Polyvinyl alcohol is used as an emulsion polymerization, as protective colloid, to make polyvinyl acetate dispersions. This is the largest market application in China. Some other uses of polyvinyl alcohol include:

• Paper adhesive with boric acid in spiral tube winding and solid board production
• Thickener, modifier, in polyvinyl acetate glues
• Textile sizing agent
• Paper coatings ,release liner ,
• As a water-soluble film useful for packaging. An example is the envelope containing laundry detergent in "liqui-tabs".
• Feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products as a biodegradable plastic backing sheet.
• Carbon dioxide barrier in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles
• As a film used in the water transfer printing process
• As a form release because materials such as epoxy do not stick to it
• Movie practical effect and children's play putty or slime when combined with borax
• Used in eye drops (such as artificial tears to treat dry eyes) and hard contact solution as a lubricant
• PVA fiber, as reinforcement in concrete