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

.Used in eye drops (such as artificial tears to treat dry eyes) and hard contact solution as a lubricant