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Despite its marketed benefits, PVA is derived from petrochemicals and is technically a form of plastic. While it can dissolve in water, the resulting monomer likely takes a considerable amount of time to degrade completely. This slow decomposition raises serious concerns regarding its environmental impact, particularly its potential to contribute to marine pollution and microplastic contamination.
Recent studies have provided mixed messages regarding PVA's biodegradability, with some claims indicating that existing wastewater treatment facilities are ill-equipped to break down PVA effectively. This makes the likelihood of PVA residue entering the wider environment significantly high, contributing to the pollution of aquatic ecosystems and, eventually, our own food sources.