Applications of Hanwha TotalEnergies 1218 EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Hanwha TotalEnergies 1218 EVA is widely integrated across several precision manufacturing sectors due to its high vinyl acetate content, reliable processability, and balanced strength-flexibility profile. This section details real-world industrial applications, process details, regulation adherence, and formulation considerations based on actual downstream adoption.

1. Solar Photovoltaic Encapsulation

The solar photovoltaic industry relies on 1218 EVA for producing encapsulant sheets that ensure protection and durability of silicon solar cells. Its clarity, adhesive properties, and resistance to UV-degradation support long-term module performance under diverse environmental stresses. Downstream manufacturers select this grade to achieve laminated modules that meet global reliability benchmarks and warranty obligations.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 photovoltaic module standards
• UL 1703 module certification
• RoHS and REACH restrictions on hazardous substances
• TUV Rheinland quality system requirements

Typical usage ratio

• Average EVA inclusion: 25% to 35% by weight in encapsulant sheet compounding, adjusted based on target crosslinking density, transparency, and module thickness

Downstream process integration

• EVA enters the extrusion or calendaring process for sheet formation, followed by crosslinking (via peroxide initiation) during module lamination cycles

Final product types

• Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels
• BIPV module laminates
• Flexible photovoltaics for transportation or mobile uses

2. Hot Melt Adhesive Formulation

Adhesive manufacturers use 1218 EVA as a core resin in hot melt system design due to its balance of tack and cohesive strength, as well as compatibility with a wide range of tackifiers and waxes. This grade ensures rapid bond formation and temperature tolerance required for packaging, woodworking, and nonwoven hygiene end-uses.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives for indirect food contact)
• ISO 9001:2015 (Manufacturing quality management for adhesives)
• EN 923 (Terminology standard for adhesives)
• GB/T 2793-2020 (China standard for thermoplastic adhesives)

Typical usage ratio

• EVA forms 20% to 38% of formulations; exact ratio depends on formulation viscosity, bond strength targets, and substrate compatibility

Downstream process integration

• Pelletized EVA is melted and blended with tackifiers, plasticizers, and antioxidants, then pelletized or sheeted for hot melt applications; resin directly determines set time and open time in the final product

Final product types

• Hot melt glue sticks
• Aerosol package adhesives
• Bookbinding adhesives
• Hygiene pad and diaper assembly adhesives

3. Footwear Foam Injection (Sole and Midsole)

In the footwear sector, 1218 EVA is a preferred raw material for injection-molded foamed soles, due to its elasticity, compression set resistance, and comfort characteristics. Manufacturers target midsole and outsole specifications based on load-bearing, density, and colorant compatibility, with EVA forming the main matrix in both sports and casual products.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 20344 (Footwear testing methods)
• REACH Annex XVII (Restriction of hazardous substances in footwear)
• PROP 65 (California Proposition 65 disclosure for footwear)
• GB25038 (Chinese Technical Specifications for Safety Shoes)

Typical usage ratio

• EVA content typically at 55% to 75% of the injected compound, adjusted for required Shore hardness and foam cell structure

Downstream process integration

• EVA is blended with blowing agents, colorants, and crosslinkers; compounding occurs in kneaders or twin screws, followed by injection molding or press molding for sole formation

Final product types

• Running shoe midsoles
• Casual and sandal soles
• Children’s footwear components
• Safety boot insoles

4. Wire and Cable Sheathing Compounds

The wire and cable industry incorporates 1218 EVA into low-smoke, halogen-free sheathing formulations. Its insulation properties, flexibility at low temperatures, and compatibility with fire-retardant additives support compliance with stringent safety and electrical performance regulations in communications and power applications.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60228 (Conductors of insulated cables)
• UL 1581 (Reference Standard for Electrical Wires and Cables)
• EN 50363-7 (EVA/PE-based insulating compounds for cables)
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (Hazardous substance restriction for cable and electronics)

Typical usage ratio

• Formulations use EVA at 40% to 50% by weight, varying based on flame resistance and flexibility requirements

Downstream process integration

• EVA is compounded with mineral flame retardants, anti-oxidants, and processing aids; the compound is then extruded over conductors in the sheathing or insulation process

Final product types

• Low-voltage electrical cables
• Control and instrumentation wires
• Automotive cable sheaths
• Telecommunications cables

5. Flexible Film and Packaging Production

Flexible film converters use 1218 EVA in co-extrusion and blown film processes to achieve clarity, heat sealability, and low-temperature flexibility, especially for deep freeze and stretch packaging. It also supports regulated food packaging lines due to its inertness and compatibility with food contact safety standards.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 (Food contact compliance for EVA films)
• EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (Plastic materials in contact with food)
• GMP Regulation EC/2023/2006 (Good Manufacturing Practice for food contact materials)
• ISO 22000 (Food safety management for packaging lines)

Typical usage ratio

• EVA is included at 6% to 15% in multilayer film compositions, the percentage modified according to sealing strength and flexibility demands

Downstream process integration

• EVA is dry blended with LDPE or LLDPE, then co-extruded or blown; in multilayer lines, it may serve as a heat sealing layer or impact modifier

Final product types

• Frozen food packaging films
• Greenhouse covers
• Stretch wrap and shrink films
• Vacuum pouch layers

6. Masterbatch and Color Concentrate Carriers

Masterbatch producers select 1218 EVA as a carrier resin for pigment and additive dispersions, improving dispersibility and processing consistency versus other carriers in demanding film, sheet, and extrusion applications. The unique polarity and compatibility support high loading levels without compromising downstream conversion stability.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 9001 (Quality management for compounding and masterbatching)
• REACH SVHC screening for regulated colorants/additives
• RoHS (for masterbatch intended for electrical/packaging use)
• EN 12819 (Polymer-based colorant masterbatches)

Typical usage ratio

• Carrier phase forms 30% to 60% of masterbatch formulation by weight, with EVA content tailored to pigment wet-out and end-use thermal requirements

Downstream process integration

• Pigments and functional additives are pre-mixed with EVA resin; the blend is processed through twin-screw extrusion, then cut, cooled, and pelletized for customer processing in film, injection, or sheet lines

Final product types

• White, black, or color masterbatch for film and profile extrusion
• Antistatic and UV-resistant additive concentrates
• Compounded dispersions for injection-molded goods