What are the differences between EVA film and PVC film? Learn from performance to application in one article
From a material perspective, the core components of the two films differ fundamentally. EVA film's primary raw material is ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, an environmentally friendly polymer formed by the polymerization of ethylene and vinyl acetate. PVC film, on the other hand, is primarily composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). During production, additives such as plasticizers and stabilizers are often added, some of which may contain certain chemicals.
In terms of performance, the difference between the two films is more obvious. EVA film exhibits excellent flexibility, resists hardening and brittleness even at low temperatures, and is impact-resistant and resistant to cracking. It also offers good light transmittance, thermal insulation, and excellent chemical resistance, including strong tolerance to oils, fats, acids, and bases. In contrast, PVC film's flexibility is significantly affected by temperature, becoming brittle at low temperatures and softening at high temperatures. While it offers high light transmittance, it can yellow over time, affecting its light transmission. Furthermore, standard PVC film exhibits relatively poor aging resistance, prone to cracking and degradation after exposure to sunlight or prolonged use.
Different application scenarios also highlight the differences between the two. EVA film is widely used in food packaging due to its environmental friendliness and excellent flexibility. For example, transparent packaging for candies and pastries ensures food freshness while meeting food safety standards. In agriculture, EVA film is often used as greenhouse film, providing a suitable environment for crop growth thanks to its thermal insulation and weather resistance. It is also a preferred choice for safety-critical applications such as medical packaging and children's toy packaging.
PVC film is more common in cost-sensitive applications with relatively low environmental requirements. For example, in general daily necessities packaging, raincoats, and handbags, PVC film has a certain market share due to its low production cost. In the industrial sector, PVC film can be used for protective packaging of some non-food products. However, with increasing environmental protection requirements, environmentally friendly plasticizer-free PVC film is gradually developing, expanding its application range.
In general, EVA film and PVC film each have their own unique characteristics in terms of material, performance, and application. When choosing, you need to consider factors such as specific usage scenarios, environmental requirements, performance requirements, etc. to select the most suitable material.
