Tide’s Evo Tiles Are a Fresh, Overengineered Take on the Tide Pod

Wired

by Boone Ashworth

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Tide’s new Evo Tiles represent a fresh and highly engineered approach to laundry detergent. These lightweight, fibrous squares simplify the laundry process by eliminating the need for measuring liquids or powders, while also offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Tide Pods. Designed to dissolve in cold water, the tiles release multiple cleaning agents over time, making them effective yet environmentally conscious. After over a decade of development and a year of testing, Tide and Procter & Gamble are rolling out Evo Tiles across the U.S., priced between $5 to $20 per box. The innovation behind Evo Tiles lies in their complex engineering. Composed of 10,000 interwoven detergent fibers arranged into six layers, the tiles create a webbed lattice that releases cleaning agents at different stages. This design allows for precise control over when enzymes and other ingredients are released, ensuring optimal cleaning without harsh chemicals like lipase. The structure also enables eco-friendly features: dissolving in cold water saves energy, and their cardboard packaging is recyclable and FSC-certified. While the tiles themselves are made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) plastics, which can form microplastics when dissolved, Tide emphasizes that these do not break down into harmful microplastics. However, critics point out the broader environmental impact of PVA plastics. Despite this, Evo Tiles mark a step forward in sustainability by reducing reliance on traditional plastic detergent pods and offering a more efficient cleaning solution. For tech enthusiasts, Evo Tiles highlight the intersection of engineering and sustainability. Their

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Originally published on Wired on 2/24/2026