Polyvinyl Alcohol in Eco-Friendly Films: Overcoming Challenges for a Sustainable Future

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has emerged as a promising material for biodegradable films due to its water solubility, biocompatibility, and excellent film-forming properties. As global concerns over plastic pollution intensify, PVA-based biodegradable films are gaining attention for applications in food packaging, agriculture, and biomedical industries. This Paper explores the key properties of PVA that make it suitable for biodegradable film applications, including its mechanical strength, barrier properties, and environmental degradability. Various strategies to enhance PVA’s performance, such as blending with natural polymers (e.g., starch, chitosan, cellulose) and incorporating nanomaterial are examined. However, challenges remain, including PVA’s sensitivity to moisture, limited degradation under certain environmental conditions, and cost-related concerns for large-scale production. Solutions such as crosslinking, surface modifications, and the use of eco-friendly additives are discussed to improve the functional properties of PVA-based films. Additionally, this paper highlights recent advancements in sustainable PVA film production and biodegradability assessments. Future research directions focus on enhancing biodegradability, reducing environmental impact, and expanding applications in sustainable packaging solutions. By addressing these challenges, PVA-based biodegradable films hold significant potential as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.