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Recently Ive had discussions with a dishwasher tablet company ( Natures Organics who market themselves as environmentally prudent) and was hoping someone with a grasp on the chemistry could advise me before i reply. They individually wrap each tablet with polyvinyl alcohol which they claim is " a type of polymer that is fully water soluble; the component ingredients then being fully biodegradable". I left a wrapper in a glass for a week and noticed no further degradation beyond a silicone coloured liquid suspended in water. So i wondered how do naturally occuring enzymes finish the job? Under what circumstances are they present, ie is the packaging likely to come into contact with these enzymes during its journey. Came across comments from a polymer chemist who says PVA "is water soluable but not sure of the effects on marine life or water based ecological systems" He goes on to suggest there is an issue with "degradation of the aliphatic polymer backbone. No naturally occuring enzymes or bacteria are currently known to be able to degrade this structure". The company claims its 'Earth choice' tabs are individually wrapped because 'they can cause irritation in some people'. Kindness