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The unmatched cleaning power of Cascade pods is made possible by a water-soluble film using polyvinyl alcohol (also known as PVA or PVOH). PVA is a very common polymer used in lots of applications including medicinal pill capsules and eye drops. It’s especially effective for Cascade because it keeps each ingredient separate until they combine at the right moment in the dishwashing cycle and then the PVA dissolves in water.
While you may have heard that PVA used in dishwasher detergent pods contributes to microplastics, there is zero evidence to back that up. There is overwhelming science that Cascade film does not create microplastics.
| Feature / Characteristic | Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Used in Detergent Films | Microplastics |
|---|---|---|
| Water Solubility |
Detergent-grade PVA has been scientifically confirmed to be:
|
Microplastics are insoluble. Even the smallest possible fragments are collections of multiple molecules which do not dissolve, accumulate in bodies of water, and have a solid surface to adsorb and transport other toxic chemicals. [7] , [8] |
| Biodegradability |
Detergent-grade PVA degrades during the normal wastewater treatment process, using universally recognized standard testing methodologies (OECD 301B, 302B).
[9]
,
[10]
,
[11]
It breaks down consistently and reproducibly across a range of laboratory sites, geographical locations, and under a variety of testing conditions, even in river water. [12] |
Microplastics are extremely persistent in the environment, with degradation timelines ranging from decades to centuries, depending on conditions. [8] |
| Presence in Water Bodies | Zero evidence of detergent-grade PVA has been found in the aquatic environment, including zero presence found in drinking water. [13] | Microplastics have been detected in oceans, rivers, lakes, fish, birds, plankton, and remote areas, and in drinking water. [8] , [13] , [14] |
| Accumulation in Living Species | It is not considered a risk, as it does not accumulate. Detergent-grade PVA has never been found in the human body. [15] | Microplastics will accumulate due to their solubility in cells’ fat structures and have been found in most parts of the human body. [8] |
| Presence in the Home Environment | Detergent-grade PVA has never been found in the home environment, even in dishwasher and washing machine use. [1] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] | Microplastics have been found in numerous household products as solid particles. [1] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] |
| Human Safety | The environmental safety and human safety of detergent-grade PVA has been confirmed by the EPA, FDA, and other agencies around the world – and it is approved for use in things like detergent pods, eye drops, and the coating of medications. [14] , [15] , [16] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] | Microplastics can be harmful to marine life and pose a physical hazard to animals. They can also absorb pollutants due to their solid surface. [7] , [8] |
| Generally Recognized as a Microplastic | No, detergent-grade PVA is not generally recognized by the scientific community as a microplastic. [8] , [24] | Yes, all these materials fit the generally accepted definition and categorization of a microplastic. [8] , [24] |
Reference Links:
- Lack of Evidence for Microplastic Contamination from Water-Soluble Detergent Capsules
- Springer Chapter
- OECD Test No. 120
- ACS Omega Article
- Polymer Journal Article
- Macromolecules Article
- ScienceDirect Article 1
- Science Article
- Water-Soluble Polymer Biodegradation Study
- Wiley IEAM Article
- De Gruyter Article
- ScienceDirect Article 2
- JRC EU Publication
- ScienceDirect Article 3
- EFSA Journal Publication
- Environmental Science Article
- Environmental International Article
- ACS ES&T Water Article
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Article
- MDPI Polymers Article
- SAGE Journal Article
- EPA Regulations.gov Document
- MSU CRIS Trending - PVA
- ACS EST Article
To learn more about what’s in Cascade dish detergent, click here.
PVA is a water-soluble polymer used to make dishwasher detergent packs. PVA is a very common polymer used in lots of applications including medicinal pill capsules and eye drops. The type of PVA used for detergents like Cascade is remarkable – it’s specially designed to stay strong when dry and rapidly dissolve when submerged in water during the dishwasher cycle!
For more information on the safe use of PVA used in detergent products, click here.
The American Cleaning Institute is debunking myths around detergents and PVA . For an accurate and evidence-based fact sheet on the topic, click here.
To learn more about the technology of Cascade pods, click here.
To learn more about Cascade’s rigorous safety standards, click here.