PVOH films are finding increasing interest and use due to the unique attributes that they can offer:

• Water solubility
• Biodegradability/compostability
• Oxygen and other gas/odor barrier properties
• Resistance to solvents, oils and greases
• Inherently anti-static
• Innocuous and environmentally friendly

PVOH films are most recognized as the films used to package unit-dose detergents (e.g., P&G’s Cascade in the U.S.; Unilever’s Persil Capsules in Europe). In these applications, a consumer can conveniently drop a pre-measured dose, wrapped in PVOH film, into the washing machine.  The film completely dissolves within minutes of the start of the wash cycle.

Celanese has an active development program focused on development of high performance films, both from solution cast and extrusion blown processes. We are applying various techniques, including copolymer technology, novel plasticization, and additives/compounding, to provide the film performance needed in demanding new applications.

Celanese holds key patents in melt extrusion and pelletizing of PVOH: USP 5,137,969 and USP 5,051,222 – with equivalent coverage in Europe and key Asian countries.We continue to develop novel melt processing technology, with a fully equipped laboratory in our Clear Lake, Texas, R&D facility.

Our Vytek™ copolymers are being developed to provide improved functionality in film applications. Attributes that we are able to enhance include: thermal stability, enhanced water solubility, biodegradability / compostability, resistance to salts/ions, stability to harsh chemicals, and hydrophillic/hydrophobic balance.