Are Laundry Detergent Sheets Really Eco-Friendly? The Truth Behind Laundry Sheet Claims

Laundry Detergent Sheets Contain Polyvinyl Alcohol, or PVA

Polyvinyl alcohol or PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer. It’s also a fancy term for—you guessed it—plastic. Just about all laundry detergent sheets contain polyvinyl alcohol. 

Is polyvinyl alcohol biodegradable?

The problem is, PVA is marketed as biodegradable, but evidence suggests that’s not necessarily the case. While some studies indicate polyvinyl alcohol degrades in wastewater treatment plants when certain microbes are present, PVA doesn’t fully break down naturally, or when those organisms aren’t there. 

In fact, research suggests that up to 61% of PVA in consumer products doesn’t fully degrade in our wastewater systems, meaning it eventually ends up in our rivers, oceans, and the environment as microplastics.

Laundry Detergent Sheets Waste More Water Than You Think

Another reason laundry sheets miss the mark on sustainability? Water and energy waste.

Are laundry sheets eco-friendly?

While they’re marketed as a convenient way to “cut back on extra rinse cycles,” testing by Wirecutter determined that laundry detergent sheets aren’t effective enough to get clothes clean the first time. Many users end up running multiple loads or adding extra rinse cycles to remove lingering odors, stains, and residue.

That means more water, more electricity, and more time spent re-washing—all of which cancel out any “eco” benefits.

So instead of saving resources, laundry detergent sheets often do the opposite. And when you think about how much energy your washer uses per load, those repeated cycles add up fast, both for your utility bill and the planet.

Truly Free Home’s Sustainable Laundry Detergent Solution

At Truly Free Home, we believe a cleaner planet starts with cleaner ingredients—and smarter packaging. Our refillable Laundry Wash system eliminates the need for single-use plastics or dissolvable “film” made from PVA.

Here’s how it works: just refill your Forever Jug with our plant-powered cleaning concentrate, add water, and get to washing. 

And because our refill pouches are recyclable in many areas, you can feel good knowing you’re not just cleaning your clothes, you’re helping keep plastic out of our waterways and off your family’s skin.