Process for plasticizing polyvinyl alcohol resin

An improved process for the production of a plasticizer containing dry, flowable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin blend capable of thermoplastic processing. The process provides for the incorporation of plasticizers in an intimate contact with the PVA resin without heating, cooling, or extended drying steps. Specifically, PVA resin granules having an appropriately small particle size distribution are spray-coated with a liquid plasticizer medium, and then mixed with a dry, fine powder coating medium to produce a flowable, dry plasticized PVA blend. Additional components, such as antioxidants, dyes, and antiblocking agents, may also be incorporated into the finished product.