Whether it’s a single-use laundry bag that dissolves in the washing machine or food packaging that can be eaten and digested without unwrapping, the emerging world of water-soluble plastics promises to revolutionise how products are packaged, used and disposed. The industry is predicting that between 2023 and 2033, the global market for this type of environmentally sustainable and flexible packaging will reach $4.79bn.
While these innovations offer the potential for a more eco-friendly future, they still need to be carefully considered. This is especially true of water-soluble polybags, which are currently being marketed as the answer to conventional single-use plastic bags. While these new bags can certainly be a helpful tool for the environment, they are not yet ready to replace conventional plastic packaging, and the claims being made by their manufacturers need further scrutiny.
Water soluble polybags are made from a thin film of uniplanar PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) that has been partially hydrolysed to make it more water soluble. The thickness of the film determines whether the polybag will dissolve in cold or hot water, with the material dissolving more easily at higher temperatures.
The hydrolysis process involves converting the polyvinyl alcohol to polyethylene and other molecules that are more water soluble. The amount of hydrolysis that occurs determines the degree to which the bags will dissolve in cold or hot water, as well as how long they will remain in storage. The resulting bags are highly durable and provide excellent moisture, dust and odor protection.
These bags can be used for a wide range of applications, including isolating contaminated linens in hospitals and nursing homes. They can also be used to contain soiled equipment and articles to prevent them from being transported from room to room. Once a bag has been sealed, it can be dropped in the laundry machine to dissolve completely during the washing and disinfection process, preventing the spread of infection and mites.
Another common use for these bags is in the shipping of bulk powder agro chemicals. They are designed to protect the contents from damage and contamination during transportation and handling, and can be sealed and resealed multiple times. These bags can also be printed with a biohazard symbol for additional safety.
This manufacturer offers a range of hot and cold water-soluble bags with tamper evident seals. The bags can be customized with printing, heat sealing and flexography services. The company can produce standard and custom sizes, as well as offer a number of stock items. Other offerings include plastic bags, woven and laminated bags, and heat-sealed polyethylene pouches. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has a high level of quality assurance. This includes testing and verification of their finished products. The company has an in-house laboratory and works with LMPE laboratory from Italy to improve the formulation of their products. This helps ensure that they are of the highest quality and environmentally friendly. The company also offers a free sample program. water soluble bag manufacturers