EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) grades differ mainly in two numbers: the vinyl acetate (VA) content and the melt flow index (MFI). Get those two right for your process and most of the grade selection is done.
VA content: from tough film to soft and sticky
More vinyl acetate makes EVA softer, more flexible, clearer and better at bonding, and lowers its melting point. Less VA makes it behave more like LDPE.
- Low VA (about 2–10 %): agricultural, stretch and packaging film, where toughness and clarity matter
- About 18–28 %: footwear foam for midsoles, outsoles and slippers, compounded with blowing and cross-linking agents
- About 28–33 %: solar-panel encapsulation film
- About 18–40 %: hot-melt adhesives for packaging, bookbinding and woodworking
Melt flow index: matching the process
MFI shows how easily the melt flows. Foam, film and extrusion grades usually have a low to medium MFI for melt strength. Hot-melt adhesive grades can have a very high MFI, sometimes several hundred g/10 min, so the adhesive wets the surface and sets quickly.
Other points to check
- Additives: slip, antiblock or stabilisers, depending on the grade.
- Formulation partners: foam needs blowing and cross-linking agents; hot-melt needs tackifiers and waxes.
- Storage: high-VA pellets can stick together in heat, so keep them cool and dry.
Compare against your current grade
The fastest way to source an alternative is to share your current grade and its data sheet. VA content, MFI and density let us compare suitable supply line by line.
What to send for a quote
- Application: foam, hot-melt, solar, film or compound
- VA content and MFI, or your current grade and data sheet
- Any formulation or hardness targets (for foam)
- Quantity, packing, destination port and Incoterm