Renowned for its durability and versatility, EVA foam finds extensive application in various everyday products. From the resilient soles of your cross-trainers to the comfort of your flip-flops, EVA foam is a key component. Its presence extends beyond footwear, making appearances in home floor mat, baby play mats, adhesives, packaging, medical equipment, plastics, and even solar panels. The adaptability of EVA foam across diverse industries underscores its importance as a multifaceted material, contributing to the comfort, functionality, and innovation in a wide array of commonly used items.
IS EVA FOAM BIODEGEADABLE?
EVA foam, while pervasive in our daily lives, is not inherently biodegradable. In comparison to environmentally harmful synthetic plastics like PVC, EVA foam is a more preferable option. Nonetheless, its traditional composition doesn't lend itself to easy biodegradation. Only specific substances within EVA foam have the potential to break down naturally, albeit at a notably slow rate. As we navigate sustainable material choices, understanding the decomposition characteristics of widely used materials like EVA foam becomes crucial for promoting eco-friendly alternatives in various industries.
WHAT IS EVA?
EVA, an acronym for Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer, is primarily composed of the following components:
Ethylene is a colorless and flammable organic compound categorized as an alkene in chemistry. As a type of hydrocarbon, alkene features a double bond in its molecular structure, serving as a crucial building block for polymers. Ethylene is not only found in petroleum sources like natural gas and natural gas liquids but also occurs naturally as a hormone in plants and fruits. Its versatile presence underscores its significance in both industrial processes and the biological realm
Vinyl Acetate: A highly volatile and flammable substance, vinyl acetate is an industrial chemical with extensive applications. This clear liquid emits a sweet or fruity odor. Structurally akin to ethylene but featuring additional grafting, vinyl acetate has the capacity to bond together, forming extensive chains of molecules referred to as polymers. This polymerization process contributes to the creation of diverse materials, showcasing the versatility of vinyl acetate in the development of a wide range of products across various industries
The combination of ethylene and vinyl acetate results in EVA, a soft material exhibiting a substantial degree of elasticity. EVA can be effectively blended with resilient, rubbery plastics as modifiers. As a standalone material, EVA proves to be excellent, boasting a myriad of applications while minimizing health and environmental concerns. In fact, it is often considered a safer alternative to detrimental plastics such as PVC, emphasizing its positive impact on both safety and environmental considerations.
WHAT IS EVA FOAM?
In its foam form, EVA can be combined with a diverse array of materials, including rubber, neoprene, and fiberglass. This versatility makes it a highly desirable material, attributed to its promising characteristics:
- Shock and vibration absorption
- Liquid resistance
- Weather-resistant
- Chemical resistant
- Buoyancy
The applications of EVA foam are so extensive that attempting to compile a comprehensive list is a challenging task. Its versatility is evident in its presence in diverse areas, serving as padding in sporting equipment, contributing to electrical appliances, being essential in book-binding, and even playing a role in the production of plastic wraps. EVA foam is omnipresent in our daily lives. Moreover, its applications extend into various commercial and industrial realms, further underlining its adaptability and versatility as a material that serves crucial roles across multiple sectors.
- Floor mats/Kid Play Mats
- Athletics
- Automobile manufacturers
- Construction
- Electronics
- Footwear
- Healthcare-Leisure and recreation
DOES EVA FOAM BIODEGRADE?
Adding complexity to the popularity and prevalent use of EVA foam is its non-traditional biodegradability. To delve into the reasons behind this, let's first have a brief overview of what "biodegradable" entails.
A biodegradable material undergoes a natural breakdown process by biological decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms, returning to its original state. After decomposition, these materials integrate back into the earth as soil, enriching it to support plant growth. Examples of biodegradable materials include:
- Human waste
- Paper products
- Plant waste
Raw forms of materials like EVA foam can pose significant environmental risks. When these materials lack biodegradability, they contribute to land and water pollution. Even with alternative treatments like incineration (burning with air) and pyrolysis (burning without air), there remains a potential for indirect pollution of the air and soil. Addressing the environmental impact of such materials becomes crucial for sustainable practices and minimizing ecological harm.
ARE THERE BIODEGRADABLE ALTERNATIVES TO CONVENTIONAL EVA FOAM?
While the environmental impacts of EVA foam raise concerns, there are alternatives available to mitigate its detrimental effects. One notable option is opting for products made from Sustainable EVA, representing a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional EVA foam.
KOMAT is actively working towards enhancing the sustainability of EVA foam by altering its manufacturing processes. The incorporation of foam made from recycled plastics represents a significant step in reducing the environmental footprint of EVA and mitigating the impact of plastic waste. This commitment to sustainable practices aligns with the broader goal of fostering eco-friendly alternatives within the industry.
