Ethylene Copolymers & Elastomers
EVA, EBA, EAA, EMA, POE, POP, TPO — flexible, adhesive, and modification polymers available as spot lots.
What are ethylene copolymers?
Ethylene copolymers are thermoplastic materials produced by copolymerising ethylene with one or more comonomers — such as vinyl acetate (EVA), butylacrylate (EBA), acrylic acid (EAA), or methylacrylate (EMA). The comonomer type and content determine the material's flexibility, adhesion, transparency, and processing behaviour. These polymers bridge the gap between rigid polyolefins and soft elastomers, making them essential for films, adhesives, cable compounds, impact modification, and packaging.
NSB Polymers trades ethylene copolymers in Prime, Near-Prime, Wide-Spec, Off-Grade and Stocklot qualities — sourced from global producers and available as spot lots from 10 tons.
Ethylene copolymer types at a glance
| Material | Full name | Key properties | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVA | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | Flexible, transparent, good adhesion | Films, shoe soles, hot melt adhesives, solar films |
| EBA | Ethylene Butyl Acrylate | Flexible, good cold resistance | Cable compounds, impact modification, films |
| EAA | Ethylene Acrylic Acid | Excellent adhesion to polar surfaces | Extrusion coating, aluminium composites, tie layers |
| EMA | Ethylene Methyl Acrylate | Good flexibility, impact resistance | Films, cable compounds, modifiers |
| POE | Polyolefin Elastomer | High elasticity, PE/PP compatible | Impact modification, compounds, automotive |
| POP | Polyolefin Plastomer | Transparent, flexible, good sealing | Flexible films, packaging, sealing |
| TPO | Thermoplastic Polyolefin | Impact-resistant, flexible | Bumpers, panels, roofing membranes |
How to choose the right ethylene copolymer
The comonomer determines the application:
Need adhesion to metal or paper? → EAA (acrylic acid groups bond to polar surfaces — ideal for extrusion coating and lamination)
Need flexibility and softness? → EVA (VA content controls softness: 9% = stiff film, 28% = soft, 40%+ = rubber-like) or EBA (better cold flexibility than EVA)
Need impact modification for PP or PE compounds? → POE (metallocene-catalysed, excellent low-temperature toughness) or EMA
Need hot-melt adhesive base? → EVA (low VA) or APAO
Need cable compound flexibility? → EBA or EMA (good dielectric properties, flexible at low temperatures)
Applications by industry
- Packaging & film — EVA for stretch/shrink, EAA for coating, POP for sealant layers
- Cable & wire — EBA, EMA for insulation and jacketing compounds
- Footwear — EVA foam for midsoles and insoles
- Automotive — TPO for bumpers and panels, POE for impact modification
- Solar — EVA encapsulant films
- Adhesives — EVA and EAA as hot-melt bases
- Compounding — POE, EMA, EBA as impact modifiers in PP and PA systems
How NSB supplies ethylene copolymers
We trade all eight ethylene copolymer types in spot lots from 10 tons — Prime through Off-Grade. Available lots change weekly. Typical producers in our sourcing network include global resin manufacturers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Request ethylene copolymers
Tell us which type and quantity — we match the right lot.