Composition for use in a machine dishwasher

A machine dishwashing detergent or additive composition consisting essentially of:

• from 25 to 80 wt % of a vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer wherein the vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer comprises at least 85 mol % vinyl alcohol units, has an average molecular weight of 30,000 to 90,000 g/mol, and has a degree of hydrolysis of 95 to 99 mol %;
• from 1 to 25 wt % of a polyhydric alcohol;
• from 5 to 50 wt % of a first active agent comprising a polymer comprising a monomer selected from the group consisting of a monomer having at least one carboxylic acid group or a salt or ester thereof, having at least one imine group or a salt thereof, and having at least one aspartic acid group or a salt or ester thereof;
• optionally a polyvinyl acetate;
• and
• optionally a colorant,
• wherein the composition gradually dissolves and/or disperses over a plurality of wash programs in the machine dishwasher, wherein the vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer is in the form of a mixture with the other ingredients of the composition and is not used as an enclosing material.