Applications of Borealis Bornewables EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Borealis Bornewables EVA, formulated from renewable feedstocks, delivers high performance in demanding industrial manufacturing chains. As the original manufacturer, we partner directly with converters and processors in established value streams, focusing on environmentally responsible alternatives without compromising technical or commercial requirements. Below, we detail distinct deployment channels backed by verifiable usage standards, process integration stages, and final product outcomes.

1. Photovoltaic Module Encapsulation

Renewable-based EVA is widely adopted in encapsulation sheets for photovoltaic panel production, where material purity and stability drive the long-term efficiency and reliability of solar modules. Sheet manufacturers select grade-specific formulations to achieve exact transmittance, adhesion, and low shrinkage performance, integrating EVA sheets during the lamination stage in module assembly. Strict compliance with recognized PV standards is required to qualify for global solar markets.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215 (Crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules – Design qualification and type approval)
• IEC 61730 (Photovoltaic module safety qualification)
• UL 1703 (Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels)
• RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances)

Typical usage ratio

• Encapsulant layer: 25–35% of total module stack, adjusted for panel size and transparency targets

Downstream process integration

• Sheet extrusion and crosslinking, followed by vacuum lamination under heat and pressure during module assembly

Final product types

• PERC solar panels
• Bifacial solar modules
• Thin-film photovoltaic modules

2. Flexible Packaging Films for Food Contact

Processors utilize Bornewables EVA in the coextrusion of multilayer food packaging films, targeting applications where sealing strength, clarity, and low-temperature flexibility are critical. Food film converters adhere closely to food safety standards and migration limits. Adjusting VA content in the composition allows manufacturers to fine-tune opening strength, peelability, and barrier functions for specific food groups.

Industry compliance standards

• EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials intended to come into contact with food
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 (Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers for food packaging)
• EN 1186 (Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs – Plastics test methods for overall migration)
• ISO 22000 (Food safety management systems)

Typical usage ratio

• 5–20% of the coextrusion blend for sealing layer; ratio increases or decreases depending on target peel strength and flexibility

Downstream process integration

• Direct dry blending in the extruder feed, followed by blown or cast film coextrusion lines with downstream annealing and corona treatment stages

Final product types

• Vacuum pouch films for meat and cheese
• Lidding films for ready meals
• Peelable tray seals
• Flexible bags for produce and bakery goods

3. Hot Melt Adhesives for Paper and Hygiene Products

Industrial adhesive manufacturers incorporate renewable EVA grades in the base resin blend for hot melt adhesives designed for packaging, paper lamination, and personal hygiene assembly. Certifying adhesion and performance according to hygiene and environmental standards is necessary, particularly where adhesives contact food packaging or skin. Modifier and tackifier ratios are adjusted according to end-use speed, open time, and substrate type.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives for indirect food contact)
• BfR Recommendation XXI (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment – Adhesives)
• ISO 9001 (Quality management for adhesive production)
• REACH compliance for restricted substances

Typical usage ratio

• 30–60% of total adhesive formulation, alongside tackifiers, plasticizers, and waxes; dosage tailored for target viscosity and setting behaviors

Downstream process integration

• Hot blending with additives and fillers in jacketed mixers, supplied as ready-to-use pellets or blocks for end-user application in slot, spray, or swirl glue equipment

Final product types

• Backsheet bonding for baby diapers and adult incontinence pads
• Cigarette filter assembly adhesives
• Bookbinding glues
• Corrugated box sealing adhesives

4. Wire and Cable Compound Sheathing

Renewable EVA is selected by wire and cable compounders for jacketing and insulation layers, especially in applications where low smoke and halogen-free properties are specified. Such compounds must meet strict flame retardancy, mechanical and electrical requirements for building, automotive, and data cable markets. Recipe proportions are adjusted depending on compound softness and flexibility targets, and high consistency is required through compounding and extrusion.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60502-1 (Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories)
• EN 50268 (Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions)
• UL 1581 (Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords)
• RoHS and REACH (Hazardous substances and SVHC restrictions)

Typical usage ratio

• 35–55% in compounded cable jackets, adjusted for flame retardant filler content and target mechanical performance

Downstream process integration

• Melt blending with mineral fillers and fire retardants, followed by pelletizing and melt extrusion over conduction wires or cable cores

Final product types

• Building installation cables (LSZH/LSOH)
• Automotive data cables
• Solar cable insulation
• Flexible control and instrumentation cables

5. Foam Injection for Footwear and Sporting Goods

Footwear molders and sporting goods manufacturers leverage renewable EVA grades in foam midsole and insole applications, relying on its resilience and lightness for athletic and comfort shoe production. Formulations blend with foaming agents and crosslinkers, requiring close management of density and rebound characteristics to match end-user comfort and performance specs. All compounds must conform to footwear-specific consumer safety and emission regulations.

Industry compliance standards

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Textile and leather – restricted substances)
• EN ISO 20345:2022 (Personal protective equipment – Safety footwear requirements)
• REACH Annex XVII restrictions (PAHs in plastics, phthalates)
• GB/T 15107 (Chinese standard for sport shoe manufacturing)

Typical usage ratio

• 60–90% in foam midsole compounds, with minor adjustments based on density, hardness, and foaming capacity demanded by the shoe design

Downstream process integration

• Kneader or Banbury mixing with crosslinkers, foaming agents, followed by injection molding and oven curing to create crosslinked foam

Final product types

• Sports training shoes
• Leisure and sandal soles
• Children’s footwear midsoles
• Lightweight foam balls and sports pads

6. Film Casting for Agricultural Greenhouse Covers

Producers of agricultural films integrate renewable EVA into multilayer greenhouse film casting to enhance climatic stability, light diffusion, and mechanical toughness. The adjustment of VA content and blend composition allows optimization for local UV, thermal, and anti-drip requirements, supporting long service life in field conditions. All compounds undergo migration, weathering, and photostability compliance prior to release in regulated farming regions.

Industry compliance standards

• EN 13206:2021 (Plastics – Film for use in agriculture and horticulture)
• Directive 2009/128/EC (Sustainable use of pesticides regarding non-toxicity)
• REACH registration for long-term outdoor use
• ISO 4892-3 (Plastics – Exposure to laboratory light sources, fluorescent UV lamps)

Typical usage ratio

• 5–15% of multilayer extruded film, VA content and loading modified to target daytime light transmission and anti-fog properties

Downstream process integration

• Direct blending in blown film extrusion lines, then cooled, trimmed, and optionally anti-fog/topcoat enhanced prior to roll slitting

Final product types

• Greenhouse tunnel films
• Mulching sheets
• Low-tunnel agricultural covers
• Horticultural frost protection films