Applications of Versalis Greenflex ML 40 EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Versalis Greenflex ML 40 EVA features a high vinyl acetate content with an environmentally conscious sourcing profile. As a manufacturer, we supply this specific ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer to downstream producers requiring tailored mechanical properties, flexibility, and low temperature performance across demanding sectors. Below, we detail how downstream industries integrate ML 40 EVA, referencing segment requirements, industry-relevant standards, precise formulation ratios, and the characteristic manufacturing workflows leading to finished goods.

1. Foamed Footwear Soles Production

Footwear manufacturers leverage ML 40 EVA for its high elasticity and compression set resistance when molding lightweight, shock-absorbing shoe soles. The material enables precise foam cell control based on required density for sports, leisure, work, or safety footwear, and it aligns with industry expectations for flexibility and durability under continuous use. EVA copolymer is charged to mixing mills or twin-screw extruders—its processability and vinyl acetate content supporting reliable expansion and resilience.

Industry compliance standards

• REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
• ISO 20871:2018 (Footwear — Outsoles — Test methods)
• EN ISO 20345:2011 (Personal protective equipment — Safety footwear)

Typical usage ratio

• 60–85% by weight in foaming compound; formulators adjust according to target sole hardness (Shore A 45–65) and required foam density for sports, leisure, or safety lines.

Downstream process integration

• Added to internal mixers or continuous kneaders; blended with crosslinking agents and blowing agents before molding and expansion in pressurized molds or open foaming processes.

Final product types

• Injection-molded sports shoe soles
• Open-cell or closed-cell sandals and slippers
• Work and safety boot outsoles
• Kids’ foam shoes

2. Hot Melt Adhesive Production for Packaging

ML 40 EVA acts as the critical base resin in pressure-sensitive and conventional hot melt adhesive formulations used by packaging firms for carton sealing, labeling, and laminating multilayer films. Its vinyl acetate level provides balanced adhesion, cohesive strength, and low-temperature flexibility, ensuring box integrity during transport and storage.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives — indirect food contact)
• GMP Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006
• ASTM D3236 (Standard Test Methods for Melting Point of Hot Melt Adhesives)

Typical usage ratio

• 20–40% by weight in total adhesive formulation, with other ingredients such as tackifiers and waxes modulating open time and viscosity dependent on machinery speed and heat profile.

Downstream process integration

• Pellets introduced into jacketed mixers or extruders, blended and homogenized before direct extrusion or drum-filling for end-user slitting and packaging lines.

Final product types

• Case and carton sealing hot melt adhesives
• Flexible package lamination glues
• Pressure-sensitive tapes and labels

3. Photovoltaic Encapsulant Film Manufacturing

Producers of solar module encapsulant films select ML 40 EVA to achieve controlled crosslink density and high optical transparency. Its compound purity supports UV stability and prolonged life of PV panels under wide temperature ranges. The resin is critical for film extrusion, ensuring uniform lamination and strong bonding during solar panel vacuum encapsulation.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215 (Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic modules — Design qualification and type approval)
• UL 1703 (Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels)
• RoHS 2011/65/EU (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

Typical usage ratio

• ML 40 EVA comprises 90–98% of the film layer’s total mass; crosslinker and UV additive levels adjusted for cell architecture, typical thickness 0.45–0.55 mm.

Downstream process integration

• Direct pellet-to-film extrusion using twin-screw or cast film lines, followed by in-line lamination and crosslinking during vacuum encapsulation between glass and cell backsheet.

Final product types

• Photovoltaic encapsulant sheets for crystalline silicon modules
• Double-glass PV module protective interface

4. Wire and Cable Insulation Compounds

In the cable industry, ML 40 EVA forms the flexible insulation or sheathing in low and medium-voltage wire products, delivering dielectric strength, flame resistance, and oil flexibility. This copolymer’s high acetate content enables efficient blending with inorganic flame retardants, yielding a pliable yet robust insulation layer compatible with diverse electrical and telecom standards.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60227 (Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V)
• UL 83 (Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables)
• CPR Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (Construction Products Regulation for cable fire performance)

Typical usage ratio

• 35–60% by weight in total insulation compound; higher loads (up to 70%) used when maximum flexibility and insulation thickness (1.0–3.0 mm) needed.

Downstream process integration

• Resin loaded with fillers, antioxidants, and flame retardants in Banbury or co-kneader mixers, then pelletized for feed into cable extrusion lines where EVA forms the outer insulation jacket or filler layer.

Final product types

• Flexible indoor electrical wires
• Low-voltage appliance cable insulation
• Data and telecommunication cable sheaths

5. Sealing and Gasket Sheet Manufacturing

ML 40 EVA integrates into compression or injection processes for manufacturing soft, chemically resistant gaskets and sealing sheets, especially for automotive, HVAC, and white goods industries. Its elasticity allows for high compression recovery while complying with dynamic sealing and thermal cycling requirements.

Industry compliance standards

• ASTM F104 (Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials)
• ISO 6446 (Gaskets — Non-metallic flat gaskets — Properties and identification)
• RoHS 2011/65/EU

Typical usage ratio

• 45–75% of overall sheet formulation, adjusted by service conditions and shore hardness target (Shore A 30–60); blended with process oils or fillers as required by compressibility.

Downstream process integration

• Integrated via open mill mixing and calendaring, then compression or injection molded into flat gaskets or custom sealing profiles; crosslinkers introduced where heat resistance and durability are prioritized.

Final product types

• Automotive engine gaskets
• HVAC system sealing strips
• Household appliance door gaskets