Our Research and Development team is exploring various approaches to minimize the environmental impact of EVA foam. These efforts go beyond utilizing recycled plastics and encompass a range of innovative strategies aimed at making EVA foam more environmentally friendly. By consistently exploring new possibilities and sustainable practices, we are dedicated to contributing to the reduction of environmental harm associated with EVA foam
As previously mentioned, there are sustainable alternatives to traditional EVA foam, such as EVA-based foams that undergo slight composition alterations. These eco-friendly variations are biodegradable, contributing to a more environmentally conscious choice. The manufacturing process for these foams differs slightly from that of conventional EVA, primarily due to:
Utilizing an EVA-based foamable composition, there are EVA-based foam materials available that undergo biodegradation. These materials consist of EVA resins, foaming agents, lubricants, and other components. Crucially, these alternative EVAs incorporate plant-based ingredients, fostering biodegradability and aligning with more sustainable practices.
The biodegradable EVA foaming process plays a crucial role in crafting environmentally friendly products. In the production of less environmentally harmful EVA items, a high-heat, high-pressure mold and press are employed. This process results in the creation of a biodegradable EVA-based foam, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-conscious product.
In addition to its eco-friendly advantages over traditional EVA foam, biodegradable EVA-based foam retains virtually all the benefits of regular EVA. It has demonstrated comparable shock absorption, water resistance, and insulation properties. This makes it a sustainable alternative without compromising on the desirable characteristics that make EVA foam widely utilized.
GO SUSTAINABLE WITH KOMAT TECH TAIWAN - BEST TAIWAN FOAM FLOOR MAT MANUFACTURER
As seasoned professionals in the EVA Foam Mat industry for decades, our team of in-house scientists and designers has been at the forefront of innovation. Since 2015, we have pioneered hot-trend designer puzzle play mats, and our commitment to improvement is unwavering. These aesthetically pleasing and functional play mats undergo continuous enhancements. Our focus is on ensuring they are not only safe for kids and beneficial for you but also contribute positively to the environment. Your well-being, the safety of your children, and environmental sustainability remain our top priorities.
Traditionally, it takes over hundred years for plastics to be broken down to small molecules from its high molecular weight structure in natural environment. With Komat’s expertise in material development, indeed, we lead the efforts make plastic more eco-friendly. The plastics is composed of hydrocarbons, which can be energy sources for bacteria and micro-organisms.
With proper addition of specific organic molecules (non-toxic) in plastics, it modifies hydrophilicity of plastic and create suitable conditions, the plastic attracts plastic-eating bacteria and microbes from natural environment to digest plastics once plastic is disposed to landfills; therefore, leading to much rapid rate of plastic depolymerization.
We have produced foams with enhanced bio-degradability that have been tested by a 3rd party lab. The testing result shows indication of anaerobic degradability of produced foam in high temperature, high moisture anaerobic soil condition, which is mimic to landfill environment.
At Komat, we are simplifying the path to sustainability with our popular designer mats. We prioritize comfort, safety, and style while reducing reliance on raw EVA foam. Our commitment extends to utilizing 100% recycled materials, incorporating a sustainable version of EVA foam, and integrating plant-based materials. This approach ensures that our floor mats not only meet the highest standards of comfort and safety but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. We are dedicated to providing you with a stylish and eco-conscious choice for your living spaces.
In sustainable EVA foam play mats from Komat, the foam degrades in years, not centuries. This signifies that, in choosing your play mat or floor mat, you don't need to compromise on quality or comfort to contribute to the well-being of the planet. With Komat, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – a high-quality, comfortable play mat that aligns with your eco-friendly values. If you're seeking a sustainable EVA foam play mat manufacturer or supplier committed to quality, innovative designs, and eco-friendly brand development, start a business partnership with us today.
BIO EVA FOAM PUZZLE PLAY MAT FUNCTION
Komat has offered on our product multi-application, our non-toxic Bio EVA foam mat products can be applied to a number of areas ranging from interior decoration, baby & family protection, gymnastics, to various industrial usage. Our products not only achieve safety concerns, but also make your life more comfortable and aesthetically appealing.
BIO EVA FOAM PUZZLE PLAY MAT CUSTOM DESIGN DIVERSITY
Prior to our product designs there were limitations in creative patterns and colors for consumers’ choice. We are able to tailor many print graphics and new color trends which might apply to your niche product needs.
BIO EVA FOAM PUZZLE PLAY MAT CUSTOM DIMENSION AND SIZE
Komat offers a standard dimension of 6 tiles which each include edging bonders for making them look like a real rug in your home, we can also enlarge sizing to meet your special needs. Additionally, we provide plenty of options for tile shape, gear, and even the customization in mat dimension and thickness.
