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When you have EVA foam on your hands, you may start to think whether it’s recyclable. The Earth is running out of resources, and we need to be responsible consumers.
Pollution, toxic chemicals, and greenhouse gasses are becoming too prominent in our society. That’s why people are encouraged to recycle as much as possible. Now EVA foam is a popular material among consumers.
It’s a material with attractive qualities such as versatility, softness, resilience, and light weight. For that reason, it’s used in a variety of applications and items such as floor mats, cosplay costumes and much more. So, let’s take a look at some of the facts about EVA foam recycling.
What material is EVA foam made of?
EVA is a durable substance which is made from the reaction of ethylene and vinyl acetate. Polymerization is the process where many molecules fuse together to form a united mass. Since EVA is made from two different materials it contains acetate groups with an ethylene backbone.
Ethylene is a component of natural gas. It’s also used in the production of polyethylene which is a plastic material you’ll find in your recycling bin. EVA foam gets its unique qualities because of the chemical reaction which results from the combination of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The result is basically a semi-rigid, three-dimensional polymer. It’s semi-rigid because when the EVA is heated, it becomes pliable. It can be molded into many shapes and colors, but it will retain its unique qualities after it cools.
Is EVA foam recyclable?
Your favorite house slippers, shoes and other items made out of EVA foam are recyclable. That’s because the material is not just used for making footwear. It is also employed in car tires, carpet padding, upholstery and children’s toys. Since these materials are fairly soft, they can be easily recycled. It takes a special machine to recycle the components of EVA foam based products however. Depending on the type of product and waste stream, a certain machine will have to be used.
There is no doubt that EVA foam can be recycled. However, the recycling process for this material is difficult and costly. Mechanical recycling is required to recycle EVA foam. In this process, the material needs to be ground up and then broken into small particles which results in a powder-like substance. This material can then be used in producing other EVA foam items or new products entirely. That said, only a handful of recycling facilities actually accept EVA foam for recycling. Most recyclers don’t have the equipment or capability to process this material. So, if this is a material you’ve come across, it may be best not to throw it in the recycling bin. It’ll more likely find its way into a landfill somewhere.
If you wish to recycle EVA foam, your best bet is to locate an EVA recycling facility near you. Search the internet for EVA recycling facilities in your area. You can also contact an EVA foam manufacturer to see if they can provide you with a recycling service. In case the mentioned options don’t work in your favor, try contacting local authorities. They’ll offer some information and details about where the EVA foam can be properly disposed of or recycled.
Does EVA foam go in the recycle bin?
As you’re well aware, not everything that can be recycled goes into the recycle bin. Local laws will apply in each area. If a material is not readily recyclable, don’t expect it to find its way into the recycle bin. In this case, you can contact your local authorities to see if the material can be properly disposed of. It’s not a good idea to put EVA foam in the recycle bin. The material will either be incinerated or sent to a landfill.
Instead, find a specialized recycling center for EVA foam. A local EVA foam manufacturer may be able to provide you with EVA foam recycling options. This is if they produce EVA foam locally and if they recycle in their production facilities. In case you can’t find a local service provider, search the internet for EVA foam recycling facilities in your area. Don’t forget to contact local authorities before dumping this material in a landfill or an incineration facility. This will help keep our environment safe and clean while recycling responsibly.
Final Thoughts
EVA foam is a popular material used today. It’s durable, flexible and versatile. Since it has so many qualities, you can find it employed in many products and items. You can also find it employed in making footwear such as slippers, car tires, helmets and more. So, if you’ve come across EVA foam before, don’t forget to recycle this material responsibly. Only a handful of recycling facilities accept EVA foam for recycling and they do so on a limited basis. But, if you wish to recycle EVA foam, contact an EVA foam manufacturer to see if they can provide you with a recycling service.
FAQs
Is EVA material biodegradable?
EVA material is not biodegradable. In fact, the material is virtually resistant to biodegradation. This is because it contains different toxic additives and materials to produce a semi-rigid polymer. The process of polymerization fuses several molecules together which changes its chemical structure. The end result is a strong, tough substance which is not easily broken down or decomposed by microorganisms.
Is EVA foam bad for the environment?
EVA foam is not really bad for the environment. The material does in fact help our planet by reducing CO2 emissions, water pollution and landfill usage. This is because it can actually be recycled and repurposed into different products. This is unlike other materials which are usually thrown in the landfill and incinerated.
