Ethylene-vinyl acetate
Industry Uses, Properties, and Common Questions
Businesses looking for a lightweight material for manufacturing products from packaging to footwear, might choose to work with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The copolymer comes in different forms and has diverse applications across multiple industries.
What is Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)?
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is a copolymer made with a mix of ethylene and vinyl acetate.
Depending on the percentage of vinyl acetate used, EVA can either be:
A plastic-like film which contains low levels of vinyl acetate (VA)
A rubbery material containing higher levels of vinyl acetate
Or a soft foam-type fabric
While the properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate can vary based on levels of vinyl acetate, EVA is typically highly flexible and bendable, soft to touch, and impact resistant. It typically keeps its shape, even in wet conditions. It is often used to make fabrics for sportswear and outdoor apparel and equipment.
What is Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) used for?
What are the properties of Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)?
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) can have a varying vinyl acetate content from as low as 4% to as high as 60%. This adapts the characteristics of the fabric, but EVA typically demonstrates the following qualities.
Elasticity and softness
One of the most common characteristics of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is its flexibility and soft touch. It is easy to mould and shape without it losing its form, making it good for cushioning or padding. It remains flexible even at low temperatures.
Durability and resistance
EVA is highly resistant to wear and tear as well as resistant to abrasion. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is resistant to multiple chemicals, meaning it can be used safely in industrial settings.
Non-toxic
EVA is non-toxic, meaning it is safe to use in childcare, the medical industry, and for food-based applications.
Lightweight
Being extremely lightweight makes ethylene-vinyl acetate very versatile. It is a popular choice for protective clothing and footwear items.
Weatherproof
Having high water resistance, ethylene-vinyl acetate is weatherproof. It can be used for applications like wetsuits or rain gear that will be exposed to water.
Low melting temperature
EVA melts at a low temperature offering versatility in the creation of textile products, allowing for easy bonding in manufacturing processes.
Noise and heat
Ethylene-vinyl acetate has noise-reducing properties as well as low thermal conductivity. It can therefore be used to absorb sound or for thermal insulation.
Recyclability
It is possible to recycle EVA helping to reduce environmental impact.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) industry uses
Many industries are making the most of the versatility of EVA.
Textile industry
One of the most common uses of EVA is to create textiles and textile products. Its impermeability and insulation make it ideal for applications like wetsuits.
Footwear
Ethylene-vinyl acetate is used in high-performance footwear due to its comfort, shock absorption, durability, and lightness. Many types are suitable for the orthopaedics industry.
Medical and healthcare industry:
Useful for manufacture of medical tubing, IV bags, blood bags, and other medical devices due to its biocompatibility and transparency.
Packaging
Lightweight and flexible, EVA can be a foamlike shock absorber or also be a clear film, both ideal for types of packaging. For food packaging, check out ecological and non-toxic food-grade EVA.
Construction industry
The construction industry uses ethylene-vinyl acetate for thermal and sound insulation materials. It can be particularly handy for applications like roofing, flooring, and wall insulation.
Electronics and electrical applications
As both an electrical insulator and a material that protects against moisture, EVA works well in electronic components, such as connectors, cable jackets, and seals.
Solar energy industry
The photovoltaic (PV) industry uses IVA for encapsulating solar cells within PV modules and protecting them from the elements.
Medical sector
Ethylene-vinyl acetate has practical uses in the healthcare industry, from dressing wounds to manufacturing medical device components, thanks to its biocompatibility and soft feel.
Laminating and coating
Due to a low melting point, EVA can easily become a hot melt adhesive used in the laminating process for bonding different materials together, such as fabrics, papers, and films.
Frequently asked questions
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is considered safe and non-toxic, phthalate-free, and BPA-free. It is biocompatible, meaning it can be used in medical applications without harming the human body.
EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate, is a type of plastic made from a blend of ethylene and vinyl acetate. Although not technically a rubber, it does display some of the qualities of rubber, like its texture and natural stretch.
EVA is non-hazardous and non-toxic, complying with regulations and being acceptable to use in health care and food-grade products.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is safe to wear. As it easily absorbs shock, is lightweight, and soft to touch, it is an ideal material for safety gear, protective clothing, and water apparel like wetsuits.
Your high-quality, affordable Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) solution
Choosing the right industrial textiles for your manufacturing projects can be a time-consuming task. However, it is vital you select the most effective, practical, and affordable materials to best serve your needs.
Head to Expafol to make sure you always get the highest quality Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Whatever your industry, Expafol is one of Europe’s leading textile manufacturers, offering large quantities of industrial-grade fabrics without breaking the bank.
EVA is the ultimate choice for lightweight, high strength, and elastic material for many industries. Contact the Expafol team and learn how you can begin working with this incredible material.
