What is an EVA Foam and its common uses?

EVA foam is the acronym for the closed cell ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam used as an effective substitute for a variety of materials used in production. It is a suitable substitute for natural rubber, vinyl, neoprene, polyurethane and pvc foam, wood composites, felts, fiberglass, and mineral wool. The EVA foam material characteristically provides good gloss and clarity, remains strong at low-temperatures, retains its resistance to UV radiation and stress-cracking, and possesses hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties.

EVA is used in sports shoes to absorb impact shock. It is a popular material for slippers and sandals because it forms to fit the foot, light weight, and it provides glossy finishes.

Common Uses

EVA foam has a fine uniform cell structure that allows it to be processed much like other thermoplastics. It retains its flexibility and resilience, quickly recovers from compressions, and absorbs colors. The foam is typically formed in a mould which becomes a sheet of closed cell foam (“a bun”). Bun dimensions vary depending on the density of the foam. The bun is cut into sheets or fabricated into a specific shape or item per specification.

EVA foam is extremely versatile with innumerable uses and applications that are generally taken for granted by most of us. EVA foam may be found in all types of appliances, automotive, building, marine, electronics, healthcare, packaging, sports, leisure, and recreation, and footwear. For example:

• EVA is competitively used in place of rubber and vinyl products in many electrical applications.
• EVA is used to give plastic wrap its “clinginess.”
• EVA emulsions are developed into adhesives used in packaging, bookbinding, bonding plastic films, metal surfaces, and coated papers.
• EVA is used with wax and resin additives to make hot-melt adhesives, hot glue sticks, and top notch soccer cleats.
• EVA craft foam sheets are used to make children’s foam stickers.