Abstract: A biodegradable material is capable of recovery and recycling by dissolution in water at a temperature 40° C. or higher. The material is insoluble in water at 25° C. The material includes one or both of virgin or scrap polyvinyl alcohol material resultant from manufacture of an article composed of polyvinyl alcohol, or a waste stream containing polyvinyl alcohol material.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the manufacture of a plasticized polyvinyl alcohol polymer mixture, the method including the steps of introducing a polyvinyl alcohol polymer with a degree of hydrolysis of at least 98 wt % or a blend of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer into a mixing reactor; reacting a reaction mixture comprising a processing agent, plasticizer and polyvinyl alcohol polymer in a reaction zone to form plasticized polyvinyl alcohol polymer; wherein the processing agent is water, or a mixture of water and one or more C1-C4 alcohols or other hydroxyl compounds wherein the boiling point of the processing agent is less than the boiling point of the plasticizer; wherein the processing agent is from 3 wt % to 18 wt % in the reaction mixture; and allowing the plasticized polyvinyl alcohol polymer mixture to pass from the mixing reactor.