can be used by hospitals, hotels, department stores and other businesses to protect clothes from becoming wrinkled during the drying process. It is easy to open and close, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. In addition, it can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business.