Why we changed to dishwasher powder from tablets

We've changed from dishwasher tablets to dishwasher powder and want to fill you in as to why!

We used to stock Ecoleaf dishwasher tablets which we thought ticked all the plastic free boxes but now we are not so sure. Before stocking them we checked with our supplier about the water soluble outer, known as PVA (polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol). At the time of our initial research we were a little nervous given the very plastic sounding name but were reassured that PVA dissolves into an aqueous solution of PVA first in water and then with the right microbes it breaks down to just water and CO2. Our supplier confirmed this and that this process occurs either aerobically or anaerobically depending on the treatment process conditions, either within a septic tank or water treatment plant. We were happy with this at the time but have since come across some articles that made us think twice about PVA.

As the name suggests, PVA is a plastic and it seems that the sticking point comes with the uncertainty over how quickly it actually dissolves from PVA into water and CO2. The details are all a little fuzzy with no firm or clear answers. Scientists from Newcastle University conducted a comprehensive study exploring the ingestion of microplastics in deep sea trenches and found polyvinyl acetate within the samples they collected, which means that PVA is reaching our oceans and is not always breaking down within the treatment plants. 

This gave us some cause for concern and we felt that it was best to be cautious and see if we could find an alternative. One of our existing suppliers, SESI Refill offered a dishwasher powder that is vegan, cruelty free and made in the UK plus its delivered in a refillable plastic tub, so we thought we'd make the change! If you'd like to give the new Sesi powder a try let us know and we can add a free sample to your next order. 

You can read more about SESI dishwasher powder. If you are worried about where to get your rinse aid, why not look into making your own, with cardboard packed citric acid and either water or vinegar. 

There has also recently been an update in that New York City is considering limiting the types of laundry and dishwashing detergents available. The bill would make it illegal to sell or distribute detergent pods or laundry sheets that contain polyvinyl alcohol, also known as PVA or PVOH. If approved, the bill would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Articles from etee, Plastic Oceans, Pub Med, Royal Society Publishing and Bloomberg.

If there are any PVA experts out there reading this and can help with our concerns please do get in touch!