EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) foam might seem interchangeable at first glance – both are go-to materials for manufacturing everything from packaging to sports gear. But there are key differences that define them.
To help you pick the perfect match for your project, we’ll be tackling three big questions in this guide:
- What is PVC foam?
- What is EVA foam?
- How to choose EVA vs. PVC for your fabrication project
By the end of this guide, you’ll know which foam – EVA or PVC – solves your project’s unique requirements.
Talk to an EVA & PPC Foam Expert
What Is PVC Foam?
PVC is one of the world’s most popular plastics. One of its many derivatives is PVC foam board. (A “foam” is simply a material with small bubbles introduced into its structure.)
It is a closed-cell, lightweight material valued for its balance of durability and versatility. Some of its key characteristics include:
- Easier to handle than solid PVC, reducing labor during installation
- Retains structural integrity under stress for decades
- Performs consistently in humid or chemically exposed environments
- Self-extinguishing properties meet safety standards
Some of the most popular applications for PVC foam fabrication include:
- Indoor & outdoor signage
- Point of purchase (POP) displays
- Freestanding cutouts
- Dimensional lettering
- As a substrate for printing, lamination, etc.
- As a core material in watercraft and even some aircraft
- As a material for prototypes or mockups
At Polymershapes, we offer a variety of PVC foam fabrication services. This material is especially popular for exhibitions and retail displays, but we get orders for many other types of applications as well. Whether you need PVC or EVA material for your project, our experts are here to help you identify the ideal material and fabrication process for your product applications.
Benefits of PVC Foam
Besides its versatility, PVC foam offers several other benefits, including:
- Highly workable; easy to cut, bond, and fasten
- Able to be thermoformed
- Naturally has a matte finish but can be made with any finish desired
- Strongly resistant to organic solvents
Marine Industry Origins
Just like EVA foam material, PVC foam is highly resistant to water, wind, salt, temperature, and sunlight. This makes it highly suitable for outdoor use, particularly in marine applications.
In fact, PVC foam owes its origins to the sea. PVC was used to great effect in marine tools and equipment during World War II. After the war, the private sector deemed PVC too heavy. However, since the other properties of PVC are so well-suited to marine applications, researchers set about developing a lightweight version, eventually resulting in the invention of PVC foam board. What is PVC foam if not a testament to market innovation!
What Is EVA Foam?
EVA offers a compelling alternative when PVC doesn’t align with your project’s demands. Made by blending ethylene and vinyl acetate, this closed-cell foam balances rubber-like flexibility with shock absorption – all while resisting moisture, chemicals, and wear. It can range from rigid to supple and is one of several materials sometimes known as “foam rubber.”
Depending on how much vinyl acetate is added during production, it can feel as pliable as a rubber sole or as sturdy as a tool handle. You can also add ingredients to boost its resistance to sunlight, flames, or specific chemicals, tailoring it to environments like outdoor signage or industrial workshops.
EVA foam isn’t usually considered a direct alternative to PVC foam. Like PVC, EVA is very impressive in its versatility, but what is EVA material best used for? Here are just a few of its applications:
- Bicycle seats
- Exercise mats
- Fishing rods
- Running shoe midsoles
- Cosplay components like belts and swords
- Shock absorption padding
Benefits of EVA Foam
Some of the main benefits of EVA material include:
- Holds up under extreme cold without cracking
- Resists water, UV damage, and temperature swings
- Recovers its shape after compression, lasting years
- Soft, latex-free, and safe for skin contact
- Dampens vibrations and shocks effectively
- Regulates temperature in hot or cold environments
EVA foam handles subzero conditions without cracking, making it a reliable choice for cold environments like refrigeration units or winter sports gear. Its dense structure blocks moisture, UV rays, and temperature swings, so it performs consistently outdoors.
The foam’s ability to rebound after compression ensures long-term usability. Gym flooring, packaging inserts, or industrial gaskets retain their shape even under repeated stress. This resilience pairs with a soft, latex-free texture, ideal for medical splints, shoe insoles, or any application where skin contact matters.
Let Polymershapes Help You Find the Right Material for Your Project
Polymershapes simplifies material selection for projects involving EVA foam, PVC foam, and other industrial plastics. Instead of going through endless options alone, discuss your needs with our team – we’ll match your design goals, budget, and timeline to the right material and fabrication method.
We have 70+ years of experience as a plastic fabrication company delivering products that meet our customers’ needs, and we have the facilities to manufacture a wide variety of plastic products at competitive prices and with a fast turnaround.
To learn more about our plastic fabrication services right here in the Los Angeles area, contact us for a consultation. We’ll take your vision and project specifications and help you find the perfect solution. Request a quote for EVA material today.
