Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets do not Contain Microplastics

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets are Free of Microplastics

Is PVA a Microplastic? Here’s Why the Answer Is No.

At Earth Breeze, we know our customers care about what goes into their wash, and what goes down the drain. Microplastics have become a growing concern, and for good reason; microplastics can pollute waterways and can linger in the environment for decades. Recently, we’ve seen some confusion, and misinformation about whether polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the dissolvable material used in our detergent sheets, is a microplastic. Some have lumped all synthetic ingredients into one category, but not all synthetics are the same. Let’s clear it up.

The PVA used in our detergent sheets is not a microplastic. It’s a water-soluble, biodegradable material that fully dissolves in your wash and does not contribute to microplastic pollution.

What is PVA, exactly?

PVA is a water-soluble film used to hold detergent ingredients together until they hit the wash. It’s what helps Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets clean so effectively; delivering ultra concentrated detergent in a lightweight, no-mess format that dissolves completely in water. Once the sheet hits water—hot or cold—the PVA dissolves and releases the cleaning agents inside.

This smart delivery system means less packaging, no spills, and a whole lot less waste.

Why it’s not a microplastic

PVA is often confused with microplastics because it’s a synthetic polymer. But that’s where the similarity ends.

Here’s the difference:

Microplastics are solid plastic particles that do not dissolve in water. They persist, they accumulate, and they’re resistant to natural breakdown.
The PVA used in laundry detergent sheets—like the one used by Earth Breeze—is designed to dissolve completely in water and biodegrade. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this type of PVA does not meet the definition of a microplastic and does not pose a risk of environmental accumulation.

In fact, recent legislation from the EU on synthetic polymer microparticles specifically states that PVA films like ours are not considered microplastics.

Backed by science, not just marketing

It’s not just Earth Breeze saying this. Organizations like the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) have studied PVA in real-world scenarios—including wastewater treatment and natural environments—and concluded that PVA reliably biodegrades thanks to microbes and bacteria that break it down.

The EPA’s Safer Choice program also backs this up. PVA is included in the program for meeting stringent safety and environmental criteria. And when that safety was challenged, the EPA re-reviewed the science—and stood by their decision.

Safe for people, safe for the planet

Beyond being environmentally responsible, PVA is also used in products that touch our bodies every day. Think contact lens lubricants, eye drops, pill coatings, and even medical applications. It’s earned approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe for human use in both food and healthcare products.

So when you choose Earth Breeze, you can rest assured the type of PVA used in our products has been carefully studied, thoroughly tested, and trusted well beyond the laundry room—for people and for the planet.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting claims about what’s truly good for your home, your family, and the planet. But when it comes to PVA, the facts are clear: the water-soluble PVA used in our detergent sheets is not a microplastic, it breaks down safely, and it helps reduce waste.

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets are free of microplastics.

PVA has sparked a lot of conversation—but it’s not the ingredient that should be raising red flags. When you look closely at what’s in many traditional detergents, it’s clear that other common ingredients pose far greater concerns.

At Earth Breeze, we focus on thoughtful choices—ingredients that work hard, break down cleanly, and do not compromise your health or our planet.

Here's how the PVA we use compares to ingredients still found in many conventional laundry products:

Ingredients We Leave Out	Why It’s Used in Traditional Products	Why We Don’t Use It
Parabens	Synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in detergent, shampoo, and cosmetics	Parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They have been found in marine species and human tissue, raising concerns about hormone interference and long-term health effects.
Phosphates	Added to soften hard water and enhance cleaning performance	Phosphates contribute to eutrophication, which leads to harmful algal blooms and oxygen-depleted “dead zones” in aquatic ecosystems. Banned or restricted in many regions.
Chlorine Bleach	Acts as a whitening and disinfecting agent	Releases toxic chlorinated byproducts (e.g., VOCs or organochlorine residues) into the environment. Can also irritate skin, lungs, and eyes. Not compatible with septic systems or graywater reuse.
Optical Brighteners	Synthetic compounds that make clothes appear whiter/brighter	These chemicals do not aid cleaning, are toxic to aquatic organisms, and are slow to biodegrade, making them persistent in the environment.
Dyes	Added for color or visual appeal in detergent	Synthetic dyes offer no functional benefit in cleaning and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Many are not biodegradable.
Formaldehyde / Releasers	Used as preservatives and antimicrobial agents	Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. It off-gases into the air and is banned in some personal care applications due to its health risks.
Silicones (Dimethicone, etc.)	Used to reduce friction and create softness in fabrics	Certain silicones are not biodegradable and can bioaccumulate in aquatic life. Some forms are under regulatory review for persistence and toxicity.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)	Surfactants that lift oils and dirt	NPEs are banned in several regions due to their status as aquatic endocrine disruptors. They are toxic to invertebrates and fish and degrade into more harmful compounds.
Tetrasodium EDTA	Water softener and chelating agent	EDTA is not readily biodegradable and can mobilize heavy metals in wastewater, potentially increasing their bioavailability and environmental impact.
Plastic Detergent Bottles	Used to package liquid and pod detergents	Fewer than 5% of plastic detergent jugs are recycled. They shed microplastics and can release up to 2.5 million particles per container into wastewater during washing.

What Clean Should Mean ™

At Earth Breeze, we believe clean laundry should be free from harsh chemical residue, which is why we avoid the harsh chemicals found in many traditional detergents—like parabens, phthalates, preservatives, dyes, and optical brighteners.

To us, that's "What Clean Should Mean" ™ and that’s what our customers deserve.